WhatSMD: identify an unknown SMD component

6 parts are printed F6

Not sure which one you have?

Answer up to 4 quick questions and these 6 parts are ranked, with a meter test that settles it. It works on a dead part too.

BZD27C43PSOD-123FZener diode, 2 pins, VishayZener diodeSOD-123F2 pinsVishay
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
SOD-123F
Pins
2
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range for the forward check, part lifted, red probe on the anode. A bench supply for the Zener voltage.
Working, it reads
About 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse on the diode range. Its Zener voltage shows only on a supply: feed it through a resistor that sets about 5 mA, cathode to positive, read quickly, and it should hold near its rated voltage.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways, forward too: failed open.
Holds well off its rated voltage on the supply test: drifted.
A soft knee, or a voltage that creeps on the supply test: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A meter's diode range stops at about 2 to 3 V, so almost every Zener reads open in reverse on it, good or bad; a 3 V meter may just show a 2.4 or 2.7 V part. Above about 3 V the meter cannot tell a Zener from a plain diode.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor BZD27C43P, opens in a new tab
BZX585-C3V9SOD-523Zener diode, 2 pins, NexperiaZener diodeSOD-5232 pinsNexperia
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Nexperia
Package
SOD-523
Pins
2
Details
3.9 V approx. ±5% voltage regulator (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 BZX585-C3V9, opens in a new tab
MMSZ5236SOD-123Zener diode, 2 pins, VishayZener diodeSOD-1232 pinsVishay
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
SOD-123
Pins
2
Details
7.5 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 MMSZ5236, opens in a new tab
MMSZ5236-GSOD-123Zener diode, 2 pins, VishayZener diodeSOD-1232 pinsVishay
What it is
Zener diode
Maker
Vishay
Package
SOD-123
Pins
2
Details
7.5 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 MMSZ5236-G, opens in a new tab
2 more parts have no package on record
- TLV707335DQNLDO regulator, 4 pins, Texas InstrumentsLDO regulatorNot recorded4 pinsTexas Instruments
  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 TLV707335DQN, opens in a new tab
- TPS7A0223PDQNLDO regulator, 4 pins, Texas InstrumentsLDO regulatorNot recorded4 pinsTexas Instruments
  What it is
  LDO regulator
  Maker
  Texas Instruments
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  4
  Details
  Nanopower IQ, 25-nA, 200-mA, Low-Dropout Voltage Regulator With Fast Transient Response
  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 TPS7A0223PDQN, opens in a new tab

5 more parts are printed with a code easy to misread as F6

Printed with a code easy to misread

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

BCV47printed FGSOT-23Transistor, 3 pins, DiotecTransistorSOT-233 pinsDiotec
Printed FG on the part. Easy to misread as F6. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
What it is
Transistor
Maker
Diotec
Package
SOT-23
Pins
3
Details
SMD NPN Darlington Transistors
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or its base leg off the pad.
Working, it reads
From the base, one probe colour reads about 0.6 to 0.75 V to the collector and about 1.1 to 1.4 V to the emitter, two junctions in series, and open the other way round. Collector to emitter reads open. Built-in resistors can change these readings.
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 BCV47, opens in a new tab
4 more parts have no package on record
- BFQ19Sprinted FGRF transistor, InfineonRF transistorNot recordedNot recordedInfineon
  Printed FG on the part. Easy to misread as F6. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
  What it is
  RF 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 BFQ19S, opens in a new tab
- BFR380Fprinted FCRF transistor, InfineonRF transistorNot recordedNot recordedInfineon
  Printed FC on the part. Easy to misread as F6. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
  What it is
  RF 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 BFR380F, opens in a new tab
- BFS380L6printed FCRF transistor, InfineonRF transistorNot recordedNot recordedInfineon
  Printed FC on the part. Easy to misread as F6. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
  What it is
  RF 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 BFS380L6, opens in a new tab
- TLV73310PDQNprinted FGLDO regulator, 4 pins, Texas InstrumentsLDO regulatorNot recorded4 pinsTexas Instruments
  Printed FG on the part. Easy to misread as F6. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
  What it is
  LDO regulator
  Maker
  Texas Instruments
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  4
  Details
  Capacitor-Free, 300-mA, Low-Dropout Regulator in 1-mm × 1-mm X2SON Package
  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 TLV73310PDQN, opens in a new tab

11 more parts have codes that begin with F6

Codes that begin with F6

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

1.5SMC51Aprinted FGJSMCTVS diode, 2 pins, Taiwan SemiconductorTVS diodeSMC2 pinsTaiwan Semiconductor
Printed FGJ. 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
SMC
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.
Datasheetfor 1.5SMC51A, opens in a new tab
1.5SMC51AHprinted FGJSMCTVS diode, 2 pins, Taiwan SemiconductorTVS diodeSMC2 pinsTaiwan Semiconductor
Printed FGJ. 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
SMC
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.
Datasheetfor 1.5SMC51AH, opens in a new tab
PZ1AL5V6B-AUprinted FCHSOD-123FZener diode, 2 pins, PanjitZener diodeSOD-123F2 pinsPanjit
Printed FCH. 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
SOD-123F
Pins
2
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range for the forward check, part lifted, red probe on the anode. A bench supply for the Zener voltage.
Working, it reads
About 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse on the diode range. Its Zener voltage shows only on a supply: feed it through a resistor that sets about 5 mA, cathode to positive, read quickly, and it should hold near its rated voltage.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways, forward too: failed open.
Holds well off its rated voltage on the supply test: drifted.
A soft knee, or a voltage that creeps on the supply test: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A meter's diode range stops at about 2 to 3 V, so almost every Zener reads open in reverse on it, good or bad; a 3 V meter may just show a 2.4 or 2.7 V part. Above about 3 V the meter cannot tell a Zener from a plain diode.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor PZ1AL5V6B-AU, opens in a new tab
PZS51A5V6CSprinted FCHSOD-323Zener diode, 2 pins, PanjitZener diodeSOD-3232 pinsPanjit
Printed FCH. 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
SOD-323
Pins
2
Source
From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range for the forward check, part lifted, red probe on the anode. A bench supply for the Zener voltage.
Working, it reads
About 0.6 to 0.8 V forward and open in reverse on the diode range. Its Zener voltage shows only on a supply: feed it through a resistor that sets about 5 mA, cathode to positive, read quickly, and it should hold near its rated voltage.
Dead, it reads
The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
Open both ways, forward too: failed open.
Holds well off its rated voltage on the supply test: drifted.
A soft knee, or a voltage that creeps on the supply test: leaky.
On the board:
On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
Compare:
If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
Watch for:
A meter's diode range stops at about 2 to 3 V, so almost every Zener reads open in reverse on it, good or bad; a 3 V meter may just show a 2.4 or 2.7 V part. Above about 3 V the meter cannot tell a Zener from a plain diode.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Datasheetfor PZS51A5V6CS, opens in a new tab
7 more parts have no package on record
- TESDA22VU60P2Q3printed F60ESD protection diode, Taiwan SemiconductorESD protection diodeNot recordedNot recordedTaiwan Semiconductor
  Printed F60. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
  What it is
  ESD protection diode
  Maker
  Taiwan Semiconductor
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  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 TESDA22VU60P2Q3, opens in a new tab
- TESDA26VU55P2Q3printed F60ESD protection diode, Taiwan SemiconductorESD protection diodeNot recordedNot recordedTaiwan Semiconductor
  Printed F60. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
  What it is
  ESD protection diode
  Maker
  Taiwan Semiconductor
  Package
  Not recorded
  Pins
  Not recorded
  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 TESDA26VU55P2Q3, opens in a new tab
- PZ1AH5V6Bprinted FCHZener diode, PanjitZener diodeNot recordedNot recordedPanjit
  Printed FCH. 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 PZ1AH5V6B, opens in a new tab
- PZ1AH5V6B-AUprinted FCHZener diode, PanjitZener diodeNot recordedNot recordedPanjit
  Printed FCH. 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 PZ1AH5V6B-AU, opens in a new tab
- PZS515V6BASprinted FCHZener diode, PanjitZener diodeNot recordedNot recordedPanjit
  Printed FCH. 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 PZS515V6BAS, opens in a new tab
- PZS515V6BAS-AUprinted FCHZener diode, PanjitZener diodeNot recordedNot recordedPanjit
  Printed FCH. 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 PZS515V6BAS-AU, opens in a new tab
- PZS526V2BCHprinted FCHZener diode, PanjitZener diodeNot recordedNot recordedPanjit
  Printed FCH. 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 PZS526V2BCH, 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?

6 parts are printed F6

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Printed with a code easy to misread

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Is it dead?

Codes that begin with F6

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