Hi,
I personally have some kind of a cross reference ... indeed a rather advanced stock database that returns exact manufactrer names and exact ordering codes (and second source).
On the other hand I use a clear scheme (on scheamtic/PCB layout) how to describe the parts.
for example:
A "1k00 resistor 0603" always is a:
--> (general description) 1% tolerated, thick film resistor, 200ppm, 50V, 63mW
--> (manufacturer) from VISHAY with ordering number "CRCW0603..."
And if I want special qualties I add the according information, like "0.1%"
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Some aspects:
A simple test you already should have done on your own: go to an electronics distributor internet site and use their search function.
I tried farnell and it gave me 85 hits. And that´s exactly the first problem:
--> which one of these 85 capacitors do you want?
And each one comes with 3...5 different prices according volume. Thus you encounter the next problem:
--> what volume do you want to buy?
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If I had the same problem, the first thing I´d do would be to contact my distributor. How knows better?
And if I´m not mistaken, farnell provides a "BOM upload" (or did it in the past).
But what does a distributor do with the BOM information? I guess it´s aim is to make money. So I wouldn´t be surprised if they sell you parts they want to get rid of, or parts they earn the most money with.
Klaus