| name | registry-search |
| description | Search the registry for prepared Zener modules, reference designs, and component symbols while designing a board, subsystem, or spec. Use for board-facing part/module selection with `pcb search -m registry:modules` and `pcb search -m registry:components`, API inspection, sourcing comparison, and deciding what to instantiate. If no suitable registry package exists, prepare a librarian request instead of importing or authoring components inline. |
Registry Search
Find prepared registry content before designing a circuit or choosing a new part by hand.
Use this when working on a board, subsystem, or spec and you need a reusable schematic module, reference design, primitive component package, concrete MPN, symbol, footprint, datasheet, or sourcing signal.
Search Modes
registry:modules — reusable Zener packages and .zen entrypoints. This is the primary search mode for schematic reuse.registry:components — registry symbols/parts with MPN, manufacturer, footprint, datasheet, availability, and moduleUrl. Use this for concrete part discovery and to find the package behind a symbol.
Do not create, import, or patch component packages in this workflow. If the registry does not contain a suitable result, or the closest result needs even a small package/API/circuit tweak, produce a librarian request.
Search Workflow
Start with reusable schematic content:
pcb search -m registry:modules <query> -f json
Use functional queries when the board need is functional: "usb c source", "3.3v ldo", "128mb spi flash", "automotive high side switch".
Search symbols/parts when you need a concrete MPN, footprint, availability, or the package behind a primitive:
pcb search -m registry:components <query> -f json
Use MPN/manufacturer queries when the user named a part: TPS70933, Texas Instruments TPSM336, USB4105.
Then inspect the candidate API before instantiating it:
pcb doc --package <module-url>@<version>
If docs are incomplete or fail, use the source path or file tree from pcb doc to inspect the package source instead of guessing the IO/config interface.
Choosing Results
Prefer the most reusable correct abstraction:
- A higher-level module or reference design that already implements the needed schematic circuit.
- A component package with included support circuitry when that is exactly the intended use.
- A primitive component package when the board genuinely needs only the raw part.
Use registry:components results to compare physical package, pinout, MPN, stock, price, datasheet, and moduleUrl. Use registry:modules results to compare entrypoints, dependencies, dependents, and package descriptions.
Ask only when tradeoffs are real: package size, cost, stock, electrical margin, automotive/industrial grade, interface differences, or user-visible feature choices.
Using Results In A Board
Instantiate the .zen entrypoint from the chosen registry:modules result directly in the consuming .zen file.
PartModule = Module("github.com/diodeinc/registry/components/<Manufacturer>/<NAME>/<NAME>.zen")
Do not manually edit pcb.toml to add the dependency. On the next pcb build, the tool will detect the registry import and add the dependency to the package manifest automatically.
Use pcb doc --package and its reported source path for exact IO and configs. Do not infer pin names from search snippets.
After adding the package to a board or module, verify the consuming design:
pcb build <board-or-module-path>
pcb bom <board-or-module-path> -f json
Librarian Requests
When no suitable registry content exists, or a close match needs to be changed before it is safe to use, stop the registry search workflow and prepare a librarian request instead of authoring or patching the package inline.
If you are already operating inside a registry checkout or explicit registry-authoring task, use the librarian skill and continue authoring there unless the user asks you to dispatch a remote librarian. If you are working outside the registry, offer to prepare a remote librarian request for reusable registry content: new component packages, new reference designs, package/API fixes, symbol/footprint/sourceability cleanup, or anything other boards should be able to search, trust, and instantiate. Keep work inline only when it is board/subsystem-local: consuming existing registry packages, wiring, configuration, straps, glue circuitry, or placeholders the user accepts.
Default librarian requests to the canonical github.com/diodeinc/registry registry. Do not override the target unless the user or project context explicitly names a different registry.
Avoid surprising the user with remote librarian dispatches. Before creating a session, make sure the user's current instructions reasonably imply that dispatching librarian work is okay. If that is unclear, briefly say what you would dispatch and ask. If the pcb-glass skill is available, use it for command mechanics and give the user the resulting registry chat URL.
Only the user can merge librarian output into the registry. Do not import or instantiate newly generated packages until the user confirms the registry changes are merged; after merge, search or inspect the registry again before using the new content.
The request should give enough context for the librarian to understand the reusable registry content you need: the part, manufacturer, function, required public configs or IO, and any constraints that matter to the consuming design. Do not over-specify pinouts, symbol details, footprints, or implementation steps unless the user specifically requires them; the librarian is expected to research the part family, make package decisions, and design reusable content.
Keep the board moving with a placeholder only if the user accepts the risk and the unresolved librarian request is recorded in the spec or TODOs.
