beginner's IC question

Dec 10, 2006 4 Replies

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Simon 19 years ago

Hi all

Im a beginner to electronics, one of my hobbies is arcade gaming so Im learning to diagnose PCB problems.

Quick question though - are there specific meanings for some of the prefixes on the chip numbers?

For example, Im hunting for D43256AC-10L ram chips. At futurlec.com, I find "43256-10L - 32Kx8 CMOS RAM". Can I assume these are the same chip, just with a generic number? What do the D and AC mean? I also find UPD43256AC-10L chips at rockby - what does the UP mean?

Im wondering if theyre the same chip, different manufacturing process or something.

Thanks

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Phil Allison 19 years ago

"Simon"

** Just identification codes dreamt up by the makers really.

Often it indicates the maker and the general class of device.

LM = Natsemi linear, MJ = Motorola bipolar, TL = Texas Inst linear etc.

** Asian makers often omit the initial letters of a part number on packages.

C1234 = 2SC1234, D1234 = 2SD1234, K123 = 2SK123 etc on transistors.

UPC ( or uPC) & UPD ( or uPD) appear to indicate the part is made by NEC, or originated from them.

Again, it may be often seen with the UP (or uP ) missing - so just C 2345 or D12345 etc on ICs.

Always look for the maker's logo on a package, sometimes it is a vital clue in working out what the part is.

If you are asking for others to help you identify a part, describe the package and any logo you see in addition to the part number.

...... Phil

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Don McKenzie 19 years ago

Just adding to what Phil said here, have a look at:

formatting link

a great site for logo info. may take a while to fully load the pics.

Don...

Don McKenzie E-Mail Contact Page: http://www.dontronics.com/e-mail.html Crystal clear, super bright OLED LCD (128x128) for your microcontroller. Simple serial RX/TX interface. Many memory sizes. http://www.dontronics-shop.com/product.php?productid=16460

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jasen 19 years ago

get the datasheet from the manufacturer or a third party and all will be revealed.

use google with the chip's number (43256) and the keyword datasheet.

Bye. Jasen

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Geoff 19 years ago

The first letters designate the manufacturer. The main number is the device type, and the "-10L" is the access speed of the device, which may be important. The "AC" may relate to the type of package - google it to be sure.

geoff

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