SMD marking
15in SOT-23
Marking codes are not standardised, and the same code is reused by unrelated makers for unrelated parts. Below is every part in our tables printed with it, and any printed with a code that is easy to misread as it, from the manufacturers' own marking tables.
5 parts are printed 15
Not sure which one you have?
Answer up to 4 quick questions and these 5 parts are ranked, with a meter test that settles it. It works on a dead part too.
DTA124EKASOT-23Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in), 3 pins, ROHMDigital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)3 pinsROHM
- What it is
- Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)
- Maker
- ROHM
- Package
- SOT-23
- Pins
- 3
- Details
- PNP digital transistor (bias resistor built-in); R1 = 22kOhm, R2 = 22kOhm
- Source
- From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Ohms range, part lifted. The datasheet gives the built-in resistors: R1 in series with the base, R2 from base to emitter.
Working, it reads
Base to emitter reads about R1 plus R2 either way round, about 20 kΩ on a 10 k and 10 k part, give or take their wide tolerance. Collector to emitter reads open. A part with no R2 reads a junction behind R1 one way instead.
Dead, it reads
- Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 Ω with a continuous beep: shorted.
- From the base, open or far above R1 plus R2: R1 has failed. Static damage shows here most often.
- Base to emitter near 0 Ω: failed short.
- On the board:
- On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
- Compare:
- The readings depend on the resistor values, so an identical part elsewhere on the board is the surest reference. Measure it the same way.
- Watch for:
- On the diode range a good part with 10 kΩ resistors reads open on every pair, so a good part looks dead there. Use the ohms range.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
PDTA113ETSOT-23Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in), 3 pins, NexperiaDigital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)3 pinsNexperia
- What it is
- Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)
- Maker
- Nexperia
- Package
- SOT-23
- Pins
- 3
- Details
- 50 V, 100 mA PNP resistor-equipped transistor; R1 = 1 kΩ, R2 = 1 kΩ
- Source
- From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Ohms range, part lifted. The datasheet gives the built-in resistors: R1 in series with the base, R2 from base to emitter.
Working, it reads
Base to emitter reads about R1 plus R2 either way round, about 20 kΩ on a 10 k and 10 k part, give or take their wide tolerance. Collector to emitter reads open. A part with no R2 reads a junction behind R1 one way instead.
Dead, it reads
- Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 Ω with a continuous beep: shorted.
- From the base, open or far above R1 plus R2: R1 has failed. Static damage shows here most often.
- Base to emitter near 0 Ω: failed short.
- On the board:
- On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
- Compare:
- The readings depend on the resistor values, so an identical part elsewhere on the board is the surest reference. Measure it the same way.
- Watch for:
- On the diode range a good part with 10 kΩ resistors reads open on every pair, so a good part looks dead there. Use the ohms range.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
3 more parts have no package on record. Nothing rules them out, so they stay.
BAS125-05WSwitching diode, InfineonSwitching diodeNot recordedInfineon
- What it is
- Switching diode
- Maker
- Infineon
- Package
- Not recorded
- Pins
- Not recorded
- Source
- From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Diode range, part lifted or one leg off the pad. Red probe on the anode.
Working, it reads
About 0.5 to 0.8 V anode to cathode, and open the other way. Small switching diodes read about 0.6 to 0.7 V; large rectifiers can read a little lower.
Dead, it reads
- The same reading both ways round, near 0 V with a continuous beep or the same middling value: shorted.
- Open both ways: failed open.
- A reading the wrong way round as well: leaky.
- On the board:
- On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
- Compare:
- If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
- Watch for:
- A three-pin body can hold two diodes. With a common pin they read two junctions from that pin, just like a transistor; in series they read two drops end to end. Test each pair the datasheet names.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
ESDUNF15VB1ESD protection diode, JSCJESD protection diodeNot recordedJSCJ
- What it is
- ESD protection diode
- Maker
- JSCJ
- Package
- Not recorded
- Pins
- Not recorded
- Details
- ESD protection diode, VRWM 15 V
- 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.
VCUT15G1-SD0ESD protection diode, VishayESD protection diodeNot recordedVishay
- 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.
5 more parts are printed with a code easy to misread as 15
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.
AO3495printed L5SOT-23P-channel MOSFET, 3 pins, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorP-channel MOSFET3 pinsAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed L5 on the part. Easy to misread as 15. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
- What it is
- P-channel MOSFET
- Maker
- Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
- Package
- SOT-23
- Pins
- 3
- Details
- P-channel MOSFET (8-60 V)
- 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 drain, black on the source: 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. 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.
AOSS32334Cprinted LSSOT-23MOSFET, 3 pins, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorMOSFET3 pinsAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed LS on the part. Easy to misread as 15. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
- What it is
- MOSFET
- Maker
- Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
- Package
- SOT-23
- Pins
- 3
- 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.
3 more parts have no package on record. Nothing rules them out, so they stay.
BCR405Uprinted L5Digital transistor (resistors built in), InfineonDigital transistor (resistors built in)Not recordedInfineon
Printed L5 on the part. Easy to misread as 15. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
- What it is
- Digital transistor (resistors built in)
- Maker
- Infineon
- Package
- Not recorded
- Pins
- Not recorded
- Source
- From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Ohms range, part lifted. The datasheet gives the built-in resistors: R1 in series with the base, R2 from base to emitter.
Working, it reads
Base to emitter reads about R1 plus R2 either way round, about 20 kΩ on a 10 k and 10 k part, give or take their wide tolerance. Collector to emitter reads open. A part with no R2 reads a junction behind R1 one way instead.
Dead, it reads
- Collector to emitter the same both ways, near 0 Ω with a continuous beep: shorted.
- From the base, open or far above R1 plus R2: R1 has failed. Static damage shows here most often.
- Base to emitter near 0 Ω: failed short.
- On the board:
- On the board this is a first look only: the meter reads every path between those pins, and a short can be a neighbour. Lift one leg before you condemn it.
- Compare:
- The readings depend on the resistor values, so an identical part elsewhere on the board is the surest reference. Measure it the same way.
- Watch for:
- On the diode range a good part with 10 kΩ resistors reads open on every pair, so a good part looks dead there. Use the ohms range.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
BF770Aprinted LSRF transistor, InfineonRF transistorNot recordedInfineon
Printed LS on the part. Easy to misread as 15. 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.
TLV803ED17DPWprinted ISVoltage supervisor, 5 pins, Texas InstrumentsVoltage supervisor5 pinsTexas Instruments
Printed IS on the part. Easy to misread as 15. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.
- What it is
- Voltage supervisor
- Maker
- Texas Instruments
- Package
- Not recorded
- Pins
- 5
- Details
- Low Power 250-nA IQ and Small Size Supply Voltage Supervisors
- Source
- From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Voltage with the board powered; ohms from each pin to ground with it off.
Working, it reads
Supply pin at its voltage and the output doing what the datasheet says. Readings between pins depend on the part.
Dead, it reads
- A pin near 0 Ω to ground or to the supply pin where an identical part does not read that: failed short.
- Supply present, output stuck: failed, or its load has.
- On the board:
- A pin shorted to ground on the board can be anything on that net. Lift the pin to be sure.
- Compare:
- The surest reference is the same IC on a working board, measured pin by pin.
- Watch for:
- Its protection diodes can read like junctions between pins, even like a transistor. That proves nothing either way.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
11 more parts have codes that begin with 15
Codes that begin with 15
For a marking with its end worn or burnt off. Each one shows its full printed code.
VGSOT15printed 15HSOT-23ESD protection diode, 3 pins, VishayESD protection diode3 pinsVishay
Printed 15H. 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
- Vishay
- Package
- SOT-23
- Pins
- 3
- Details
- Single-Line ESD Protection Diode in SOT-23
- 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.
10 more parts have no package on record. Nothing rules them out, so they stay.
1SMB3EZ15printed 15BZener diode, PanjitZener diodeNot recordedPanjit
Printed 15B. 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.
1SMB3EZ15-AUprinted 15BZener diode, PanjitZener diodeNot recordedPanjit
Printed 15B. 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.
ESDH15VP1printed 15HESD protection diode, JSCJESD protection diodeNot recordedJSCJ
Printed 15H. 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
- JSCJ
- Package
- Not recorded
- Pins
- Not recorded
- Details
- ESD protection diode, VRWM 15 V
- 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.
ESDQ15VFD1printed 15PESD protection diode, JSCJESD protection diodeNot recordedJSCJ
Printed 15P. 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
- JSCJ
- Package
- Not recorded
- Pins
- Not recorded
- Details
- ESD protection diode, VRWM 15 V
- 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.
ESDUEL15VB1printed 15DESD protection diode, JSCJESD protection diodeNot recordedJSCJ
Printed 15D. 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
- JSCJ
- Package
- Not recorded
- Pins
- Not recorded
- Details
- ESD protection diode, VRWM 15 V
- 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.
PLZ15Aprinted 15AZener diode, VishayZener diodeNot recordedVishay
Printed 15A. 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
- 15 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.
PLZ15Bprinted 15BZener diode, VishayZener diodeNot recordedVishay
Printed 15B. 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
- 15 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.
PLZ15Cprinted 15CZener diode, VishayZener diodeNot recordedVishay
Printed 15C. 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
- 15 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.
AOI538printed I538MOSFET, Alpha & Omega SemiconductorMOSFETNot recordedAlpha & Omega Semiconductor
Printed I538. 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.
LM358LVIDDFprinted L58LOp-amp, 8 pins, Texas InstrumentsOp-amp8 pinsTexas Instruments
Printed L58L. Only the start matches what you typed, so this fits only if the rest of the marking is worn off.
- What it is
- Op-amp
- Maker
- Texas Instruments
- Package
- Not recorded
- Pins
- 8
- Details
- Industry Standard, Low Voltage Operational Amplifiers
- Source
- From the manufacturer's datasheet
Is it dead?
Voltage with the board powered; ohms from each pin to ground with it off.
Working, it reads
Supply pin at its voltage and the output doing what the datasheet says. Readings between pins depend on the part.
Dead, it reads
- A pin near 0 Ω to ground or to the supply pin where an identical part does not read that: failed short.
- Supply present, output stuck: failed, or its load has.
- On the board:
- A pin shorted to ground on the board can be anything on that net. Lift the pin to be sure.
- Compare:
- The surest reference is the same IC on a working board, measured pin by pin.
- Watch for:
- Its protection diodes can read like junctions between pins, even like a transistor. That proves nothing either way.
A dead part still carries its marking. A short or an open says it has failed, not that it is a different part.
Open this in the search to correct a character or try another package.