Component Search

Find and add components and reusable subcircuits to a Zener project. Use this workflow any time you need a part or subcircuit that isn't already in the workspace or covered by stdlib generics.

Hard Stop Before Manual Creation

If pcb search and pcb new component don't produce a usable part, don't fall back to manual component/symbol/footprint creation. Report what failed, offer manual creation as an option, and get explicit user confirmation. In interactive mode, prefer ask.

Search Priority

Always search in this order. Move down only when the higher tier doesn't have what fits.

1. pcb search -m registry:modules <query> -f json — Reusable subcircuits and composed modules. Best option when the design work is already done.
2. pcb search -m registry:components <query> -f json — Component packages in the registry. These may range from generated signatures to richer packages with integrated application circuitry.
3. pcb search -m web:components <MPN> -f json — Diode's web component database (CSE, LCSC sources). Fallback: returns a component_id that must be imported with pcb new component.

If the user asks for a specific MPN, still try registry first before falling back to web.

Search Tips