bom-generator
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.
When & Why to Use This Skill
The BOM Generator is a comprehensive Claude skill designed to automate the creation of Bills of Materials for hardware projects involving Arduino, ESP32, and RP2040 microcontrollers. It streamlines the transition from project concept to procurement by generating detailed component lists, providing real-time cost estimates, and offering direct shopping links to major suppliers like DigiKey, Mouser, and Amazon. Beyond simple listing, it includes intelligent compatibility checks for voltage levels and current budgets, ensuring a reliable hardware design process for makers and engineers.
Use Cases
- Project Planning: Automatically generate a complete parts list from a simple project description (e.g., 'I want to build a WiFi-connected weather station').
- Cost Estimation: Calculate total project costs across different suppliers to stay within budget during the prototyping phase.
- Hardware Validation: Use built-in compatibility warnings to identify potential voltage mismatches or power supply issues before purchasing components.
- Documentation & Export: Generate professional BOMs in XLSX, CSV, or Markdown formats for inclusion in GitHub repositories or project handovers.
- Supplier Sourcing: Quickly find specific part numbers and direct purchase links for sensors, displays, and actuators compatible with your target MCU.
| 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.