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SMD code search: identify a part by its marking

8 parts are printed L3B. 67 printed with a similar-looking code.

8 parts are printed L3B

Not sure which one you have?

Answer up to 4 quick questions and these 8 parts are ranked, with a meter test that settles it. It works on a dead part too.

  • PESDLC3D3V3BISOD-323ESD protection diode, 2 pins, PrisemiESD protection diodeSOD-3232 pinsPrisemi
    What it is
    ESD protection diode
    Maker
    Prisemi
    Package
    SOD-323
    Pins
    2
    Details
    ESD protection diode, 3.3 V working
    Source
    Manufacturer 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
    , 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 PESDLC3D3V3BI, opens in a new tab
  • ADP3330ART-2.85SOT-23-6LDO regulator, 6 pins, Analog DevicesLDO regulatorSOT-23-66 pinsAnalog Devices
    What it is
    LDO regulator
    Maker
    Analog Devices
    Package
    SOT-23-6
    Pins
    6
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • IXD5108N13BMRSOT-23-5Voltage supervisor, 5 pins, IXYSVoltage supervisorSOT-23-55 pinsIXYS
    What it is
    Voltage supervisor
    Maker
    IXYS
    Package
    SOT-23-5
    Pins
    5
    Details
    Voltage detector IC: 1.3V±2%, -Reset ODO, Cd
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • LP5951MF-1.8SOT-353LDO regulator, 5 pins, National SemiconductorLDO regulatorSOT-3535 pinsNational Semiconductor
    What it is
    LDO regulator
    Maker
    National Semiconductor
    Package
    SOT-353
    Pins
    5
    Details
    Linear voltage regulator IC: LDO, 1.8V±2%, 150mA, +CE
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • XC6108N13BMRSOT-23-5Voltage supervisor, 5 pins, TorexVoltage supervisorSOT-23-55 pinsTorex
    What it is
    Voltage supervisor
    Maker
    Torex
    Package
    SOT-23-5
    Pins
    5
    Details
    CMOS-IC: Voltage Detector 1,3V, -Reset Open drain output
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • 3 more parts have no package on record
    • IXD5108N13BGRVoltage supervisor, IXYSVoltage supervisorNot recordedNot recordedIXYS
      What it is
      Voltage supervisor
      Maker
      IXYS
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      Voltage detector IC: 1.3V±2%, -Reset ODO, Cd
      Source
      Published code list

      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.

    • XC6108N13BGRVoltage supervisor, TorexVoltage supervisorNot recordedNot recordedTorex
      What it is
      Voltage supervisor
      Maker
      Torex
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      CMOS-IC: Voltage Detector 1,3V, -Reset Open drain output
      Source
      Published code list

      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.

    • XC6129N17D7R-GVoltage supervisor, TorexVoltage supervisorNot recordedNot recordedTorex
      What it is
      Voltage supervisor
      Maker
      Torex
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      Voltage detector IC: 1.7V±0.8%, -Reset ODO, Det. Delay, Undef. Prot.
      Source
      Published code list

      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.

67 more parts are printed with a code easy to misread as L3B

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.

  • 1SMB3EZ13printed 13BSMBZener diode, 2 pins, PanjitZener diodeSMB2 pinsPanjit

    Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Zener diode
    Maker
    Panjit
    Package
    SMB
    Pins
    2
    Source
    Manufacturer 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
    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 1SMB3EZ13, opens in a new tab
  • BSS138Pprinted 138SOT-23N-channel MOSFET, 3 pins, Galaxy MicroelectronicsN-channel MOSFETSOT-233 pinsGalaxy Microelectronics

    Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    N-channel MOSFET
    Maker
    Galaxy Microelectronics
    Package
    SOT-23
    Pins
    3
    Details
    0.36A, 60V, 0.35W, N Channel, Small Signal MOSFETs
    Source
    Manufacturer datasheet

    Is it dead?

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

    Working, it reads

    Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.

    Dead, it reads

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

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

    Datasheetfor BSS138P, opens in a new tab
  • BSS138PDWprinted 138SOT-363Dual N-channel MOSFET, 6 pins, Galaxy MicroelectronicsDual N-channel MOSFETSOT-3636 pinsGalaxy Microelectronics

    Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Dual N-channel MOSFET
    Maker
    Galaxy Microelectronics
    Package
    SOT-363
    Pins
    6
    Details
    0.36A, 60V, 0.31W, N Channel, Dual MOSFETs
    Source
    Manufacturer datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again. Test each MOSFET on its own pins, as the datasheet's pinout gives them.

    Working, it reads

    Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.

    Dead, it reads

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

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

    Datasheetfor BSS138PDW, opens in a new tab
  • BSS138PWprinted 138SOT-323N-channel MOSFET, 3 pins, Galaxy MicroelectronicsN-channel MOSFETSOT-3233 pinsGalaxy Microelectronics

    Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    N-channel MOSFET
    Maker
    Galaxy Microelectronics
    Package
    SOT-323
    Pins
    3
    Details
    60V, N Channel, Small Signal MOSFETs
    Source
    Manufacturer datasheet

    Is it dead?

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

    Working, it reads

    Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.

    Dead, it reads

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

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

    Datasheetfor BSS138PW, opens in a new tab
  • CHBZ13BGPprinted 13BSOT-23Zener diode, 3 pins, ChenmkoZener diodeSOT-233 pinsChenmko

    Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Zener diode
    Maker
    Chenmko
    Package
    SOT-23
    Pins
    3
    Details
    DUAL SILICON PLANAR POWER ZENER DIODES, 2.4 V
    Source
    Manufacturer 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
    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 CHBZ13BGP, opens in a new tab
  • KIC73E38Mprinted L38SOT-23Voltage supervisor, 3 pins, KECVoltage supervisorSOT-233 pinsKEC

    Printed L38 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Voltage supervisor
    Maker
    KEC
    Package
    SOT-23
    Pins
    3
    Details
    CMOS system reset IC with delay time, 3.8 V detection
    Source
    Manufacturer 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.

    Datasheetfor KIC73E38M, opens in a new tab
  • KIC73E38Tprinted L38SOT-23Voltage supervisor, 3 pins, KECVoltage supervisorSOT-233 pinsKEC

    Printed L38 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Voltage supervisor
    Maker
    KEC
    Package
    SOT-23
    Pins
    3
    Details
    CMOS system reset IC with delay time, 3.8 V detection
    Source
    Manufacturer 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.

    Datasheetfor KIC73E38T, opens in a new tab
  • KIC7138Mprinted 138SOT-23Voltage supervisor, 3 pins, KECVoltage supervisorSOT-233 pinsKEC

    Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Voltage supervisor
    Maker
    KEC
    Package
    SOT-23
    Pins
    3
    Details
    CMOS voltage detector, 3.8 V detection
    Source
    Manufacturer 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.

    Datasheetfor KIC7138M, opens in a new tab
  • PDZV13Bprinted 13BSOD-128Zener diode, 2 pins, ROHMZener diodeSOD-1282 pinsROHM

    Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Zener diode
    Maker
    ROHM
    Package
    SOD-128
    Pins
    2
    Source
    Manufacturer 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
    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 PDZV13B, opens in a new tab
  • PDZVTF13Bprinted 13BSOD-128Zener diode, 2 pins, ROHMZener diodeSOD-1282 pinsROHM

    Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Zener diode
    Maker
    ROHM
    Package
    SOD-128
    Pins
    2
    Details
    Zener Diode (AEC-Q101 qualified)
    Source
    Manufacturer 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
    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 PDZVTF13B, opens in a new tab
  • PTZ13Bprinted 13BMELFZener diode, 2 pins, ROHMZener diodeMELF2 pinsROHM

    Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Zener diode
    Maker
    ROHM
    Package
    MELF
    Pins
    2
    Source
    Manufacturer 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
    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 PTZ13B, opens in a new tab
  • TBSS138Pprinted 138SOT-23N-channel MOSFET, 3 pins, Galaxy MicroelectronicsN-channel MOSFETSOT-233 pinsGalaxy Microelectronics

    Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    N-channel MOSFET
    Maker
    Galaxy Microelectronics
    Package
    SOT-23
    Pins
    3
    Details
    0.36A, 60V, 0.35W, N Channel, Small Signal MOSFETs
    Source
    Manufacturer datasheet

    Is it dead?

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

    Working, it reads

    Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.

    Dead, it reads

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

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

    Datasheetfor TBSS138P, opens in a new tab
  • TBSS138PDWprinted 138SOT-363Dual N-channel MOSFET, 6 pins, Galaxy MicroelectronicsDual N-channel MOSFETSOT-3636 pinsGalaxy Microelectronics

    Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Dual N-channel MOSFET
    Maker
    Galaxy Microelectronics
    Package
    SOT-363
    Pins
    6
    Details
    0.36A, 60V, 0.31W, N Channel, Dual MOSFETs
    Source
    Manufacturer datasheet

    Is it dead?

    Diode range, part lifted. Test drain to source first, then short gate to source and test again. Test each MOSFET on its own pins, as the datasheet's pinout gives them.

    Working, it reads

    Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.

    Dead, it reads

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

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

    Datasheetfor TBSS138PDW, opens in a new tab
  • TBSS138PWprinted 138SOT-323N-channel MOSFET, 3 pins, Galaxy MicroelectronicsN-channel MOSFETSOT-3233 pinsGalaxy Microelectronics

    Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    N-channel MOSFET
    Maker
    Galaxy Microelectronics
    Package
    SOT-323
    Pins
    3
    Details
    60V, N Channel, Small Signal MOSFETs
    Source
    Manufacturer datasheet

    Is it dead?

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

    Working, it reads

    Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.

    Dead, it reads

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

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

    Datasheetfor TBSS138PW, opens in a new tab
  • TLZ13Bprinted 13BSOD-80Zener diode, 2 pins, Taitron ComponentsZener diodeSOD-802 pinsTaitron Components

    Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Zener diode
    Maker
    Taitron Components
    Package
    SOD-80
    Pins
    2
    Details
    SMD Zener Diodes (Leadless ) - 500mW
    Source
    Manufacturer 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
    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 TLZ13B, opens in a new tab
  • Z3SMB13Bprinted 13BSMBZener diode, 2 pins, Taitron ComponentsZener diodeSMB2 pinsTaitron Components

    Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Zener diode
    Maker
    Taitron Components
    Package
    SMB
    Pins
    2
    Details
    SMD Zener Diodes (Two Terminals)- 3W
    Source
    Manufacturer 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
    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 Z3SMB13B, opens in a new tab
  • 1SMA5913Bprinted 13BSMAZener diode, 2 pins, RectronZener diodeSMA2 pinsRectron

    Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Zener diode
    Maker
    Rectron
    Package
    SMA
    Pins
    2
    Details
    1.5 Watt Plastic Surface Mount Zener Voltage Regulators 1SMA59xxBT3G Series, SZ1SMA59xxBT3G Series
    Source
    Published code list

    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
    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 1SMA5913B, opens in a new tab
  • 82C38-AE3-5printed L38SOT-23Voltage supervisor, 3 pins, UnisonicVoltage supervisorSOT-233 pinsUnisonic

    Printed L38 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Voltage supervisor
    Maker
    Unisonic
    Package
    SOT-23
    Pins
    3
    Details
    Voltage detector IC: 3.8V±2% -Reset PPO
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • 82C38-AF5-Bprinted L38SOT-23-5Voltage supervisor, 5 pins, UnisonicVoltage supervisorSOT-23-55 pinsUnisonic

    Printed L38 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Voltage supervisor
    Maker
    Unisonic
    Package
    SOT-23-5
    Pins
    5
    Details
    Voltage detector IC: 3.8V±2% -Reset PPO
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • ADP1716ARMZ-3.0Rprinted L38MSOP-8LDO regulator, 8 pins, Analog DevicesLDO regulatorMSOP-88 pinsAnalog Devices

    Printed L38 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    LDO regulator
    Maker
    Analog Devices
    Package
    MSOP-8
    Pins
    8
    Details
    Linear voltage regulator IC: LDO, 3.00V±1%, 500mA, +CE, Voltage Track
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • ADP1716ARMZ-3.0R7printed L38MSOP-88 pins, Analog DevicesNot recordedMSOP-88 pinsAnalog Devices

    Printed L38 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Not recorded
    Maker
    Analog Devices
    Package
    MSOP-8
    Pins
    8
    Details
    equivalent [3.0V LDO]
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • APR3013-17Aprinted 13BSOT-233 pins, AnpecNot recordedSOT-233 pinsAnpec

    Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Not recorded
    Maker
    Anpec
    Package
    SOT-23
    Pins
    3
    Details
    CMOS-IC: Voltage detector, 1.75V, -Reset Open drain output
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • APR3013-17Bprinted 13BSOT-23-55 pins, AnpecNot recordedSOT-23-55 pinsAnpec

    Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Not recorded
    Maker
    Anpec
    Package
    SOT-23-5
    Pins
    5
    Details
    CMOS-IC: Voltage detector, 1.75V, -Reset Open drain output
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • APR3013-17Dprinted 13BSOT-893 pins, AnpecNot recordedSOT-893 pinsAnpec

    Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Not recorded
    Maker
    Anpec
    Package
    SOT-89
    Pins
    3
    Details
    CMOS-IC: Voltage detector, 1.75V, -Reset Open drain output
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • BSS138Wprinted 138SOT-323N-channel MOSFET, 3 pins, FairchildN-channel MOSFETSOT-3233 pinsFairchild

    Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    N-channel MOSFET
    Maker
    Fairchild
    Package
    SOT-323
    Pins
    3
    Details
    0.2A, 50V, 0.2W, N Channel, Small Signal MOSFETs
    Source
    Published code list

    Is it dead?

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

    Working, it reads

    Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.

    Dead, it reads

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

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

    Datasheetfor BSS138W, opens in a new tab
  • EC311138C5Rprinted 138SOT-353LDO regulator, 5 pins, E-CMOSLDO regulatorSOT-3535 pinsE-CMOS

    Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    LDO regulator
    Maker
    E-CMOS
    Package
    SOT-353
    Pins
    5
    Details
    Linear voltage regulator IC: LDO, 3.8V±2%, 300mA, +CE
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • FA1L3Z-Qprinted L38SOT-233 pins, NEC ElectronicsNot recordedSOT-233 pinsNEC Electronics

    Printed L38 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Not recorded
    Maker
    NEC Electronics
    Package
    SOT-23
    Pins
    3
    Details
    Si-npn-Digi: Sw, 60V, 100mA, 200mW, R1=4k7, B=300..600
    Source
    Published code list

    Is it dead?

    Diode range and ohms range, part lifted.

    Working, it reads

    Depends on what it is. The datasheet, or an identical part, says.

    Dead, it reads

    • Between two pins, the same reading both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted.
    • Open between every pair of pins: failed open, or a part that reads open when working.
    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.

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

  • FA1L3ZL38printed L38SOT-233 pins, RenesasNot recordedSOT-233 pinsRenesas

    Printed L38 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Not recorded
    Maker
    Renesas
    Package
    SOT-23
    Pins
    3
    Source
    Published code list

    Is it dead?

    Diode range and ohms range, part lifted.

    Working, it reads

    Depends on what it is. The datasheet, or an identical part, says.

    Dead, it reads

    • Between two pins, the same reading both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted.
    • Open between every pair of pins: failed open, or a part that reads open when working.
    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.

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

  • G138printed 138SOT-23N-channel MOSFET, 3 pins, GTMN-channel MOSFETSOT-233 pinsGTM

    Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    N-channel MOSFET
    Maker
    GTM
    Package
    SOT-23
    Pins
    3
    Details
    MOSFET n-type: Sw, fast, 50V, 500mA, 225mW, Rds=3.5(10V)
    Source
    Published code list

    Is it dead?

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

    Working, it reads

    Red probe on the source, black on the drain: about 0.4 to 0.9 V, the body diode. Open the other way. The gate reads open to both other pins, both ways.

    Dead, it reads

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

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

  • GA1L3Z-Kprinted L38SOT-3233 pins, NEC ElectronicsNot recordedSOT-3233 pinsNEC Electronics

    Printed L38 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Not recorded
    Maker
    NEC Electronics
    Package
    SOT-323
    Pins
    3
    Details
    Si-npn-Digi: Sw, 60V, 100mA, 200mW, R1=4k7, B=135..270
    Source
    Published code list

    Is it dead?

    Diode range and ohms range, part lifted.

    Working, it reads

    Depends on what it is. The datasheet, or an identical part, says.

    Dead, it reads

    • Between two pins, the same reading both ways, near 0 V with a continuous beep: shorted.
    • Open between every pair of pins: failed open, or a part that reads open when working.
    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.

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

  • GLZ13Bprinted 13BSOD-80Zener diode, 2 pins, PanjitZener diodeSOD-802 pinsPanjit

    Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    Zener diode
    Maker
    Panjit
    Package
    SOD-80
    Pins
    2
    Details
    Zener diode: 12.55..13.21V, Zzt=14 , Izt=10mA, 500mW
    Source
    Published code list

    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
    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.

  • IXD1415AA38ER-Gprinted 138USP-6CLDO regulator, 6 pins, IXYSLDO regulatorUSP-6C6 pinsIXYS

    Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    LDO regulator
    Maker
    IXYS
    Package
    USP-6C
    Pins
    6
    Details
    Linear voltage regulator IC: LDO, Dual out, Vout1/Vout2=2.50/2.50V±1%, 200mA, +CE
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • IXD1415AA38MRprinted 138SOT-23-6LDO regulator, 6 pins, IXYSLDO regulatorSOT-23-66 pinsIXYS

    Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    LDO regulator
    Maker
    IXYS
    Package
    SOT-23-6
    Pins
    6
    Details
    Linear voltage regulator IC: LDO, Dual out, Vout1/Vout2=2.50/2.50V±1%, 200mA, +CE
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • LN7138FRprinted 138SOT-23-5LDO regulator, 5 pins, Shanghai Natlinear ElectronicsLDO regulatorSOT-23-55 pinsShanghai Natlinear Electronics

    Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    LDO regulator
    Maker
    Shanghai Natlinear Electronics
    Package
    SOT-23-5
    Pins
    5
    Details
    Linear voltage regulator IC: LDO, 3.8V±2%, 70mA
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • LN7138MRprinted 138SOT-23LDO regulator, 3 pins, Shanghai Natlinear ElectronicsLDO regulatorSOT-233 pinsShanghai Natlinear Electronics

    Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

    What it is
    LDO regulator
    Maker
    Shanghai Natlinear Electronics
    Package
    SOT-23
    Pins
    3
    Details
    Linear voltage regulator IC: LDO, 3.8V±2%, 70mA
    Source
    Published code list

    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.

  • 7 more parts have no package on record
    • 1SMB3EZ13-AUprinted 13BZener diode, PanjitZener diodeNot recordedNot recordedPanjit

      Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

      What it is
      Zener diode
      Maker
      Panjit
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Source
      Manufacturer 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
      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 1SMB3EZ13-AU, opens in a new tab
    • KIC7138T5printed 138Voltage supervisor, KECVoltage supervisorNot recordedNot recordedKEC

      Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

      What it is
      Voltage supervisor
      Maker
      KEC
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      CMOS voltage detector, 3.8 V detection
      Source
      Manufacturer 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.

      Datasheetfor KIC7138T5, opens in a new tab
    • PLZ13Bprinted 13BZener diode, VishayZener diodeNot recordedNot recordedVishay

      Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

      What it is
      Zener diode
      Maker
      Vishay
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      13 V Zener diode
      Source
      Manufacturer 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
      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 PLZ13B, opens in a new tab
    • PTZTF13Bprinted 13BZener diode, ROHMZener diodeNot recordedNot recordedROHM

      Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

      What it is
      Zener diode
      Maker
      ROHM
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      Zener Diode (AEC-Q101 qualified)
      Source
      Manufacturer 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
      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 PTZTF13B, opens in a new tab
    • EC311138C4Rprinted 138LDO regulator, E-CMOSLDO regulatorNot recordedNot recordedE-CMOS

      Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

      What it is
      LDO regulator
      Maker
      E-CMOS
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      Linear voltage regulator IC: LDO, 3.8V±2%, 300mA, +CE
      Source
      Published code list

      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.

    • HZF13BPprinted 13BZener diode, RenesasZener diodeNot recordedNot recordedRenesas

      Printed 13B on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

      What it is
      Zener diode
      Maker
      Renesas
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      Z-diode: 13V±5%, 900mW
      Source
      Published code list

      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
      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.

    • IXD1415AA387R-Gprinted 138LDO regulator, IXYSLDO regulatorNot recordedNot recordedIXYS

      Printed 138 on the part. Easy to misread as L3B. Check that character with a loupe before you order anything.

      What it is
      LDO regulator
      Maker
      IXYS
      Package
      Not recorded
      Pins
      Not recorded
      Details
      Linear voltage regulator IC: LDO, Dual out, Vout1/Vout2=2.50/2.50V±1%, 200mA, +CE
      Source
      Published code list

      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.

25 more parts are not listed here. Type more of the code to narrow the list.

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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 on WhatSMD (What SMD) 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.

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