Skip to content
WhatSMDSign in

7 parts are printed 42. 2 printed with a similar-looking code.

7 parts are printed 42

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.

  • AO6402ASOT-23-6MOSFET, 6 pins, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
    What it is
    MOSFET
    Maker
    Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
    Package
    SOT-23-6
    Pins
    6
    Details
    Low-voltage (12-30 V) MOSFET
    Source
    From the manufacturer's datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.

    Working, it reads

    One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.

    Dead, it reads

    • Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
    • The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
    • No body diode at all: failed open.
    On the board:
    On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
    Compare:
    If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
    Watch for:
    The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.

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

    Datasheetfor AO6402A, opens in a new tab
  • AO6402ALSOT-23-6MOSFET, 6 pins, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
    What it is
    MOSFET
    Maker
    Alpha & Omega Semiconductor
    Package
    SOT-23-6
    Pins
    6
    Details
    Low-voltage (12-30 V) MOSFET
    Source
    From the manufacturer's datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.

    Working, it reads

    One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.

    Dead, it reads

    • Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
    • The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
    • No body diode at all: failed open.
    On the board:
    On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
    Compare:
    If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
    Watch for:
    The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.

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

    Datasheetfor AO6402AL, opens in a new tab
  • BAT54AWSOT-323Schottky diode, 3 pins, Nexperia
    What it is
    Schottky diode
    Maker
    Nexperia
    Package
    SOT-323
    Pins
    3
    Details
    30 V surface-mount Schottky barrier diode, dual common anode
    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 BAT54AW, opens in a new tab
  • BZX384-A75SOD-323Zener diode, 2 pins, Nexperia
    What it is
    Zener diode
    Maker
    Nexperia
    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 BZX384-A75, opens in a new tab
  • PDTA123EUSOT-323Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in), 3 pins, Nexperia
    What it is
    Digital transistor (PNP, resistors built in)
    Maker
    Nexperia
    Package
    SOT-323
    Pins
    3
    Details
    PNP resistor-equipped transistor; R1 = 2.2 kΩ, R2 = 2.2 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.

    Datasheetfor PDTA123EU, opens in a new tab
  • EIA-96:420603Precision resistor (EIA-96 code), 2 pins
    What it is
    Precision resistor (EIA-96 code)
    Maker
    Not recorded
    Package
    0603
    Pins
    2
    Details
    EIA-96 precision chip resistor, significand 26.7; the printed mark adds a multiplier letter (42A = 267 Ohm, 42B = 2.67 kOhm)
    Source
    Added by hand from a published table

    Is it dead?

    Ohms range, across it, power off.

    Working, it reads

    Its marked value, within tolerance. On the board it reads the same or lower, because everything around it sits in parallel.

    Dead, it reads

    • Open: burnt, cracked, or eaten through by sulphur. The commonest failure.
    • Well above its marked value: drifted high.
    • On the board, clearly higher than its marked value: it has failed, since the board can only pull a reading down.
    On the board:
    A reading lower than marked on the board proves nothing; lift one end. A reading higher than marked is a fault even on the board.
    Compare:
    The same position on another channel usually carries the same value, and so does the matching part on another board.
    Watch for:
    A burnt resistor usually means the part it feeds pulled too much. Find that before fitting a new one, or it burns too. The marking, not the reading, says what to fit.

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

    Datasheetfor EIA-96:42, opens in a new tab
  • 1 more part has no package on record
    • BGC420RF amplifier (MMIC), Infineon
      What it is
      RF amplifier (MMIC)
      Maker
      Infineon
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Source
      From the manufacturer's datasheet

      Is it dead?

      Voltage, board powered, on the output pin that the bias resistor or choke feeds.

      Working, it reads

      The output pin sits at the device voltage the datasheet gives, a few volts, below the supply.

      Dead, it reads

      • Output pin at 0 V, or near 0 Ω to ground with the power off: shorted inside.
      • Output pin at the full supply voltage: open inside, no current flowing.
      On the board:
      Measured on the board with power on; the bias network is part of the reading.
      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 figures depend on the part and its bias resistor. The datasheet gives both.

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

      Datasheetfor BGC420, opens in a new tab
2 more parts are printed with a code easy to misread as 42

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.

Zener diode, 2 pins. What differs:

  • BZT52C8V2printed 4ZSOD-123FDiotec

    Printed 4Z on the part. Easy to misread as 42. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Zener diode
    Maker
    Diotec
    Package
    SOD-123F
    Pins
    2
    Details
    SMD Planar Zener Diodes
    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 BZT52C8V2, opens in a new tab
  • BZX384-A68printed 4ZSOD-323Nexperia

    Printed 4Z on the part. Easy to misread as 42. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Zener diode
    Maker
    Nexperia
    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 BZX384-A68, opens in a new tab
15 more parts have codes that begin with 42

Codes that begin with 42

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

  • AO4262Eprinted 4262ESOIC-8MOSFET, 8 pins, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

    Printed 4262E. 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
    SOIC-8
    Pins
    8
    Details
    Medium-voltage (40-400 V) MOSFET
    Source
    From the manufacturer's datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.

    Working, it reads

    One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.

    Dead, it reads

    • Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
    • The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
    • No body diode at all: failed open.
    On the board:
    On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
    Compare:
    If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
    Watch for:
    The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.

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

    Datasheetfor AO4262E, opens in a new tab
  • AO4264Cprinted 4264CSOIC-8MOSFET, 8 pins, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

    Printed 4264C. 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
    SOIC-8
    Pins
    8
    Details
    Medium-voltage (40-400 V) MOSFET
    Source
    From the manufacturer's datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.

    Working, it reads

    One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.

    Dead, it reads

    • Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
    • The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
    • No body diode at all: failed open.
    On the board:
    On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
    Compare:
    If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
    Watch for:
    The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.

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

    Datasheetfor AO4264C, opens in a new tab
  • AO4264Eprinted 4264ESOIC-8MOSFET, 8 pins, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

    Printed 4264E. 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
    SOIC-8
    Pins
    8
    Details
    Medium-voltage (40-400 V) MOSFET
    Source
    From the manufacturer's datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.

    Working, it reads

    One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.

    Dead, it reads

    • Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
    • The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
    • No body diode at all: failed open.
    On the board:
    On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
    Compare:
    If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
    Watch for:
    The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.

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

    Datasheetfor AO4264E, opens in a new tab
  • AO4266Eprinted 4266ESOIC-8MOSFET, 8 pins, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

    Printed 4266E. 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
    SOIC-8
    Pins
    8
    Details
    Medium-voltage (40-400 V) MOSFET
    Source
    From the manufacturer's datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.

    Working, it reads

    One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.

    Dead, it reads

    • Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
    • The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
    • No body diode at all: failed open.
    On the board:
    On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
    Compare:
    If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
    Watch for:
    The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.

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

    Datasheetfor AO4266E, opens in a new tab
  • AO4268printed 4268SOIC-8MOSFET, 8 pins, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

    Printed 4268. 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
    SOIC-8
    Pins
    8
    Details
    Medium-voltage (40-400 V) MOSFET
    Source
    From the manufacturer's datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.

    Working, it reads

    One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.

    Dead, it reads

    • Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
    • The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
    • No body diode at all: failed open.
    On the board:
    On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
    Compare:
    If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
    Watch for:
    The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.

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

    Datasheetfor AO4268, opens in a new tab
  • AO4290Aprinted 4290ASOIC-8MOSFET, 8 pins, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

    Printed 4290A. 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
    SOIC-8
    Pins
    8
    Details
    Medium-voltage (40-400 V) MOSFET
    Source
    From the manufacturer's datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.

    Working, it reads

    One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.

    Dead, it reads

    • Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
    • The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
    • No body diode at all: failed open.
    On the board:
    On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
    Compare:
    If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
    Watch for:
    The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.

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

    Datasheetfor AO4290A, opens in a new tab
  • AO4292Eprinted 4292ESOIC-8MOSFET, 8 pins, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

    Printed 4292E. 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
    SOIC-8
    Pins
    8
    Details
    Medium-voltage (40-400 V) MOSFET
    Source
    From the manufacturer's datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.

    Working, it reads

    One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.

    Dead, it reads

    • Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
    • The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
    • No body diode at all: failed open.
    On the board:
    On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
    Compare:
    If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
    Watch for:
    The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.

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

    Datasheetfor AO4292E, opens in a new tab
  • AO4294printed 4294SOIC-8MOSFET, 8 pins, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

    Printed 4294. 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
    SOIC-8
    Pins
    8
    Details
    Medium-voltage (40-400 V) MOSFET
    Source
    From the manufacturer's datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.

    Working, it reads

    One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.

    Dead, it reads

    • Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
    • The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
    • No body diode at all: failed open.
    On the board:
    On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
    Compare:
    If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
    Watch for:
    The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.

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

    Datasheetfor AO4294, opens in a new tab
  • AO4294Aprinted 4294ASOIC-8MOSFET, 8 pins, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

    Printed 4294A. 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
    SOIC-8
    Pins
    8
    Details
    Medium-voltage (40-400 V) MOSFET
    Source
    From the manufacturer's datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.

    Working, it reads

    One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.

    Dead, it reads

    • Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
    • The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
    • No body diode at all: failed open.
    On the board:
    On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
    Compare:
    If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
    Watch for:
    The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.

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

    Datasheetfor AO4294A, opens in a new tab
  • AO4296printed 4296SOIC-8MOSFET, 8 pins, Alpha & Omega Semiconductor

    Printed 4296. 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
    SOIC-8
    Pins
    8
    Details
    Medium-voltage (40-400 V) MOSFET
    Source
    From the manufacturer's datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again.

    Working, it reads

    One way between drain and source reads about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode, and the other way open. The gate reads open to both other pins.

    Dead, it reads

    • Drain to source the same both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep, and still so after shorting gate to source: shorted. The classic failure.
    • The gate reads low to source or drain: gate shorted.
    • No body diode at all: failed open.
    On the board:
    On the board the gate usually has a resistor to the source, which reads as that resistor and is not a fault. Lift a leg to be sure.
    Compare:
    If an identical part sits elsewhere on the board, measure it the same way: that is what this one should read.
    Watch for:
    The diode range can charge the gate enough to turn the part on, and then drain to source reads near 0 both ways on a good part. Short gate to source and test again before you condemn it.

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

    Datasheetfor AO4296, opens in a new tab
  • MM1Z4742Aprinted 42ASOD-123FZener diode, 2 pins, Diotec

    Printed 42A. 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
    Diotec
    Package
    SOD-123F
    Pins
    2
    Details
    SMD Planar Zener Diodes
    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 MM1Z4742A, opens in a new tab
  • SMAZ5942Bprinted 42BSMAZener diode, 2 pins, Vishay

    Printed 42B. 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
    SMA
    Pins
    2
    Details
    51 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 SMAZ5942B, opens in a new tab
  • SMBZ5942Bprinted 42BSMBZener diode, 2 pins, Vishay

    Printed 42B. 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
    SMB
    Pins
    2
    Details
    51 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 SMBZ5942B, opens in a new tab
  • 2 more parts have no package on record
    • PS4203-DFAprinted 423AESD protection diode, Panjit

      Printed 423A. 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
      Panjit
      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 PS4203-DFA, opens in a new tab
    • PS4205-DFAprinted 425AESD protection diode, Panjit

      Printed 425A. 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
      Panjit
      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 PS4205-DFA, 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: 2 a month are free without an account, and 3 with a free account.

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.