Specifications for an electronic component provide the basis for parametric part selection for operation or optimum performance of a circuit or to prevent damage to integral or connected circuit components.
Specifications define requirements. For electronic components this may include typical, minimum, and maximum values for normal operation or limits for measures such as voltage, current, power, temperature, humidity, frequency, time, gain, resistance, capacitance, inductance, number of actuations, etc. Manufacturers' stated specifications depend upon the type of component and such factors as whether the component is active, passive, or mechanical.