SMD marking

16

Marking codes are not standardised, and the same code is reused by unrelated makers for unrelated parts. Below is every part in our tables printed with it, and any printed with a code that is easy to misread as it, from the manufacturers' own marking tables.

16 parts are printed 16

Not sure which one you have?

Answer up to 4 quick questions and these 16 parts are ranked, with a meter test that settles it. It works on a dead part too.

BAS16VYSOT-363Switching diode, 6 pins, NexperiaSwitching diodeSOT-3636 pinsNexperia
What it is
Switching diode
Maker
Nexperia
Package
SOT-363
Pins
6
Details
High-speed switching diode array
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or one leg off the pad. Red probe on the anode.
Working, it reads
About 0.5 to 0.8 V anode to cathode, and open the other way. Small switching diodes read about 0.6 to 0.7 V; large rectifiers can read a little lower.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways: failed open.
A reading the wrong way round as well: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A three-pin body can hold two diodes. With a common pin they read two junctions from that pin, just like a transistor; in series they read two drops end to end. Test each pair the datasheet names.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BAS16VY, opens in a new tab
DTA144ECASOT-23Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in), 3 pins, JSCJDigital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)SOT-233 pinsJSCJ
What it is
Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)
Maker
JSCJ
Package
SOT-23
Pins
3
Details
Digital transistor (bias resistors built in), PNP
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Ohms range, part lifted. The datasheet gives the built-in resistors: R1 in series with the base, R2 from base to emitter.
Working, it reads
Base to emitter reads about R1 plus R2 either way round, about 20 kΩ on a 10 k and 10 k part, give or take their wide tolerance. Collector to emitter reads open. A part with no R2 reads a junction behind R1 one way instead.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 Ω with a continuous beep: shorted.
From the base, open or far above R1 plus R2: R1 has failed. Static damage shows here most often.
Base to emitter near 0 Ω: failed short.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
The readings depend on the resistor values, so an identical part elsewhere on the board is the surest reference. Measure it the same way.
Watch for:
On the diode range a good part with 10 kΩ resistors reads open on every pair, so a good part looks dead there. Use the ohms range.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor DTA144ECA, opens in a new tab
DTA144EE3SOT-416Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in), 3 pins, ROHMDigital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)SOT-4163 pinsROHM
What it is
Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)
Maker
ROHM
Package
SOT-416
Pins
3
Details
PNP digital transistor (bias resistor built-in); R1 = 47kOhm, R2 = 47kOhm
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Ohms range, part lifted. The datasheet gives the built-in resistors: R1 in series with the base, R2 from base to emitter.
Working, it reads
Base to emitter reads about R1 plus R2 either way round, about 20 kΩ on a 10 k and 10 k part, give or take their wide tolerance. Collector to emitter reads open. A part with no R2 reads a junction behind R1 one way instead.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 Ω with a continuous beep: shorted.
From the base, open or far above R1 plus R2: R1 has failed. Static damage shows here most often.
Base to emitter near 0 Ω: failed short.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
The readings depend on the resistor values, so an identical part elsewhere on the board is the surest reference. Measure it the same way.
Watch for:
On the diode range a good part with 10 kΩ resistors reads open on every pair, so a good part looks dead there. Use the ohms range.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor DTA144EE3, opens in a new tab
DTA144EEBSOT-416Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in), 3 pins, ROHMDigital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)SOT-4163 pinsROHM
What it is
Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)
Maker
ROHM
Package
SOT-416
Pins
3
Details
PNP digital transistor (bias resistor built-in); R1 = 47kOhm, R2 = 47kOhm
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Ohms range, part lifted. The datasheet gives the built-in resistors: R1 in series with the base, R2 from base to emitter.
Working, it reads
Base to emitter reads about R1 plus R2 either way round, about 20 kΩ on a 10 k and 10 k part, give or take their wide tolerance. Collector to emitter reads open. A part with no R2 reads a junction behind R1 one way instead.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 Ω with a continuous beep: shorted.
From the base, open or far above R1 plus R2: R1 has failed. Static damage shows here most often.
Base to emitter near 0 Ω: failed short.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
The readings depend on the resistor values, so an identical part elsewhere on the board is the surest reference. Measure it the same way.
Watch for:
On the diode range a good part with 10 kΩ resistors reads open on every pair, so a good part looks dead there. Use the ohms range.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor DTA144EEB, opens in a new tab
DTA144EKASOT-23Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in), 3 pins, ROHMDigital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)SOT-233 pinsROHM
What it is
Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)
Maker
ROHM
Package
SOT-23
Pins
3
Details
PNP digital transistor (bias resistor built-in); R1 = 47kOhm, R2 = 47kOhm
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Ohms range, part lifted. The datasheet gives the built-in resistors: R1 in series with the base, R2 from base to emitter.
Working, it reads
Base to emitter reads about R1 plus R2 either way round, about 20 kΩ on a 10 k and 10 k part, give or take their wide tolerance. Collector to emitter reads open. A part with no R2 reads a junction behind R1 one way instead.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 Ω with a continuous beep: shorted.
From the base, open or far above R1 plus R2: R1 has failed. Static damage shows here most often.
Base to emitter near 0 Ω: failed short.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
The readings depend on the resistor values, so an identical part elsewhere on the board is the surest reference. Measure it the same way.
Watch for:
On the diode range a good part with 10 kΩ resistors reads open on every pair, so a good part looks dead there. Use the ohms range.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor DTA144EKA, opens in a new tab
DTA144EMSOT-723Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in), 3 pins, ROHMDigital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)SOT-7233 pinsROHM
What it is
Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)
Maker
ROHM
Package
SOT-723
Pins
3
Details
Digital transistor (bias resistors built in), PNP
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Ohms range, part lifted. The datasheet gives the built-in resistors: R1 in series with the base, R2 from base to emitter.
Working, it reads
Base to emitter reads about R1 plus R2 either way round, about 20 kΩ on a 10 k and 10 k part, give or take their wide tolerance. Collector to emitter reads open. A part with no R2 reads a junction behind R1 one way instead.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 Ω with a continuous beep: shorted.
From the base, open or far above R1 plus R2: R1 has failed. Static damage shows here most often.
Base to emitter near 0 Ω: failed short.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
The readings depend on the resistor values, so an identical part elsewhere on the board is the surest reference. Measure it the same way.
Watch for:
On the diode range a good part with 10 kΩ resistors reads open on every pair, so a good part looks dead there. Use the ohms range.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor DTA144EM, opens in a new tab
DTA144EU3SOT-323Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in), 3 pins, ROHMDigital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)SOT-3233 pinsROHM
What it is
Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)
Maker
ROHM
Package
SOT-323
Pins
3
Details
PNP digital transistor (bias resistor built-in); R1 = 47kOhm, R2 = 47kOhm
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Ohms range, part lifted. The datasheet gives the built-in resistors: R1 in series with the base, R2 from base to emitter.
Working, it reads
Base to emitter reads about R1 plus R2 either way round, about 20 kΩ on a 10 k and 10 k part, give or take their wide tolerance. Collector to emitter reads open. A part with no R2 reads a junction behind R1 one way instead.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 Ω with a continuous beep: shorted.
From the base, open or far above R1 plus R2: R1 has failed. Static damage shows here most often.
Base to emitter near 0 Ω: failed short.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
The readings depend on the resistor values, so an identical part elsewhere on the board is the surest reference. Measure it the same way.
Watch for:
On the diode range a good part with 10 kΩ resistors reads open on every pair, so a good part looks dead there. Use the ohms range.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor DTA144EU3, opens in a new tab
DTA144EUASOT-323Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in), 3 pins, JSCJDigital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)SOT-3233 pinsJSCJ
What it is
Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)
Maker
JSCJ
Package
SOT-323
Pins
3
Details
Digital transistor (bias resistors built in), PNP
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Ohms range, part lifted. The datasheet gives the built-in resistors: R1 in series with the base, R2 from base to emitter.
Working, it reads
Base to emitter reads about R1 plus R2 either way round, about 20 kΩ on a 10 k and 10 k part, give or take their wide tolerance. Collector to emitter reads open. A part with no R2 reads a junction behind R1 one way instead.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 Ω with a continuous beep: shorted.
From the base, open or far above R1 plus R2: R1 has failed. Static damage shows here most often.
Base to emitter near 0 Ω: failed short.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
The readings depend on the resistor values, so an identical part elsewhere on the board is the surest reference. Measure it the same way.
Watch for:
On the diode range a good part with 10 kΩ resistors reads open on every pair, so a good part looks dead there. Use the ohms range.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor DTA144EUA, opens in a new tab
DTA144EUBSOT-323Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in), 3 pins, ROHMDigital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)SOT-3233 pinsROHM
What it is
Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)
Maker
ROHM
Package
SOT-323
Pins
3
Details
PNP digital transistor (bias resistor built-in); R1 = 47kOhm, R2 = 47kOhm
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Ohms range, part lifted. The datasheet gives the built-in resistors: R1 in series with the base, R2 from base to emitter.
Working, it reads
Base to emitter reads about R1 plus R2 either way round, about 20 kΩ on a 10 k and 10 k part, give or take their wide tolerance. Collector to emitter reads open. A part with no R2 reads a junction behind R1 one way instead.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 Ω with a continuous beep: shorted.
From the base, open or far above R1 plus R2: R1 has failed. Static damage shows here most often.
Base to emitter near 0 Ω: failed short.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
The readings depend on the resistor values, so an identical part elsewhere on the board is the surest reference. Measure it the same way.
Watch for:
On the diode range a good part with 10 kΩ resistors reads open on every pair, so a good part looks dead there. Use the ohms range.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor DTA144EUB, opens in a new tab
PDTA113ZUSOT-323Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in), 3 pins, NexperiaDigital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)SOT-3233 pinsNexperia
What it is
Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)
Maker
Nexperia
Package
SOT-323
Pins
3
Details
50 V, 100 mA PNP resistor-equipped transistor; R1 = 1 kΩ, R2 = 10 kΩ
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Ohms range, part lifted. The datasheet gives the built-in resistors: R1 in series with the base, R2 from base to emitter.
Working, it reads
Base to emitter reads about R1 plus R2 either way round, about 20 kΩ on a 10 k and 10 k part, give or take their wide tolerance. Collector to emitter reads open. A part with no R2 reads a junction behind R1 one way instead.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 Ω with a continuous beep: shorted.
From the base, open or far above R1 plus R2: R1 has failed. Static damage shows here most often.
Base to emitter near 0 Ω: failed short.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
The readings depend on the resistor values, so an identical part elsewhere on the board is the surest reference. Measure it the same way.
Watch for:
On the diode range a good part with 10 kΩ resistors reads open on every pair, so a good part looks dead there. Use the ohms range.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor PDTA113ZU, opens in a new tab
PDTC114ETSOT-23Digital transistor (NPN, resistors built in), 3 pins, NexperiaDigital transistor (NPN, resistors built in)SOT-233 pinsNexperia
What it is
Digital transistor (NPN, resistors built in)
Maker
Nexperia
Package
SOT-23
Pins
3
Details
50 V, 100 mA NPN resistor-equipped transistor; R1 = 10 kOhm, R2 = 10 kOhm
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Ohms range, part lifted. The datasheet gives the built-in resistors: R1 in series with the base, R2 from base to emitter.
Working, it reads
Base to emitter reads about R1 plus R2 either way round, about 20 kΩ on a 10 k and 10 k part, give or take their wide tolerance. Collector to emitter reads open. A part with no R2 reads a junction behind R1 one way instead.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 Ω with a continuous beep: shorted.
From the base, open or far above R1 plus R2: R1 has failed. Static damage shows here most often.
Base to emitter near 0 Ω: failed short.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
The readings depend on the resistor values, so an identical part elsewhere on the board is the surest reference. Measure it the same way.
Watch for:
On the diode range a good part with 10 kΩ resistors reads open on every pair, so a good part looks dead there. Use the ohms range.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor PDTC114ET, opens in a new tab
PJV1716SOT-723MOSFET, 3 pins, PanjitMOSFETSOT-7233 pinsPanjit
What it is
MOSFET
Maker
Panjit
Package
SOT-723
Pins
3
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.
Working, it reads
One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.
Dead, it reads
Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
No body diode at all: failed open.
On the board:
On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor PJV1716, opens in a new tab
SML4745SMAZener diode, 2 pins, VishayZener diodeSMA2 pinsVishay
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
SMA
Pins
2
Details
16 V Zener diode
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range for the forward check, part lifted, red probe on the anode. A bench supply for the Zener voltage.
Working, it reads
About 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse on the diode range. Its Zener voltage shows only on a supply: feed it through a resistor that sets about 5 mA, cathode to positive, read quickly, and it should hold near its rated voltage.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways, forward too: failed open.
Holds well off its rated voltage on the supply test: drifted.
A soft knee, or a voltage that creeps on the supply test: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A meter's diode range stops at about 2 to 3 V, so almost every Zener reads open in reverse on it, good or bad; a 3 V meter may just show a 2.4 or 2.7 V part. Above about 3 V the meter cannot tell a Zener from a plain diode.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor SML4745, opens in a new tab
EIA-96:160603Precision resistor (EIA-96 code), 2 pinsPrecision resistor (EIA-96 code)06032 pinsNot recorded
What it is
Precision resistor (EIA-96 code)
Maker
Not recorded
Package
0603
Pins
2
Details
EIA-96 precision chip resistor, significand 14.3; the printed mark adds a multiplier letter (16A = 143 Ohm, 16B = 1.43 kOhm)
Source
Added by hand from a published table
Is it dead?
Ohms range, across it, power off.
Working, it reads
Its marked value, within tolerance. On the board it reads the same or lower, because everything around it sits in parallel.
Dead, it reads
Open: burnt, cracked, or eaten through by sulphur. The commonest failure.
Well above its marked value: drifted high.
On the board, clearly higher than its marked value: it has failed, since the board can only pull a reading down.
On the board:
A reading lower than marked on the board proves nothing; lift one end. A reading higher than marked is a fault even on the board.
Compare:
The same position on another channel usually carries the same value, and so does the matching part on another board.
Watch for:
A burnt resistor usually means the part it feeds pulled too much. Find that before fitting a new one, or it burns too. The marking, not the reading, says what to fit.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor EIA-96:16, opens in a new tab
2 more parts have no package on record
- BAS125-06WSwitching diode, InfineonSwitching diodeNot recordedNot recordedInfineon
  What it is
  Switching diode
  Maker
  Infineon
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  Source
  From the manufacturer's datasheet
  Is it dead?
  Diode range, part lifted or one leg off the pad. Red probe on the anode.
  Working, it reads
  About 0.5 to 0.8 V anode to cathode, and open the other way. Small switching diodes read about 0.6 to 0.7 V; large rectifiers can read a little lower.
  Dead, it reads
  The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
  Open both ways: failed open.
  A reading the wrong way round as well: leaky.
  On the board:
  On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
  Compare:
  If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
  Watch for:
  A three-pin body can hold two diodes. With a common pin they read two junctions from that pin, just like a transistor; in series they read two drops end to end. Test each pair the datasheet names.
  A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
  Datasheetfor BAS125-06W, opens in a new tab
- DTA144EEDigital transistor (PNP, resistors built in), JSCJDigital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)Not recordedNot recordedJSCJ
  What it is
  Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)
  Maker
  JSCJ
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  Details
  Digital transistor (bias resistors built in), PNP
  Source
  From the manufacturer's datasheet
  Is it dead?
  Ohms range, part lifted. The datasheet gives the built-in resistors: R1 in series with the base, R2 from base to emitter.
  Working, it reads
  Base to emitter reads about R1 plus R2 either way round, about 20 kΩ on a 10 k and 10 k part, give or take their wide tolerance. Collector to emitter reads open. A part with no R2 reads a junction behind R1 one way instead.
  Dead, it reads
  Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 Ω with a continuous beep: shorted.
  From the base, open or far above R1 plus R2: R1 has failed. Static damage shows here most often.
  Base to emitter near 0 Ω: failed short.
  On the board:
  On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
  Compare:
  The readings depend on the resistor values, so an identical part elsewhere on the board is the surest reference. Measure it the same way.
  Watch for:
  On the diode range a good part with 10 kΩ resistors reads open on every pair, so a good part looks dead there. Use the ohms range.
  A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
  Datasheetfor DTA144EE, opens in a new tab

34 more parts are printed with a code easy to misread as 16

Printed with a code easy to misread

One character differs, and it is one that is easy to confuse under a lamp. The odd one out is marked on each.

B1020Xprinted L6SOD-523Schottky diode, 2 pins, JSCJSchottky diodeSOD-5232 pinsJSCJ
Printed L6 on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Schottky diode
Maker
JSCJ
Package
SOD-523
Pins
2
Details
Schottky diode, 20 V, 1 A
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or one leg off the pad. Red probe on the anode.
Working, it reads
About 0.15 to 0.45 V anode to cathode, roughly half a silicon diode, and open the other way.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
A reading the wrong way round as well: leaky.
Open both ways: failed open.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A large Schottky can read about 0.1 V forward and beep like a short, and leaks a little the wrong way when good, more when warm. It is shorted only if it reads the same both ways. Measure it cold, beside an identical cold one.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor B1020X, opens in a new tab
BAT42Wprinted LCSOD-123Schottky diode, 2 pins, VishaySchottky diodeSOD-1232 pinsVishay
Printed LC on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Schottky diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
SOD-123
Pins
2
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or one leg off the pad. Red probe on the anode.
Working, it reads
About 0.15 to 0.45 V anode to cathode, roughly half a silicon diode, and open the other way.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
A reading the wrong way round as well: leaky.
Open both ways: failed open.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A large Schottky can read about 0.1 V forward and beep like a short, and leaks a little the wrong way when good, more when warm. It is shorted only if it reads the same both ways. Measure it cold, beside an identical cold one.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BAT42W, opens in a new tab
BAT42W-Gprinted LCSOD-123Schottky diode, 2 pins, VishaySchottky diodeSOD-1232 pinsVishay
Printed LC on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Schottky diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
SOD-123
Pins
2
Details
Small Signal Schottky Diode
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or one leg off the pad. Red probe on the anode.
Working, it reads
About 0.15 to 0.45 V anode to cathode, roughly half a silicon diode, and open the other way.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
A reading the wrong way round as well: leaky.
Open both ways: failed open.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A large Schottky can read about 0.1 V forward and beep like a short, and leaks a little the wrong way when good, more when warm. It is shorted only if it reads the same both ways. Measure it cold, beside an identical cold one.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BAT42W-G, opens in a new tab
BAT43WSprinted L6SOD-323Schottky diode, 2 pins, VishaySchottky diodeSOD-3232 pinsVishay
Printed L6 on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Schottky diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
SOD-323
Pins
2
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or one leg off the pad. Red probe on the anode.
Working, it reads
About 0.15 to 0.45 V anode to cathode, roughly half a silicon diode, and open the other way.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
A reading the wrong way round as well: leaky.
Open both ways: failed open.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A large Schottky can read about 0.1 V forward and beep like a short, and leaks a little the wrong way when good, more when warm. It is shorted only if it reads the same both ways. Measure it cold, beside an identical cold one.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BAT43WS, opens in a new tab
BAT46Wprinted L6SOD-123Schottky diode, 2 pins, DiotecSchottky diodeSOD-1232 pinsDiotec
Printed L6 on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Schottky diode
Maker
Diotec
Package
SOD-123
Pins
2
Details
SMD Small Signal Schottky Diodes
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or one leg off the pad. Red probe on the anode.
Working, it reads
About 0.15 to 0.45 V anode to cathode, roughly half a silicon diode, and open the other way.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
A reading the wrong way round as well: leaky.
Open both ways: failed open.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A large Schottky can read about 0.1 V forward and beep like a short, and leaks a little the wrong way when good, more when warm. It is shorted only if it reads the same both ways. Measure it cold, beside an identical cold one.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BAT46W, opens in a new tab
BC846Cprinted 1CSOT-23Transistor, 3 pins, DiotecTransistorSOT-233 pinsDiotec
Printed 1C on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Transistor
Maker
Diotec
Package
SOT-23
Pins
3
Details
SMD General Purpose NPN Transistors
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
From the base, one probe colour reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC846C, opens in a new tab
BC846CWprinted 1CSOT-323NPN transistor, 3 pins, Taiwan SemiconductorNPN transistorSOT-3233 pinsTaiwan Semiconductor
Printed 1C on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
NPN transistor
Maker
Taiwan Semiconductor
Package
SOT-323
Pins
3
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the base reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC846CW, opens in a new tab
BC847Cprinted 1GSOT-23NPN transistor, 3 pins, DiotecNPN transistorSOT-233 pinsDiotec
Printed 1G on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
NPN transistor
Maker
Diotec
Package
SOT-23
Pins
3
Details
45 V NPN small-signal transistor, gain group C
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the base reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC847C, opens in a new tab
BC847CHprinted 1GSOT-23NPN transistor, 3 pins, Taiwan SemiconductorNPN transistorSOT-233 pinsTaiwan Semiconductor
Printed 1G on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
NPN transistor
Maker
Taiwan Semiconductor
Package
SOT-23
Pins
3
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the base reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC847CH, opens in a new tab
BC847CWprinted 1GSOT-323Transistor, 3 pins, DiotecTransistorSOT-3233 pinsDiotec
Printed 1G on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Transistor
Maker
Diotec
Package
SOT-323
Pins
3
Details
SMD General Purpose NPN Transistors
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
From the base, one probe colour reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC847CW, opens in a new tab
BC847CWHprinted 1GSOT-323NPN transistor, 3 pins, Taiwan SemiconductorNPN transistorSOT-3233 pinsTaiwan Semiconductor
Printed 1G on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
NPN transistor
Maker
Taiwan Semiconductor
Package
SOT-323
Pins
3
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the base reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC847CWH, opens in a new tab
BC847Sprinted 1CSOT-363Transistor, 6 pins, InfineonTransistorSOT-3636 pinsInfineon
Printed 1C on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Transistor
Maker
Infineon
Package
SOT-363
Pins
6
Details
SMD General Purpose NPN Transistors
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
From the base, one probe colour reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC847S, opens in a new tab
BC847SHprinted 1CSOT-363NPN transistor, 6 pins, Taiwan SemiconductorNPN transistorSOT-3636 pinsTaiwan Semiconductor
Printed 1C on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
NPN transistor
Maker
Taiwan Semiconductor
Package
SOT-363
Pins
6
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the base reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC847SH, opens in a new tab
BC848Cprinted 1GSOT-23NPN transistor, 3 pins, DiotecNPN transistorSOT-233 pinsDiotec
Printed 1G on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
NPN transistor
Maker
Diotec
Package
SOT-23
Pins
3
Details
30 V NPN small-signal transistor, gain group C
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the base reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC848C, opens in a new tab
BC848CWprinted 1GSOT-323Transistor, 3 pins, Taiwan SemiconductorTransistorSOT-3233 pinsTaiwan Semiconductor
Printed 1G on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Transistor
Maker
Taiwan Semiconductor
Package
SOT-323
Pins
3
Details
SMD General Purpose NPN Transistors
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
From the base, one probe colour reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC848CW, opens in a new tab
BC849Cprinted 1GSOT-23Transistor, 3 pins, DiotecTransistorSOT-233 pinsDiotec
Printed 1G on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Transistor
Maker
Diotec
Package
SOT-23
Pins
3
Details
SMD General Purpose NPN Transistors
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
From the base, one probe colour reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC849C, opens in a new tab
BC849CWprinted 1GSOT-323Transistor, 3 pins, Taiwan SemiconductorTransistorSOT-3233 pinsTaiwan Semiconductor
Printed 1G on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Transistor
Maker
Taiwan Semiconductor
Package
SOT-323
Pins
3
Details
Bipolar transistor
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
From the base, one probe colour reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC849CW, opens in a new tab
BC850Cprinted 1GSOT-23Transistor, 3 pins, DiotecTransistorSOT-233 pinsDiotec
Printed 1G on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Transistor
Maker
Diotec
Package
SOT-23
Pins
3
Details
SMD General Purpose NPN Transistors
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
From the base, one probe colour reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC850C, opens in a new tab
BC850CWprinted 1GSOT-323Transistor, 3 pins, Taiwan SemiconductorTransistorSOT-3233 pinsTaiwan Semiconductor
Printed 1G on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Transistor
Maker
Taiwan Semiconductor
Package
SOT-323
Pins
3
Details
Bipolar transistor
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
From the base, one probe colour reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BC850CW, opens in a new tab
BZD17C6V2Pprinted I6SOD-123FZener diode, 2 pins, VishayZener diodeSOD-123F2 pinsVishay
Printed I6 on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
SOD-123F
Pins
2
Details
6.2 V Zener diode
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range for the forward check, part lifted, red probe on the anode. A bench supply for the Zener voltage.
Working, it reads
About 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse on the diode range. Its Zener voltage shows only on a supply: feed it through a resistor that sets about 5 mA, cathode to positive, read quickly, and it should hold near its rated voltage.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways, forward too: failed open.
Holds well off its rated voltage on the supply test: drifted.
A soft knee, or a voltage that creeps on the supply test: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A meter's diode range stops at about 2 to 3 V, so almost every Zener reads open in reverse on it, good or bad; a 3 V meter may just show a 2.4 or 2.7 V part. Above about 3 V the meter cannot tell a Zener from a plain diode.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BZD17C6V2P, opens in a new tab
BZD17C110Pprinted L6SOD-123FZener diode, 2 pins, VishayZener diodeSOD-123F2 pinsVishay
Printed L6 on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
SOD-123F
Pins
2
Details
110 V Zener diode
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range for the forward check, part lifted, red probe on the anode. A bench supply for the Zener voltage.
Working, it reads
About 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse on the diode range. Its Zener voltage shows only on a supply: feed it through a resistor that sets about 5 mA, cathode to positive, read quickly, and it should hold near its rated voltage.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways, forward too: failed open.
Holds well off its rated voltage on the supply test: drifted.
A soft knee, or a voltage that creeps on the supply test: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A meter's diode range stops at about 2 to 3 V, so almost every Zener reads open in reverse on it, good or bad; a 3 V meter may just show a 2.4 or 2.7 V part. Above about 3 V the meter cannot tell a Zener from a plain diode.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BZD17C110P, opens in a new tab
BZD27B68Pprinted 1GSOD-123FZener diode, 2 pins, VishayZener diodeSOD-123F2 pinsVishay
Printed 1G on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
SOD-123F
Pins
2
Details
68 V Zener diode
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range for the forward check, part lifted, red probe on the anode. A bench supply for the Zener voltage.
Working, it reads
About 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse on the diode range. Its Zener voltage shows only on a supply: feed it through a resistor that sets about 5 mA, cathode to positive, read quickly, and it should hold near its rated voltage.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways, forward too: failed open.
Holds well off its rated voltage on the supply test: drifted.
A soft knee, or a voltage that creeps on the supply test: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A meter's diode range stops at about 2 to 3 V, so almost every Zener reads open in reverse on it, good or bad; a 3 V meter may just show a 2.4 or 2.7 V part. Above about 3 V the meter cannot tell a Zener from a plain diode.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BZD27B68P, opens in a new tab
BZX384-B9V1printed L6SOD-323Zener diode, 2 pins, NexperiaZener diodeSOD-3232 pinsNexperia
Printed L6 on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Nexperia
Package
SOD-323
Pins
2
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range for the forward check, part lifted, red probe on the anode. A bench supply for the Zener voltage.
Working, it reads
About 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse on the diode range. Its Zener voltage shows only on a supply: feed it through a resistor that sets about 5 mA, cathode to positive, read quickly, and it should hold near its rated voltage.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways, forward too: failed open.
Holds well off its rated voltage on the supply test: drifted.
A soft knee, or a voltage that creeps on the supply test: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A meter's diode range stops at about 2 to 3 V, so almost every Zener reads open in reverse on it, good or bad; a 3 V meter may just show a 2.4 or 2.7 V part. Above about 3 V the meter cannot tell a Zener from a plain diode.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BZX384-B9V1, opens in a new tab
MM3Z2V4printed 1CSOD-323Zener diode, 2 pins, DiotecZener diodeSOD-3232 pinsDiotec
Printed 1C on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Diotec
Package
SOD-323
Pins
2
Details
SMD Planar Zener Diodes
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range for the forward check, part lifted, red probe on the anode. A bench supply for the Zener voltage.
Working, it reads
About 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse on the diode range. Its Zener voltage shows only on a supply: feed it through a resistor that sets about 5 mA, cathode to positive, read quickly, and it should hold near its rated voltage.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways, forward too: failed open.
Holds well off its rated voltage on the supply test: drifted.
A soft knee, or a voltage that creeps on the supply test: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A meter's diode range stops at about 2 to 3 V, so almost every Zener reads open in reverse on it, good or bad; a 3 V meter may just show a 2.4 or 2.7 V part. Above about 3 V the meter cannot tell a Zener from a plain diode.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor MM3Z2V4, opens in a new tab
MMBTA06printed 1GSOT-23Transistor, 3 pins, InfineonTransistorSOT-233 pinsInfineon
Printed 1G on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Transistor
Maker
Infineon
Package
SOT-23
Pins
3
Details
SMD High Voltage NPN Transistors
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
From the base, one probe colour reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor MMBTA06, opens in a new tab
PMBTA06printed 1GSOT-23NPN transistor, 3 pins, NexperiaNPN transistorSOT-233 pinsNexperia
Printed 1G on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
NPN transistor
Maker
Nexperia
Package
SOT-23
Pins
3
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
Red probe on the base reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the emitter and to the collector, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open both ways.
Dead, it reads
Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted. The commonest failure.
The base the same both ways to another pin, near 0 V or a middling value: a shorted junction.
Only one junction reads, or none: a junction has failed open. It then looks like a diode.
A reading the wrong way round, where it should be open: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A pair of diodes with a common pin reads just like a transistor, and some transistors carry a built-in diode or resistor. The datasheet says which.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor PMBTA06, opens in a new tab
PMEG2010AEBprinted L6SOD-523Schottky diode, 2 pins, NexperiaSchottky diodeSOD-5232 pinsNexperia
Printed L6 on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Schottky diode
Maker
Nexperia
Package
SOD-523
Pins
2
Details
20 V, 1 A low VF Schottky barrier rectifier
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or one leg off the pad. Red probe on the anode.
Working, it reads
About 0.15 to 0.45 V anode to cathode, roughly half a silicon diode, and open the other way.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
A reading the wrong way round as well: leaky.
Open both ways: failed open.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A large Schottky can read about 0.1 V forward and beep like a short, and leaks a little the wrong way when good, more when warm. It is shorted only if it reads the same both ways. Measure it cold, beside an identical cold one.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor PMEG2010AEB, opens in a new tab
SD101CWSprinted 1CSOD-323Schottky diode, 2 pins, VishaySchottky diodeSOD-3232 pinsVishay
Printed 1C on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Schottky diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
SOD-323
Pins
2
Details
Schottky diode, 40 V
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or one leg off the pad. Red probe on the anode.
Working, it reads
About 0.15 to 0.45 V anode to cathode, roughly half a silicon diode, and open the other way.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
A reading the wrong way round as well: leaky.
Open both ways: failed open.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A large Schottky can read about 0.1 V forward and beep like a short, and leaks a little the wrong way when good, more when warm. It is shorted only if it reads the same both ways. Measure it cold, beside an identical cold one.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor SD101CWS, opens in a new tab
SMBJ13Aprinted LGSMBTVS diode, 2 pins, VishayTVS diodeSMB2 pinsVishay
Printed LG on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
TVS diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
SMB
Pins
2
Details
600 W TVS diode, unidirectional
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, from the protected line to ground, part lifted if you can.
Working, it reads
A one-way part reads about 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse. A two-way part reads open both ways. Arrays with several lines read as the datasheet's diagram draws them.
Dead, it reads
From the line to ground, the same reading both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted.
A reading both ways on a one-way part: leaky.
A one-way part open both ways: failed open.
On the board:
On the board, a line reading shorted to ground can be this part or anything else on that line. Lift it: if the short goes with it, it has failed.
Compare:
The same part on the next line or connector pin is the healthy reading to compare with.
Watch for:
A two-way part reads open both ways when it is good, exactly like one that has failed open. The meter cannot tell them apart; an identical part on the next line can.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor SMBJ13A, opens in a new tab
SMBJ13CAprinted LGSMBTVS diode, 2 pins, VishayTVS diodeSMB2 pinsVishay
Printed LG on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
TVS diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
SMB
Pins
2
Details
600 W TVS diode, bidirectional
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, from the protected line to ground, part lifted if you can.
Working, it reads
A one-way part reads about 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse. A two-way part reads open both ways. Arrays with several lines read as the datasheet's diagram draws them.
Dead, it reads
From the line to ground, the same reading both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted.
A reading both ways on a one-way part: leaky.
A one-way part open both ways: failed open.
On the board:
On the board, a line reading shorted to ground can be this part or anything else on that line. Lift it: if the short goes with it, it has failed.
Compare:
The same part on the next line or connector pin is the healthy reading to compare with.
Watch for:
A two-way part reads open both ways when it is good, exactly like one that has failed open. The meter cannot tell them apart; an identical part on the next line can.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor SMBJ13CA, opens in a new tab
4 more parts have no package on record
- BAT54RTBprinted LGSchottky diode, PanjitSchottky diodeNot recordedNot recordedPanjit
  Printed LG on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
  What it is
  Schottky diode
  Maker
  Panjit
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  Source
  From the manufacturer's datasheet
  Is it dead?
  Diode range, part lifted or one leg off the pad. Red probe on the anode.
  Working, it reads
  About 0.15 to 0.45 V anode to cathode, roughly half a silicon diode, and open the other way.
  Dead, it reads
  The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
  A reading the wrong way round as well: leaky.
  Open both ways: failed open.
  On the board:
  On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
  Compare:
  If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
  Watch for:
  A large Schottky can read about 0.1 V forward and beep like a short, and leaks a little the wrong way when good, more when warm. It is shorted only if it reads the same both ways. Measure it cold, beside an identical cold one.
  A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
  Datasheetfor BAT54RTB, opens in a new tab
- BAV70TBprinted LCSwitching diode, PanjitSwitching diodeNot recordedNot recordedPanjit
  Printed LC on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
  What it is
  Switching diode
  Maker
  Panjit
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  Source
  From the manufacturer's datasheet
  Is it dead?
  Diode range, part lifted or one leg off the pad. Red probe on the anode.
  Working, it reads
  About 0.5 to 0.8 V anode to cathode, and open the other way. Small switching diodes read about 0.6 to 0.7 V; large rectifiers can read a little lower.
  Dead, it reads
  The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
  Open both ways: failed open.
  A reading the wrong way round as well: leaky.
  On the board:
  On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
  Compare:
  If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
  Watch for:
  A three-pin body can hold two diodes. With a common pin they read two junctions from that pin, just like a transistor; in series they read two drops end to end. Test each pair the datasheet names.
  A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
  Datasheetfor BAV70TB, opens in a new tab
- ESD0521Zprinted 1CESD protection diode, DiotecESD protection diodeNot recordedNot recordedDiotec
  Printed 1C on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
  What it is
  ESD protection diode
  Maker
  Diotec
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  Details
  ESD Protection Diodes in SMD
  Source
  From the manufacturer's datasheet
  Is it dead?
  Diode range, from the protected line to ground, part lifted if you can.
  Working, it reads
  A one-way part reads about 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse. A two-way part reads open both ways. Arrays with several lines read as the datasheet's diagram draws them.
  Dead, it reads
  From the line to ground, the same reading both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted.
  A reading both ways on a one-way part: leaky.
  A one-way part open both ways: failed open.
  On the board:
  On the board, a line reading shorted to ground can be this part or anything else on that line. Lift it: if the short goes with it, it has failed.
  Compare:
  The same part on the next line or connector pin is the healthy reading to compare with.
  Watch for:
  A two-way part reads open both ways when it is good, exactly like one that has failed open. The meter cannot tell them apart; an identical part on the next line can.
  A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
  Datasheetfor ESD0521Z, opens in a new tab
- SMBG13Aprinted LGTVS diode, VishayTVS diodeNot recordedNot recordedVishay
  Printed LG on the part. Easy to misread as 16. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
  What it is
  TVS diode
  Maker
  Vishay
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  Details
  600 W TVS diode, unidirectional
  Source
  From the manufacturer's datasheet
  Is it dead?
  Diode range, from the protected line to ground, part lifted if you can.
  Working, it reads
  A one-way part reads about 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse. A two-way part reads open both ways. Arrays with several lines read as the datasheet's diagram draws them.
  Dead, it reads
  From the line to ground, the same reading both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted.
  A reading both ways on a one-way part: leaky.
  A one-way part open both ways: failed open.
  On the board:
  On the board, a line reading shorted to ground can be this part or anything else on that line. Lift it: if the short goes with it, it has failed.
  Compare:
  The same part on the next line or connector pin is the healthy reading to compare with.
  Watch for:
  A two-way part reads open both ways when it is good, exactly like one that has failed open. The meter cannot tell them apart; an identical part on the next line can.
  A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
  Datasheetfor SMBG13A, opens in a new tab

Open this in the search to correct a character or try another package.

16 parts are printed 16

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Printed with a code easy to misread

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