I was evaluating 32-bit ARM-based SoCs for running Linux, Ive settled on
the EP7312 now. Theres the search for DRAM chips, flash, adapters for
LQFP to DIP(or evaluation boards), ethernet chips (maybe the rtl8019
will do), LCDs (the cheapest 320x240 or 640x480 black n white),
tokenring chipsets if they still exist, OEM compactflashes in bulk,
bluetooth and 802.11b interfaces etc.
The search for the ARM soc took me about a month of checking reviews,
datasheets and emailing the companies asking for 1K unit prices and
sample prices. So I figured surely engineers would have a centralized
database like the IC Master or Chipdir for passive analog electronics to
search, and companies in their best interest would post their data in a
similar yellow pages type directory. I still doubt every engineering
group goes through the datasheets of every available chip and wait for
the price quotes for a few days in email. I must be missing something.
From my home-page, try the following (and let me know if they are still
active and usefull):
1) Datasheet Locator is a free electronic engineering tool that enables
you to locate product datasheets from hundreds of electronic component
manufacturers worldwide. If you already know the manufacturer, this is
an excellent way to browse datasheets for either semiconductor
companies or component makers.
http://www.datasheetlocator.com/
2) FindChips aims to perform the fastest, most complete distributor
search available today on the internet. After you enter a part number
(or substring), FindChips.com will simultaneously query over 20
distributors, and return the responses to you in real time, in the
order completed.
http://www.findchips.com/
3) Free Trade Zone is Partminer's answer for researching components,
shopping for them online. Includes Research, Find, Quote, Buy/Sell
capabilities. Subscription fee, I can't remember how much. Some
services are "free", others available through "demo" programs. This is
likely to be just what you are looking for, if you can afford it.
http://www.freetradezone.com/
4) Electronic Engineer's Master is the worlds's largest database of
electronic manufacturers and products.
http://www.eem.com/
I hope this helps
Dave...