# ProFind

> ProFind is a deterministic connector-compatibility and assembly-design platform. Its Config Tool parses manufacturer part numbers, applies family-specific engineering rules, derives exact companion parts, and turns connector selections into reviewable assembly graphs and BOMs.

## Primary product surfaces

- [Connector Config Tool](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/config): Sign-in-required workspace for building visual assembly graphs with mates, contacts, retention, accessories, and tooling.
- [Parts Catalog](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/catalog): Browse public connector-part categories, specifications, stock, pricing, and related parts.
- [FAQ](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/faq): Product and compatibility guidance.
- [Field Notes](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog): 30 original connector engineering guides.
- [Parker Langlois](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/author/parker-langlois): Founder of ProFind and author of Field Notes.
- [RSS feed](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/feed.xml): Machine-readable article updates.
- [Full-text Field Notes corpus](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/llms-full.txt): Machine-readable Markdown for every published guide.
- [XML sitemap](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/sitemap.xml): Canonical core website URLs.
- [Blog XML sitemap](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/sitemap.xml): Canonical guide, category, author, and article-image URLs.
- [Catalog XML sitemap](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/catalog/sitemap/0.xml): Canonical category and part-detail URLs; additional shards are listed in robots.txt when needed.

## Editorial principles

- Similar product descriptions do not establish compatibility.
- Exact MPNs, family grammars, curated tables, and manufacturer documentation are the evidence basis.
- A complete assembly includes mating housings, contacts, locks, seals, accessories, and tooling where required.
- ProFind accelerates discovery; current manufacturer documentation and application validation remain authoritative.

## Connector fundamentals

- [How to Find the Correct Mating Connector: An Engineer’s Workflow](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/how-to-find-a-mating-connector): A repeatable method for identifying a connector mate from an MPN, drawing, or physical sample without relying on product-description guesswork. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/how-to-find-a-mating-connector)
- [Connector Compatibility Explained: What ‘Fits’ Actually Means](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/connector-compatibility-explained): Mechanical mating is only one layer of connector compatibility. Learn the electrical, environmental, assembly, and lifecycle checks engineers need. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/connector-compatibility-explained)
- [How to Read Connector Part Numbers Without Guessing](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/how-to-read-connector-part-numbers): Learn how connector MPNs encode family, shell, cavity count, contact system, keying, sealing, and modification details—and where parsing can go wrong. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/how-to-read-connector-part-numbers)
- [Connector Keying and Polarization: How to Prevent Mismating](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/connector-keying-and-polarization): Understand mechanical keys, color codes, cavity layouts, and circuit architecture techniques that stop the wrong connectors from mating. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/connector-keying-and-polarization)
- [How to Match Wire Gauge, Connector Contacts, and Circuit Current](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/choose-wire-gauge-and-connector-contact): Select connector contacts using conductor size, insulation diameter, current, temperature, voltage drop, and crimp requirements—not AWG alone. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/choose-wire-gauge-and-connector-contact)

## Sealed connector systems

- [Deutsch DT Connector Guide: Build a Complete, Sealed Assembly](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/deutsch-dt-connector-guide): A practical guide to Deutsch DT housings, contacts, wedgelocks, keying, seals, and tooling for reliable field-ready connections. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/deutsch-dt-connector-guide)
- [Deutsch DTM vs DT vs DTP: Choose by Contact Size and Load](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/dtm-vs-dt-vs-dtp-connectors): Compare Deutsch DTM, DT, and DTP connector families by contact size, circuit density, wire range, current needs, and application fit. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/dtm-vs-dt-vs-dtp-connectors)
- [Deutsch DTHD High-Current Connectors: Selection and Assembly Guide](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/dthd-high-current-connector-guide): How to evaluate Deutsch DTHD single-cavity connectors for higher-current sealed circuits, including wire, terminals, sealing, derating, and service. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/dthd-high-current-connector-guide)
- [AMPSEAL 16 Connector Guide: Housings, Contacts, Seals, and Backshells](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/ampseal-16-connector-guide): A system-level guide to AMPSEAL 16 connector selection, mating, contacts, sealing, keying, conduit backshells, and assembly checks. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/ampseal-16-connector-guide)
- [Superseal 1.5 Connector Guide: A Complete Selection Workflow](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/superseal-1-5-connector-guide): Choose Superseal 1.5 housings, terminals, wire seals, cavity plugs, and tools as one validated automotive connector assembly. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/superseal-1-5-connector-guide)
- [IP67 vs IP68 Connectors: What the Ratings Do—and Do Not—Prove](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/ip67-vs-ip68-connectors): Understand IP67 and IP68 connector ratings, test conditions, assembly dependencies, and the extra evidence needed for pressure wash, fluids, vibration, and field use. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/ip67-vs-ip68-connectors)

## Assembly and validation

- [Connector BOM Checklist: Every Part in a Complete Connection](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/connector-bom-checklist): A release-ready connector bill-of-materials checklist covering housings, contacts, seals, locks, accessories, tooling, and validation evidence. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/connector-bom-checklist)
- [How to Select the Right Connector Crimp Tool](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/how-to-select-a-connector-crimp-tool): Match terminals, wire, applicators, hand tools, locators, and process controls without treating a generic ratchet tool as universal. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/how-to-select-a-connector-crimp-tool)
- [Connector Crimp Quality: Inspection, Pull Force, and Resistance](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/connector-crimp-quality-guide): A practical connector-crimp quality plan covering strip length, crimp height, cross-sections, pull tests, terminal retention, and electrical validation. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/connector-crimp-quality-guide)
- [Wedgelocks, TPA, and CPA: What Connector Secondary Locks Do](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/wedgelock-tpa-cpa-secondary-locks): Learn the difference between terminal-position assurance, connector-position assurance, and family-specific wedgelocks—and how to specify them. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/wedgelock-tpa-cpa-secondary-locks)
- [Connector Wire Seals: Why Insulation Diameter Matters More Than AWG](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/wire-seal-and-insulation-diameter-guide): Select connector wire seals using actual insulation outside diameter, terminal geometry, cavity system, and assembly requirements. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/wire-seal-and-insulation-diameter-guide)
- [Connector Backshells, Boots, and Strain Relief: A Design Guide](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/backshells-boots-and-strain-relief): Choose connector rear accessories for cable support, bend control, sealing, conduit, abrasion, shielding, and field service without assuming fit. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/backshells-boots-and-strain-relief)

## Engineering workflows

- [How to Build a Connector Assembly with ProFind’s Node Builder](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/connector-node-builder-guide): Use ProFind’s visual compatibility graph to start from one connector, add proven mates and accessories, find omissions, and export a reviewable BOM. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/connector-node-builder-guide)
- [From Requirements to Connector BOM with ProFind Design Copilot](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/design-copilot-connector-selection): Turn natural-language circuit, wire, environment, and packaging requirements into a reviewable connector graph with ProFind Design Copilot. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/design-copilot-connector-selection)
- [Connector Selection for Engineering Students: A Capstone Workflow](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/connector-selection-for-engineering-students): A teachable connector-selection method for capstone, robotics, Formula SAE, Baja, rocketry, and lab projects—from requirements to validated BOM. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/connector-selection-for-engineering-students)
- [Formula SAE Connector Selection: A Wiring Guide for Student Teams](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/formula-sae-connector-selection-guide): Choose, assemble, document, and service connectors for Formula SAE electrical systems under vibration, weather, tight packaging, and team turnover. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/formula-sae-connector-selection-guide)
- [Robotics Connector Selection: Power, Signals, Motion, and Service](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/robotics-connector-selection-guide): Select connectors for mobile robots and machines by separating power, motors, sensors, data, motion, environmental exposure, and field service needs. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/robotics-connector-selection-guide)
- [Prototype to Production: How Connector Decisions Need to Change](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/prototype-to-production-connector-selection): Evolve connector choices from bench prototypes to controlled production by adding traceability, tooling, validation, sourcing, assembly, and service evidence. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/prototype-to-production-connector-selection)

## Sourcing and lifecycle

- [How to Avoid Counterfeit Connectors and Wrong Variants](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/avoid-counterfeit-and-wrong-connector-variants): Reduce connector sourcing risk with exact MPN control, authorized channels, traceability, incoming inspection, and variant-level compatibility checks. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/avoid-counterfeit-and-wrong-connector-variants)
- [Connector Cross-Reference and Replacement: A Safe Qualification Method](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/connector-cross-reference-and-replacements): Evaluate connector replacements by interface, contacts, seals, tooling, ratings, materials, documentation, and lifecycle—not part-number similarity. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/connector-cross-reference-and-replacements)
- [Connector BOM Risk: Design for Shortages Without Breaking Compatibility](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/connector-bom-risk-and-shortages): Reduce connector supply risk with assembly-level alternates, lifecycle monitoring, inventory strategy, tooling review, and controlled change paths. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/connector-bom-risk-and-shortages)
- [How to Test Connector Compatibility Before a Production Purchase](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/test-connector-compatibility-before-purchase): A staged verification plan for connector identity, mating, contacts, seals, tooling, electrical load, environment, and pilot assembly. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/test-connector-compatibility-before-purchase)
- [Why Connector Catalog Search Returns Plausible—but Wrong—Parts](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/supplier-catalog-search-pitfalls): Understand how product descriptions, parametric filters, indexing, gender labels, and family grouping can produce wrong connector matches. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/supplier-catalog-search-pitfalls)
- [Connector Current Rating and Derating: An Engineer’s Guide](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/connector-current-rating-and-derating): Interpret connector current ratings using contact resistance, wire size, ambient temperature, loaded cavities, duty cycle, and allowable temperature rise. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/connector-current-rating-and-derating)
- [Connector Documentation and Change Control: What to Release](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/connector-documentation-and-change-control): Create a connector design record that keeps exact MPNs, cavity maps, compatibility evidence, tooling, validation, and future changes synchronized. [Markdown](https://digikey-compat.vercel.app/blog/markdown/connector-documentation-and-change-control)