Datasheet Definition

A datasheet is a document summarizing the performance and other characteristics of a component (e.g. an electronic component), a sub-system (e.g. a power supply) or software in sufficient detail to be used by a design engineer to design the component into a system. Typically a datasheet is created by system manufacturer and begins with an introductory page describing the rest of the document, followed by listings of specific components, with further information on the connectivity of the devices. In cases where there is relevant source code to include, it is usually attached near the end of the document or separated into another file.
Typical datasheet information
A typical datasheet for an electronic component contains most of the following information:
• manufacturer's name
• product number and name
• a list of available package formats (with images) and ordering codes
• notable device properties
• a short functional description
• pin connection diagram
• absolute minimum, maximum ratings (supply voltage, power consumption, input currents, temperatures for storage, operating, soldering, etc)
• recommended operating conditions (as absolute minimum, maximum ratings)
• a table of DC specifications (various temperatures, supply voltages, input currents etc)
• a table of AC specifications (various temperatures, supply voltages, frequencies etc)
• an input/output wave shape diagram
• physical device diagram showing minimum/typical/maximum physical dimensions, including contact locations and sizes
• test circuit
• ordering codes for differing packages and performance criteria
• liability disclaimer regarding device use in high risk environments such as nuclear power stations and life-critical systems
• application recommendations, such as required filter capacitors, circuit board layout, etc.
• Date and Revision Code at the end of the pages
• Errata Datasheet (Some manufactures use errata-datasheet before write a revision)
The datasheet sometimes contains circuit diagrams of typical use, however this information is often placed in a separate application note, with a high level of detail.
Historically, datasheets were typically available in a databook containing many data sheets, usually grouped by manufacturer or general type. Today, they are also available from the Internet in table form or downloadable PDF format.
Application notes
An application note is a document that gives more specific details on using a component in a specific application, or relating to a particular process, e.g. the physical assembly of a product containing the component. Application notes are especially useful for giving guidance on more unusual uses of a particular component, which would be irrelevant to many readers of the more widely read datasheet.
Application notes can either be appended to a datasheet, or presented as a separate document.
Typical details in PC datasheet
Following are details commonly listed on personal computer datasheets:
• Expansion bays
o 5.25 inch bays
o 3.5 inch bays
• Mainboard
o CPU socket
 Front side bus (FSB)
 Back side bus (BSB)
o Chipset
 North bridge
 South bridge
o Fans and temperature monitoring
o BIOS
o Form factor
• Graphics card
o AGP type
o Memory
• Audio card