Datasheets

Data sheets hold all the design information about electrical chips that might be purchased/have in the past. With a specific chip number (the WHOLE thing, including any -CN75B at the end) you can find out the temperature tolerance, pins, voltage levels, functional diagrams, testing circuits, application circuits, noise and frequency response, and anything else you might foreseeably need to know about the chip.

=Data sheet info; where to find it?=
 * power requirements - check the big table
 * logical operation (truth tables are where this will be found, and then reference it back to the pin diagram)
 * pin diagram - usually near the first few pages, displays pins numbered; note N.C = not used/connected; and the pin number determines where it is on the chip layout, not the position on the diagram. (pin 1 is on the top left, top is the end with the indent; for TO-220 packages, be careful when reading pins as it's easy to flip left to right; if there isnt an isometric diagram look for the line across the chip to match the indent on the physical chip)
 * voltage levels (max and min) are at the top of the big table
 * Power dissipation (cooling, degree C/W) information and operating temperatures can be found in the big table
 * This information is CRITICAL to ensure components are properly heat-sinked and that we don't plan outdoor land (-10 in the winter) with them
 * Noise levels and tolerances in the signals

=How to use them efficiently=
 * 1) Get them off digikey. You can pre-select your components for things like "through-hole" (which is what we do, not surface mount) and number of circuits included on the chip. And you know you can order the parts quickly.
 * 2) Once you find something that fits, skip the big tables at the top until you know that the logical design is how you want it.
 * 3) Check the table at the top for voltage levels, temperatures, power consumption, and current levels
 * 4) If it's something you want, you can start an order list on Digikey. They don't expire (as far as I know), you can add and subtract items and change quantities. To save your order for later, record the Web ID and the Access ID; click "view order status" later to get back to the same order and keep adding to it.