WhatSMD: identify an unknown SMD component

Not sure which one you have?

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

The only part printed 28 in this package in our tables

TLV74028PDQN

What it is: LDO regulator
Maker: Texas Instruments
Package: Not recorded
Pins: 4
Details: 300mA, Low-Dropout Regulator With Foldback Current Limit
Source: From the manufacturer's datasheet

Is it dead?

Voltage, board powered, black probe on ground. Then ohms with the power off.

Working, it reads

Input pin at the supply, output pin at its rated voltage, and the enable pin high if it has one.

Dead, it reads

Output equal to the input: the pass element has shorted. Everything after it may have taken the full input.
Input present, enable high, no output: failed open, or holding itself off into a shorted load. Power off and measure output to ground.
Power off, input to output near 0 Ω: shorted.

On the board:: An output at 0 V is often a shorted load with the regulator in current limit. Lift the output pin: if the short stays on the board, the regulator may be fine.
Compare:: The same regulator on another rail or another board shows the right voltages and the right resistances.
Watch for:: Makers put input, output and ground on different pins in the same package, so take them from this part's datasheet. Diode or ohms readings between its pins say little; check it powered.

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

Datasheet

Printed with a code easy to misread

These parts are printed with a character that is easy to misread as what you typed. The odd one out is marked on each.

BZT52C30Kprinted Z8Zener diode, Taiwan SemiconductorZener diodeTaiwan Semiconductor
Printed Z8 on the part. Easy to misread as 28. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Taiwan Semiconductor
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.
Datasheetfor BZT52C30K, opens in a new tab
SMZG3807Bprinted ZBZener diode, VishayZener diodeVishay
Printed ZB on the part. Easy to misread as 28. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
56 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 SMZG3807B, opens in a new tab
VESD03C1-HD1printed 2BESD protection diode, VishayESD protection diodeVishay
Printed 2B on the part. Easy to misread as 28. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
ESD protection diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
Not recorded
Pins
Not recorded
Details
Single-Line ESD-Protection Diode in DFN1006-2A
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 VESD03C1-HD1, opens in a new tab

13 more parts have codes that begin with 28

Codes that begin with 28

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

BZX84C28TWprinted 28CSOT-363Zener diode, 6 pins, PanjitZener diode6 pinsPanjit
Printed 28C. 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
SOT-363
Pins
6
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 BZX84C28TW, opens in a new tab
BZX84C28TW-AUprinted 28CSOT-363Zener diode, 6 pins, PanjitZener diode6 pinsPanjit
Printed 28C. 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
SOT-363
Pins
6
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 BZX84C28TW-AU, opens in a new tab
11 more parts have no package on record. Nothing rules them out, so they stay.
- 1SMB3EZ28printed 28BZener diode, PanjitZener diodeNot recordedPanjit
  Printed 28B. 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.
  Datasheetfor 1SMB3EZ28, opens in a new tab
- 1SMB3EZ28-AUprinted 28BZener diode, PanjitZener diodeNot recordedPanjit
  Printed 28B. 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.
  Datasheetfor 1SMB3EZ28-AU, opens in a new tab
- AON2812printed 2812MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorMOSFETNot recordedAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
  Printed 2812. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
  What it is
  MOSFET
  Maker
  Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  Details
  Low-voltage (12-30 V) MOSFET
  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 AON2812, opens in a new tab
- CJAE28SN06printed 28SN06N-channel MOSFET, JSCJN-channel MOSFETNot recordedJSCJ
  Printed 28SN06. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
  What it is
  N-channel MOSFET
  Maker
  JSCJ
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  Details
  MOSFET, N-channel, 60 V, 28 A
  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
  Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.
  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. Often all three pins end up shorted together.
  No body diode at all: failed open.
  On the board:
  On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, so gate to source reads that resistor, which is not a fault. A drain short can be the load. 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 CJAE28SN06, opens in a new tab
- PSMQB280N10LS2printed 280GL2MOSFET, PanjitMOSFETNot recordedPanjit
  Printed 280GL2. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
  What it is
  MOSFET
  Maker
  Panjit
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  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 PSMQB280N10LS2, opens in a new tab
- PSMQC280N10LS2printed 280N10LSMOSFET, PanjitMOSFETNot recordedPanjit
  Printed 280N10LS. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
  What it is
  MOSFET
  Maker
  Panjit
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  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 PSMQC280N10LS2, opens in a new tab
- SMPZ3928Bprinted 28BZener diode, VishayZener diodeNot recordedVishay
  Printed 28B. 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
  Vishay
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  Details
  13 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 SMPZ3928B, opens in a new tab
- PLZ2V0Bprinted 2B0Zener diode, VishayZener diodeNot recordedVishay
  Printed 2B0. 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
  Vishay
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  Details
  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 PLZ2V0B, opens in a new tab
- PLZ2V2Bprinted 2B2Zener diode, VishayZener diodeNot recordedVishay
  Printed 2B2. 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
  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.
  Datasheetfor PLZ2V2B, opens in a new tab
- PLZ2V4Bprinted 2B4Zener diode, VishayZener diodeNot recordedVishay
  Printed 2B4. 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
  Vishay
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  Details
  2.4 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 PLZ2V4B, opens in a new tab
- PLZ2V7Bprinted 2B7Zener diode, VishayZener diodeNot recordedVishay
  Printed 2B7. 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
  Vishay
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  Details
  2.7 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 PLZ2V7B, opens in a new tab

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.

What’s printed on it?

TLV74028PDQN

Is it dead?

Printed with a code easy to misread

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Codes that begin with 28

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

One code, several parts

When more than one is left

When you cannot read it