How it works
Find possible alternatives, compare the evidence, and follow product links to your distributor.
From part number to comparison
- Search a part or upload a BOM. Enter an exact manufacturer part number, or upload a CSV, XLSX or XLS and check its column mapping.
- Compare the candidates. Read the specifications, differences, source links, and checks still needed for your circuit.
- Check the distributor. Open Mouser, DigiKey, or LCSC for ordering details. Export your BOM review when you’re ready.
What the labels mean
Drop-in candidate The listed specifications match within the stated scope. Confirm footprint and circuit requirements before use.
Needs engineering review A possible alternative with differences or missing checks. An engineer must confirm whether it suits your design.
The original researched comparisons are saved, AI-assisted catalog entries. New on-demand results are labeled automated specification screens. Neither is approval from a human engineer.
Discover once, reuse the assessment
Search first checks saved catalog results. If no record is found, it automatically checks connected sources; we ask for a manufacturer only when we cannot select a source to check. The connected source currently covers Würth WCAP-CSGP general-purpose MLCCs and available catalog counterparts. When DigiKey is connected, searches use its Product Information API to find candidates across manufacturers. An unconnected or failed distributor search is labelled in the results.
We first check for a current saved result. Otherwise, we compare available nominal specifications, record differences and missing evidence, and save the result for that original-to-candidate direction. The reverse direction is assessed separately. A potential candidate still needs full datasheet and circuit review.
Source snapshots and results expire after seven days, and changed source data or assessment rules invalidate cached results. “Recheck sources” requests a fresh source check. This is not continuous monitoring. AI generation is not connected; automatic screens do not produce confidence percentages or drop-in approvals.
Capacitor matching
We first match capacitance, package, dielectric, voltage, tolerance and operating temperature range. If there are zero matches, we allow higher voltage ratings, tighter tolerance or a wider temperature range. Capacitance, package and dielectric stay unchanged. Near matches are labelled and differences remain visible in the table.
With DigiKey connected, the stock filter uses timestamped API inventory. Otherwise it uses dated distributor evidence. Other specifications, dimensions and circuit suitability still need review.
A little more detail
Where do the specifications come from?
Each comparison links to manufacturer information or distributor specifications and shows a review date. “Not established” means a characteristic has not been confirmed. Check current datasheets before substituting a part.
These are comparisons, not lab-tested replacements. Depending on the component, check PCB fit, pinout, voltage and current limits, temperature, thermal behavior, and performance in your circuit.
What if my part has no alternative?
The pilot has 95 component records and 91 directional comparisons. Coverage is limited. On-demand discovery extends beyond those saved records where a source is connected. Missing source coverage remains unresolved; a catalog entry does not guarantee an alternative.
What happens to my BOM?
Your file is processed in your browser and is not uploaded or stored by this app. Export adds review columns while preserving your original parts and quantities. Nothing is automatically replaced. Reloading or closing the page clears the review.
Supplier codes supplied in your BOM still need identity and compatibility checks. Read the privacy details before following external links.
Are product links, prices, and stock live?
“View on” opens a verified product page. “Search” opens a distributor search when an exact listing has not been verified. The optional Mouser sourcing panel shows whether live lookup is connected. When available, “Check Mouser” fetches stock and price for one selected manufacturer and MPN and shows a check time. These results do not update automatically or add engineering comparisons. Confirm final price, stock, and ordering options at the distributor.
Do ads or affiliate links affect the results?
Current banners are labeled previews; no paid ads or affiliate tracking are active. Future paid placements will be disclosed and will not influence technical comparisons.