BSI PD R217-016:2000

The purpose of this European Prestandard is to model electric component data and to define an interchange format for that data (Electronic Data Book -EDB- standard) which is independent of the component supplier or the customers CAD environment.

The Pinnacles Component Information Standard (PCIS) is being developed to serve as a basis for the interchange of technical information about electronic components and to enable electronic component manufacturers to create and distribute a new form of compiled information, Electronic Data Books (EDBs), by electronic component manufacturers. An established, documented interchange standard is a necessary precursor for both of these tasks.

The PCIS principles and methodology may be applied to any kind of electric component, such as semiconductor devices, passive components, display components etc.

An interchange standard will enable companies to provide reusable technical data to customers and vendors. Currently, customers and vendors must rekey this data into their systems. Such rekeying is often an extremely inefficient, inaccurate, time-consuming, and costly process. The interchange standard will define ways to identify information elements so that customers and vendors can receive, process, and extract only the information they need.

In addition, manufacturers themselves will be able to identify, organize, and offer more useful information to customers through the implementation of Electronic Data Books. An EDB is a comprehensive set of information about one or more electronic components, including active and passive components, materials, and connectors. As the PCIS defines an EDB, it could include both the textual and graphic information currently published in databooks and datasheets and other computer-sensible data types such as CAD files, behavioral and functional models, and audio and video recordings. In short, an EDB could include all the data that a company wishes to provide to facilitate the design-in and support of an electronic component.

EDBs will increase the quality of product information by improving its accuracy, accessibility, and timeliness, as well as by enabling CAD integration. Such improvements will help customers realize benefits in product identification and selection, reduce design-in and qualification cycle-times, and improve product life-cycle management, among other benefits.