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1 part is printed 56. 6 printed with a similar-looking code.

Not sure which one you have?

Answer up to 4 quick questions and these 7 parts are ranked, with a meter test that settles it. It works on a dead part too.

The only part printed 56 in this package in our tables

BAT17-06

What it is
Schottky 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 0.15 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 BAT17-06, opens in a new tab

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.

  • ESD4A15LUC5V5Zprinted 5GSOT-363ESD protection diode, 6 pins, Diotec

    Printed 5G on the part. Easy to misread as 56. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    ESD protection diode
    Maker
    Diotec
    Package
    SOT-363
    Pins
    6
    Details
    ESD Protection & Steering Diodes Array 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 ESD4A15LUC5V5Z, opens in a new tab
  • 5 more parts have no package on record. Nothing rules them out, so they stay.
    • BAT15-099Rprinted S6Schottky diode, Infineon

      Printed S6 on the part. Easy to misread as 56. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

      What it is
      Schottky 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 0.15 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 BAT15-099R, opens in a new tab
    • BC808-40printed 5GTransistor, Infineon

      Printed 5G on the part. Easy to misread as 56. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

      What it is
      Transistor
      Maker
      Infineon
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      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 BC808-40, opens in a new tab
    • SMBD7000printed 5CSwitching diode, Infineon

      Printed 5C on the part. Easy to misread as 56. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

      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 SMBD7000, opens in a new tab
    • TLV70726PDQNprinted SCLDO regulator, 4 pins, Texas Instruments

      Printed SC on the part. Easy to misread as 56. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

      What it is
      LDO regulator
      Maker
      Texas Instruments
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      4
      Details
      200-mA, Low-IQ, Low-Noise, Low-Dropout Regulator for Portable Devices
      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.

      Datasheetfor TLV70726PDQN, opens in a new tab
    • VCUT05G1-SD0printed 5GESD protection diode, Vishay

      Printed 5G on the part. Easy to misread as 56. 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
      Bidirectional Symmetrical (BiSy) Single Line ESD Protection Diode in Silicon Package
      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 VCUT05G1-SD0, opens in a new tab
23 more parts have codes that begin with 56

Codes that begin with 56

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

  • BC856BSprinted 56SSOT-363PNP transistor, 6 pins, Panjit

    Printed 56S. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

    What it is
    PNP transistor
    Maker
    Panjit
    Package
    SOT-363
    Pins
    6
    Details
    65 V, 100 mA PNP/PNP general-purpose transistor
    Source
    From the manufacturer's datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.

    Working, it reads

    Black 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 BC856BS, opens in a new tab
  • BC856BS-AUprinted 56SSOT-363Transistor, 6 pins, Panjit

    Printed 56S. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

    What it is
    Transistor
    Maker
    Panjit
    Package
    SOT-363
    Pins
    6
    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 BC856BS-AU, opens in a new tab
  • DMMT3906W-AUprinted S6ASOT-363Transistor, 6 pins, Panjit

    Printed S6A. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

    What it is
    Transistor
    Maker
    Panjit
    Package
    SOT-363
    Pins
    6
    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 DMMT3906W-AU, opens in a new tab
  • 20 more parts have no package on record. Nothing rules them out, so they stay.
    • PJQ2566Aprinted 566MOSFET, Panjit

      Printed 566. 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 PJQ2566A, opens in a new tab
    • PJQ2568Aprinted 568MOSFET, Panjit

      Printed 568. 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 PJQ2568A, opens in a new tab
    • PJQ4564AP-AUprinted 564AMOSFET, Panjit

      Printed 564A. 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 PJQ4564AP-AU, opens in a new tab
    • PJQ4568AP-AUprinted 568AMOSFET, Panjit

      Printed 568A. 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 PJQ4568AP-AU, opens in a new tab
    • SS56ALHprinted 56ALHSchottky diode, Taiwan Semiconductor

      Printed 56ALH. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.

      What it is
      Schottky diode
      Maker
      Taiwan Semiconductor
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      Rectifier schottky
      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 SS56ALH, opens in a new tab
    • PJS6600printed SC0MOSFET, Panjit

      Printed SC0. 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 PJS6600, opens in a new tab
    • PJS6602printed SC2MOSFET, Panjit

      Printed SC2. 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 PJS6602, opens in a new tab
    • PJS6832printed SG2MOSFET, Panjit

      Printed SG2. 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 PJS6832, opens in a new tab
    • PLZ5V1Cprinted 5C1Zener diode, Vishay

      Printed 5C1. 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
      5.1 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 PLZ5V1C, opens in a new tab
    • PLZ5V6Cprinted 5C6Zener diode, Vishay

      Printed 5C6. 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
      5.6 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 PLZ5V6C, opens in a new tab
    • PZ1AH12Bprinted SCHZener diode, Panjit

      Printed SCH. 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 PZ1AH12B, opens in a new tab
    • PZ1AH12B-AUprinted SCHZener diode, Panjit

      Printed SCH. 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 PZ1AH12B-AU, opens in a new tab
    • PZS5113BASprinted SCHZener diode, Panjit

      Printed SCH. 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 PZS5113BAS, opens in a new tab
    • PZS5113BAS-AUprinted SCHZener diode, Panjit

      Printed SCH. 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 PZS5113BAS-AU, opens in a new tab
    • PZS5214BCHprinted SCHZener diode, Panjit

      Printed SCH. 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 PZS5214BCH, opens in a new tab
    • TLV70019DDCprinted SCJLDO regulator, 5 pins, Texas Instruments

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

      What it is
      LDO regulator
      Maker
      Texas Instruments
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      5
      Details
      200-mA, Low-IQ, Low-Dropout Regulator for Portable Devices
      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.

      Datasheetfor TLV70019DDC, opens in a new tab
    • TLV70022DDCprinted SCILDO regulator, 5 pins, Texas Instruments

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

      What it is
      LDO regulator
      Maker
      Texas Instruments
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      5
      Details
      200-mA, Low-IQ, Low-Dropout Regulator for Portable Devices
      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.

      Datasheetfor TLV70022DDC, opens in a new tab
    • TLV70032DDCprinted SCHLDO regulator, 5 pins, Texas Instruments

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

      What it is
      LDO regulator
      Maker
      Texas Instruments
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      5
      Details
      200-mA, Low-IQ, Low-Dropout Regulator for Portable Devices
      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.

      Datasheetfor TLV70032DDC, opens in a new tab
    • TLV70036DDCprinted SCGLDO regulator, 5 pins, Texas Instruments

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

      What it is
      LDO regulator
      Maker
      Texas Instruments
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      5
      Details
      200-mA, Low-IQ, Low-Dropout Regulator for Portable Devices
      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.

      Datasheetfor TLV70036DDC, opens in a new tab
    • TPS78236DDCprinted SCELDO regulator, 5 pins, Texas Instruments

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

      What it is
      LDO regulator
      Maker
      Texas Instruments
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      5
      Details
      500-nA IQ,150-mA, Ultra-Low Quiescent Current Low-Dropout Linear Regulator
      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.

      Datasheetfor TPS78236DDC, 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.