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5 parts are printed BV.

5 parts are printed BV

Not sure which one you have?

Answer up to 4 quick questions and these 5 parts are ranked, with a meter test that settles it. It works on a dead part too.

  • SMAJ20ASMATVS diode, Vishay
    What it is
    TVS diode
    Maker
    Vishay
    Package
    SMA
    Pins
    2
    Details
    400 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.

  • 4 more parts have no package on record. Nothing rules them out, so they stay.
    • BZX884B2V2LZener diode, Vishay
      What it is
      Zener diode
      Maker
      Vishay
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      2.2 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.

    • MSMP20ATVS diode, Vishay
      What it is
      TVS diode
      Maker
      Vishay
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      150 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.

    • SMP20ATVS diode, Vishay
      What it is
      TVS diode
      Maker
      Vishay
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      400 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.

    • SRL23Schottky diode, Diotec
      What it is
      Schottky diode
      Maker
      Diotec
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      SMD Low Barrier Schottky Rectifier 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.

16 more parts have codes that begin with BV

Codes that begin with BV

For a marking with its end worn or burnt off. Each one shows its full printed code.

  • P4SMA36Aprinted BVJSMATVS diode, Taiwan Semiconductor

    Printed BVJ. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

    What it is
    TVS diode
    Maker
    Taiwan Semiconductor
    Package
    SMA
    Pins
    2
    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.

  • TPSMA36Aprinted BVPSMATVS diode, Vishay

    Printed BVP. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

    What it is
    TVS diode
    Maker
    Vishay
    Package
    SMA
    Pins
    2
    Details
    400 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.

  • 14 more parts have no package on record. Nothing rules them out, so they stay.
    • AOZ18101DI-01printed BV01Load switch, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

      Printed BV01. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      What it is
      Load switch
      Maker
      Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      eFuse
      Source
      From the manufacturer's datasheet

      Is it dead?

      Voltage, board powered, black probe on ground.

      Working, it reads

      Switched on, the output pin sits at the input voltage. Switched off, it sits near 0 V.

      Dead, it reads

      • Output at the input voltage while switched off: the pass element has shorted.
      • Input present and switched on, no output: failed open, or shut down into a shorted load. Power off and measure output to ground.
      On the board:
      An output near 0 Ω to ground is usually the load. Lift the output pin to see which.
      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 pinout and whether the enable is active high or low differ between parts. The datasheet gives both.

      A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.

    • AOZ18101DI-02printed BV02Load switch, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

      Printed BV02. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      What it is
      Load switch
      Maker
      Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      eFuse
      Source
      From the manufacturer's datasheet

      Is it dead?

      Voltage, board powered, black probe on ground.

      Working, it reads

      Switched on, the output pin sits at the input voltage. Switched off, it sits near 0 V.

      Dead, it reads

      • Output at the input voltage while switched off: the pass element has shorted.
      • Input present and switched on, no output: failed open, or shut down into a shorted load. Power off and measure output to ground.
      On the board:
      An output near 0 Ω to ground is usually the load. Lift the output pin to see which.
      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 pinout and whether the enable is active high or low differ between parts. The datasheet gives both.

      A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.

    • AOZ18101DI-03printed BV03Load switch, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

      Printed BV03. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      What it is
      Load switch
      Maker
      Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      eFuse
      Source
      From the manufacturer's datasheet

      Is it dead?

      Voltage, board powered, black probe on ground.

      Working, it reads

      Switched on, the output pin sits at the input voltage. Switched off, it sits near 0 V.

      Dead, it reads

      • Output at the input voltage while switched off: the pass element has shorted.
      • Input present and switched on, no output: failed open, or shut down into a shorted load. Power off and measure output to ground.
      On the board:
      An output near 0 Ω to ground is usually the load. Lift the output pin to see which.
      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 pinout and whether the enable is active high or low differ between parts. The datasheet gives both.

      A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.

    • AOZ18101DI-04printed BV04Load switch, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

      Printed BV04. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      What it is
      Load switch
      Maker
      Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      eFuse
      Source
      From the manufacturer's datasheet

      Is it dead?

      Voltage, board powered, black probe on ground.

      Working, it reads

      Switched on, the output pin sits at the input voltage. Switched off, it sits near 0 V.

      Dead, it reads

      • Output at the input voltage while switched off: the pass element has shorted.
      • Input present and switched on, no output: failed open, or shut down into a shorted load. Power off and measure output to ground.
      On the board:
      An output near 0 Ω to ground is usually the load. Lift the output pin to see which.
      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 pinout and whether the enable is active high or low differ between parts. The datasheet gives both.

      A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.

    • TA6F36Aprinted BVPTVS diode, Vishay

      Printed BVP. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      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.

    • TA6F36CAprinted BVPTVS diode, Vishay

      Printed BVP. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      What it is
      TVS diode
      Maker
      Vishay
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      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.

    • TA6L36Aprinted BVLTVS diode, Vishay

      Printed BVL. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      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.

    • TA6L36CAprinted BVLTVS diode, Vishay

      Printed BVL. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      What it is
      TVS diode
      Maker
      Vishay
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      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.

    • TPSMA6L20Aprinted BVATVS diode, Diotec

      Printed BVA. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      What it is
      TVS diode
      Maker
      Diotec
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      SMD Transient Voltage Suppressor Diodes
      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.

    • TPSMP36Aprinted BVPTVS diode, Vishay

      Printed BVP. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      What it is
      TVS diode
      Maker
      Vishay
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      400 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.

    • 1SMB3EZ8.2printed 8V2BZener diode, Panjit

      Printed 8V2B. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      What it is
      Zener diode
      Maker
      Panjit
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      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.

    • 1SMB3EZ8.2-AUprinted 8V2BZener diode, Panjit

      Printed 8V2B. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      What it is
      Zener diode
      Maker
      Panjit
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      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.

    • 1SMB3EZ8.7printed 8V7BZener diode, Panjit

      Printed 8V7B. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      What it is
      Zener diode
      Maker
      Panjit
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      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.

    • 1SMB3EZ8.7-AUprinted 8V7BZener diode, Panjit

      Printed 8V7B. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      What it is
      Zener diode
      Maker
      Panjit
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      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.

One code, several parts

Marking codes are not unique. In the standard code book, 6H on a SOT-23 is an NPN transistor, a varicap, an N-channel JFET, two digital transistors, a 3.6 V voltage detector: six parts from five makers. So a search shows the parts we hold under that code and under codes easily misread as it, with only the columns that tell them apart.

6Hon a SOT-23, in the code book
  • NPN transistor
  • Varicap
  • N-channel JFET
  • Digital transistor ×2
  • 3.6 V voltage detector

When more than one is left

Tap Help me choose. Up to 4 quick answers: whether the part has failed, then what separates the parts left. Those get ranked with the reasoning and a test that settles it. That uses one identification; 3 a month are free.

When you cannot read it

Tap the camera in the field. We read the characters, keep the ones we are unsure of, and search every reading. A photo too soft to read is turned back on your phone first; if it is the only one you can get, you can still send it.