Datasheet Parsing
If a component is not in the library, or if the library entry is missing important RF specs, you can upload its datasheet PDF and have SigChain extract parameters for you to review before applying them to a block.
How to open the parser
- Click Parts in the top toolbar to open the component selection view
- Select a block from the chain — its details appear in the left panel
- In the Datasheet section, drop a PDF onto the upload area or click to browse
- Click Parse with AI
The parser opens as a full-screen view and automatically selects an extraction profile based on the block's role (e.g., LNA, mixer, attenuator). You can change the profile manually if needed.
What happens during parsing
After you upload a PDF, parsing runs automatically in three visible stages shown in the progress bar:
| Stage | What it does |
|---|---|
| Extract PDF | Prepares the PDF for AI extraction |
| Extract Parameters | Extracts RF parameters using the selected component profile |
| Validate Results | Checks that the extracted result matches SigChain's parser schema |
Parsing typically takes 15–60 seconds depending on PDF length and complexity.
Understanding the results
When parsing completes, a results table shows the parameters SigChain found and the normalized values that can be applied to the selected block.
- Extracted value — the original value and unit from the datasheet when available
- Apply value — the canonical value SigChain will write to the block
- Evidence — page, table, or text context when the parser found it
- Selection controls — checkboxes, value choices, or point selectors depending on the extracted data
Review controls
Different datasheet formats produce different review controls: you can check, uncheck, and edit simple values before applying. Ranges, min/typ/max tables, and curve data are shown as selectable options so you can choose the frequency point, band, or value that matches your design.
Units are normalized automatically. For example, a frequency listed as 2.4 GHz is stored as 2400 MHz. For passive losses such as insertion loss or attenuation, SigChain stores the value using the block gain convention, so loss is represented as negative gain.
Always review the table before applying. Unchecked rows are not written as new values; old datasheet-sourced values for the block may still be removed during apply so stale parser data does not remain.
Supported component types
The parser has a dedicated extraction profile for each major component category:
| Component type | What it extracts |
|---|---|
| LNA / Amplifier / PA / Driver / VGA / Buffer | Gain, noise figure, P1dB, OIP3, frequency range, impedance, supply |
| Mixer | RF/IF/LO frequency ranges, conversion loss, P1dB, IIP3, LO drive level |
| Attenuator / DSA | Attenuation (stored as negative gain), impedance, frequency range |
| Bandpass filter | Passband range, center frequency, insertion loss, stopband rejection |
| Highpass / Lowpass filter | Cutoff frequency, passband range, insertion loss |
| Bandstop filter | Center frequency, stopband bandwidth, rejection, return loss |
| Limiter | Trigger threshold, clamping level, insertion loss |
| Isolator | Insertion loss, return loss, isolation |
| Circulator | Insertion loss, frequency range, impedance |
| Phase shifter | Phase shift (degrees), insertion loss, return loss |
| Splitter | Splitter loss, frequency range, impedance |
| Combiner | Combiner loss, frequency range, impedance |
| Coupler | Insertion loss, frequency range, impedance |
| Switch | Switch insertion loss, frequency range, impedance |
Parameters that cannot be reliably extracted are left blank for manual entry.
Applying parameters
Click Apply Selected to write the checked values to the block. Each applied value is tagged with Datasheet source so you can see later where it came from in the parameter panel's provenance indicator.
Parser apply is replacement-oriented for datasheet values on that block:
- newly selected parser values are written as datasheet-sourced parameters
- old datasheet-sourced values that were not selected are removed
- user-entered values are preserved unless you explicitly choose to replace them
- derived values are recalculated after apply
If a parser value conflicts with a user-entered value, SigChain opens a review step before changing it. You can keep your current value or apply the selected datasheet value.
If a part number is found in the datasheet, you may also be offered the option to link it to the block.
Limitations
- PDF quality: Scanned or image-only PDFs extract less reliably than text-based PDFs.
- Multi-condition specs: Some datasheets list different values for different supply voltages, temperatures, or operating modes. The parser attempts to pick the most general case but may need manual correction.
- Non-standard formatting: Unusual table layouts, merged cells, or non-standard unit abbreviations may cause missed or incorrect extractions.
- Series data: Gain, noise figure, or loss curves with many frequency points require you to select which point or band to use.
- Page limit: Only the first 50 pages of a PDF are parsed.