| name | bom-generator |
| description | Generates Bill of Materials (BOM) from project descriptions for Arduino/ESP32/RP2040 projects. Use when user needs component lists, parts shopping lists, cost estimates, or asks "what parts do I need". Outputs formatted BOMs with part numbers, quantities, suppliers (DigiKey, Mouser, Amazon, AliExpress), and compatibility warnings. Run scripts/generate_bom.py for xlsx/csv export. |
BOM Generator
Creates comprehensive Bill of Materials for maker projects with supplier links and compatibility checks.
Resources
- scripts/generate_bom.py - Python script for xlsx/csv/markdown BOM generation (requires openpyxl)
- references/example-bom.md - Complete example BOM
- assets/example-project.json - Sample project configuration for script
Quick Start
Generate BOM interactively:
uv run scripts/generate_bom.py --interactive
Generate from JSON configuration:
uv run scripts/generate_bom.py --json assets/example-project.json --output bom.xlsx
List component database:
uv run scripts/generate_bom.py --list
Export formats: xlsx (default), csv, md, json
When to Use
- User describes a project and needs parts list
- User asks "what components do I need for X"
- User wants to order parts for a design
- User needs cost estimates
Workflow
Step 1: Gather Project Requirements
Ask user for:
1. Project description (what does it do?)
2. Target microcontroller (Arduino UNO/Nano/Mega, ESP32, RP2040)
3. Power source (USB, batteries, wall adapter)
4. Quantity (how many units to build?)
5. Budget constraints (optional)
6. Supplier preference (optional)
Step 2: Generate BOM
Run scripts/generate_bom.py --interactive for guided generation, or use this template format:
# Bill of Materials: [Project Name]
**Generated:** [Date]
**Target Board:** [MCU]
**Quantity:** [N] unit(s)
**Estimated Total:** $[X.XX] - $[Y.YY] (per unit)
## Core Components
| Qty | Component | Specifications | Est. Price | Supplier Links |
|-----|-----------|----------------|------------|----------------|
| 1 | [MCU Board] | [specs] | $X.XX | [DigiKey](#) / [Amazon](#) |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
## Sensors & Input
| Qty | Component | Specifications | Est. Price | Supplier Links |
|-----|-----------|----------------|------------|----------------|
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
## Output Devices
| Qty | Component | Specifications | Est. Price | Supplier Links |
|-----|-----------|----------------|------------|----------------|
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
## Power Components
| Qty | Component | Specifications | Est. Price | Supplier Links |
|-----|-----------|----------------|------------|----------------|
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
## Passive Components
| Qty | Component | Specifications | Est. Price | Supplier Links |
|-----|-----------|----------------|------------|----------------|
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
## Mechanical & Connectors
| Qty | Component | Specifications | Est. Price | Supplier Links |
|-----|-----------|----------------|------------|----------------|
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
## Tools Required (if not owned)
- [ ] Tool 1
- [ ] Tool 2
## Compatibility Warnings
⚠️ [Any voltage/current/timing concerns]
## Substitution Notes
💡 [Alternative components if primary unavailable]
Component Database
Microcontrollers
| Board | Voltage | GPIO | Flash | Price Range | Best For |
|---|
| Arduino UNO R3 | 5V | 14 | 32KB | $12-25 | Beginners, most tutorials |
| Arduino Nano | 5V | 14 | 32KB | $3-20 | Compact projects |
| Arduino Mega | 5V | 54 | 256KB | $15-40 | Many I/O, large programs |
| ESP32 DevKit | 3.3V | 34 | 4MB | $5-15 | WiFi, Bluetooth, IoT |
| ESP32-C3 | 3.3V | 22 | 4MB | $4-10 | Low-cost WiFi |
| RP2040 Pico | 3.3V | 26 | 2MB | $4-6 | Dual-core, PIO |
| RP2040 Pico W | 3.3V | 26 | 2MB | $6-8 | Pico + WiFi |
Common Sensors
| Sensor | Interface | Voltage | Price | Use Case |
|---|
| DHT22/AM2302 | 1-Wire | 3.3-5V | $3-8 | Temperature + humidity |
| BME280 | I2C/SPI | 3.3V | $5-15 | Temp + humidity + pressure |
| BMP280 | I2C/SPI | 3.3V | $2-8 | Temp + pressure (no humidity) |
| DS18B20 | 1-Wire | 3-5.5V | $2-5 | Waterproof temperature |
| HC-SR04 | GPIO | 5V | $1-3 | Ultrasonic distance |
| VL53L0X | I2C | 3.3V | $5-12 | Laser distance (accurate) |
| MPU6050 | I2C | 3.3V | $2-8 | Accelerometer + gyroscope |
| BNO055 | I2C | 3.3V | $25-35 | 9-DOF IMU (best accuracy) |
| VEML7700 | I2C | 3.3V | $4-8 | Ambient light (lux) |
| MAX30102 | I2C | 3.3V | $5-12 | Heart rate + SpO2 |
Displays
| Display | Interface | Resolution | Price | Notes |
|---|
| 16x2 LCD | I2C | 16 chars | $3-8 | Need I2C backpack |
| 20x4 LCD | I2C | 20 chars | $5-12 | Larger text display |
| SSD1306 OLED | I2C | 128x64 | $3-8 | Sharp, no backlight needed |
| SSD1306 OLED | I2C | 128x32 | $3-6 | Compact OLED |
| ST7735 TFT | SPI | 128x160 | $5-10 | Color, fast refresh |
| ILI9341 TFT | SPI | 240x320 | $8-15 | Larger color display |
| E-Paper | SPI | Various | $15-40 | Low power, no refresh |
Motors & Actuators
| Type | Driver Needed | Price | Notes |
|---|
| SG90 Servo | None (PWM) | $2-5 | 180°, weak torque |
| MG996R Servo | None (PWM) | $5-10 | Strong, metal gears |
| 28BYJ-48 Stepper | ULN2003 | $3-6 | Cheap, slow, weak |
| NEMA17 Stepper | A4988/DRV8825 | $8-15 | Strong, precise |
| DC Motor + Gearbox | L298N/TB6612 | $5-15 | High speed available |
| Linear Actuator | L298N | $15-40 | Push/pull motion |
Motor Drivers
| Driver | Channels | Max Current | Voltage | Price |
|---|
| L298N | 2 | 2A/ch | 5-35V | $3-8 |
| TB6612FNG | 2 | 1.2A/ch | 4.5-13.5V | $3-8 |
| A4988 | 1 stepper | 2A | 8-35V | $2-5 |
| DRV8825 | 1 stepper | 2.5A | 8.2-45V | $3-6 |
| TMC2209 | 1 stepper | 2A | 4.75-28V | $8-15 |
Power Components
| Component | Specs | Price | Use Case |
|---|
| LM7805 | 5V 1A linear | $0.50 | Simple 5V reg |
| AMS1117-3.3 | 3.3V 1A linear | $0.30 | 3.3V from 5V |
| LM2596 Module | Adj. 3A buck | $2-4 | Efficient step-down |
| MT3608 Module | Adj. 2A boost | $1-3 | Step-up voltage |
| TP4056 Module | LiPo charger | $1-2 | Battery charging |
| 18650 Holder | 1-4 cells | $1-5 | Battery mounting |
| JST Connectors | 2-pin | $2-5/10pk | Battery connections |
Passive Components (Buy Kits!)
| Kit Type | Typical Contents | Price | Recommendation |
|---|
| Resistor Kit | 600+ pcs, 1/4W | $8-15 | Get once, use forever |
| Capacitor Kit | Ceramic + electrolytic | $10-20 | Essential |
| LED Kit | 5mm various colors | $5-10 | Common needs |
| Button Kit | Tactile switches | $5-8 | Various sizes |
| Diode Kit | 1N4148, 1N4007, etc | $5-8 | Protection circuits |
Supplier Guide
Speed vs Cost Trade-offs
| Supplier | Shipping | Price | Best For |
|---|
| DigiKey | 1-3 days | $$$ | Precise specs, datasheets, urgent |
| Mouser | 1-3 days | $$$ | Wide selection, quality |
| Amazon | 1-2 days | $$ | Quick delivery, returns easy |
| Adafruit | 3-5 days | $$$ | Quality, tutorials, support |
| SparkFun | 3-5 days | $$$ | Breakout boards, learning |
| AliExpress | 2-6 weeks | $ | Bulk, budget, clones |
| LCSC | 1-2 weeks | $$ | Chinese components, good quality |
Part Number Patterns
DigiKey: Descriptive codes
- 1N4007-TP → 1N4007 diode
- SER0006 → Servo motor
Mouser: Manufacturer part numbers
- Search by exact MPN
Amazon: ASIN codes
- Search by product name + specs
AliExpress: Store + product ID
- Check reviews, sold count
Compatibility Checks
Voltage Level Matrix
Can Connect To:
From: 3.3V Logic 5V Logic
─────────────────────────────────────
3.3V MCU ✅ Direct ⚠️ Level shifter
5V MCU ⚠️ Divider ✅ Direct
3.3V Sensor ✅ Direct ⚠️ May work*
5V Sensor ❌ Damage! ✅ Direct
* Some 3.3V sensors are 5V tolerant - check datasheet
Current Budget Check
Source Limits:
- Arduino 5V pin: 500mA max (from USB)
- Arduino GPIO: 40mA max per pin
- ESP32 3.3V: 500mA max
- ESP32 GPIO: 40mA max
- RP2040 GPIO: 16mA max
Always calculate:
Total current = Σ(component currents)
If total > source limit → external power needed
I2C Address Conflicts
Common I2C addresses to watch:
0x3C - SSD1306 OLED
0x27 - PCF8574 LCD backpack
0x3F - PCF8574A LCD backpack
0x68 - MPU6050, DS3231 RTC
0x76 - BME280 (default)
0x77 - BME280 (alternate), BMP280
0x48 - ADS1115 ADC
0x50 - AT24C32 EEPROM
Output Format Options
Markdown Table (Default)
Best for documentation, GitHub READMEs.
CSV Export
Qty,Component,Specifications,Unit Price,Total,Supplier,Link
1,Arduino UNO R3,ATmega328P,15.00,15.00,Amazon,https://...
Shopping Cart Links
Provide direct "Add to Cart" links where possible.
Example BOM Output
See references/example-bom.md for complete example.
