Any devices I can purchase that can identify TTL logic chips? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Pasky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2015, 11:45:47 pm
content: I'm thinking similar to those home made devices you see on Ebay that can identify transistors, diodes, and etc... But I'm looking for a device that can identify 7400 logic chips. Does such a device exist? If so what are they called? Where can I purchase one and how much should I be expecting to pay for one? Thank you.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2015, 11:59:51 pm
content: Common on Ebay.....http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Transistor-Tester-Detect-IC-Tester-Meter-Maintenance-Tester-MOS-PNP-NPN-FET-/181100277247?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a2a6aedffhttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Integrated-Circuit-IC-Tester-f-74-40-45-Series-Logic-Gate-Tester-Digital-Meter-/251836565232?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3aa2a106f0http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-DIGITAL-IC-INTEGRATED-CIRCUIT-TESTER-TTL-CMOS-RAM-/281599554082?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4190a43222http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Transistor-Tester-Detect-IC-Tester-Meter-Maintenance-Tester-FET-MOS-PNP-NPN-/291221017100?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43ce20120chttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tester-Ic-Linear-Handy-LEAPER-2-/350714894240?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item51a83c97a0http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEAP-ELECTRONIC-LP-1A-TESTER-DIGITAL-IC-W-O-ADAPTOR-/271739976215?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3f44f6fa17Some just test, others can identify many common IC types.Several Chinese Universal programmers also include a 74 and 4000 series tester/identifier as well.Aurora

author: Pasky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 12:05:50 am
content: Excellent, thank you Aurora! Would you be able to recommend one in specific that can test and identify?

author: dentaku
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 12:13:00 am
content: Quote from: Pasky on February 15, 2015, 11:45:47 pmThey do seem to exist.This one says...1.self-diagnosis2.identify unknown model No.3.test 54/74 series TTL4.test 4000&4500 series CMOS5.40pin capability,http://mch.en.alibaba.com/product/563651898-219143487/IC_Tester_54_74_series_Digital_IC_Tester_Universal_IC_Tester_MCH_YBD_868.html

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 12:30:47 am
content: My chinese TOP2005 universal programmer can do it. It works resonably well, at least with simpler IC's like gates and flipflops. I haven't tested it extensively but I'd guess it does identify about 75% of the IC's correctly. It can't automagically determine between 7400 and 4000 series, though.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 12:36:18 am
content: Sorry, no recommendations as I do not have a need for such a unit. All suspect IC's are removed and new parts fitted in my workshop. This sort of gadget may be useful to those without easy access to replacement parts or where an OEM has removed a simple logic IC's identification.If I were going to buy one, I would start off at a reasonably cheap model and see how useful these things really are.I would likely buy this unit as it claims to do what is needed of it and looks reasonable for the money:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Transistor-Tester-Detect-IC-Tester-Meter-Maintenance-Tester-FET-MOS-PNP-NPN-/291221017100?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43ce20120calso available from here:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Transistor-Tester-Detect-IC-Tester-Meter-Maintenance-Tester-MOS-PNP-NPN-/111030818336?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item19d9f3d620Aurora

author: Pasky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 12:43:39 am
content: Some boards I have, have the IC identifiers scratched off, so something like this could speed up the process in identifying them.Thank you all for your advice and help, you've saved me a lot of time in finding what I need. Cheers!

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 12:46:11 am
content: I'm baffled by the sudden interest in TTL chips.Did someone invent a working time machine? If so, can you go back to 1987 and kick my ass?Thanks.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 01:11:32 am
content: Quote from: Pasky on February 15, 2015, 11:45:47 pmEyeball. They put the part number right on the chip. What's with this sudden interest in TTL chips on here? Did a wormhole to 1983 open somewhere?

author: Pasky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 01:12:31 am
content: Hrmm, just messaged the seller for this device:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Transistor-Tester-Detect-IC-Tester-Meter-Maintenance-Tester-FET-MOS-PNP-NPN-/291221017100?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43ce20120cThey just replied back saying it cannot identify 7400 logic chips. Bummer.

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 01:31:27 am
content: Quote from: Alex Eisenhut on February 16, 2015, 12:46:11 amYou know, for some of us hobbyists there's nothing wrong with good old TTL. I have tons of them and use them when I need them.Nobody's suggesting putting it in new production stuff.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 01:33:12 am
content: @PaskyReally ? Maybe he does not understand the question or remember the original 74xx IC's ?7400 series are 5V logic gates just like a 74LS so the worst it will do is identify a 74xx as a 74LSxx. Depending upon the application that may or may not be an issue.I grew up on 74 and 4000 series IC's and have a large spares stock. as has been stated tehse are considered elderly chips. But when you are repairing old but high quality equipment who cares if they are obsolete....unless you can't find a replacement of courseMy 1990's/early 2000's professional thermal cameras cost around $56000 and still used 74HC series buffers in the design. They are SMT technology thoughI have 74xx, 74LS, 74ALS, 74HC and 74HCT series in my spares drawers.... some are so old that they are virtually antiquesAurora

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 01:36:21 am
content: Let there be no snobbery about chips and their agesAurora

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 02:48:34 am
content: Quote from: david77 on February 16, 2015, 01:31:27 amYou're right, no one did. And I don't think that's the point either.Why not encourage the young lad to get a nice stash of DK96s, 12AU6s, filament transformers, Leyden jars, and those big wall-mounted knife switches that Dr Frankenstein used?Whether or not *I* enjoy that as a hobby, doesn't mean that's the best path to start.Just skip the old nostalgia junk and just go for the fresh and modern.It won't hurt. Promise.

author: Pasky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 03:00:42 am
content: Quote from: Alex Eisenhut on February 16, 2015, 02:48:34 amWhere do you get this idea that I'm creating a new circuit using 7400 logic chips? I'm actually reverse engineering some boards and the identification marks on the chips have been scraped away as I said in an earlier post. Not to mention, what the hell do your 3 posts even offer to the topic? We get it, 7400 is obsolete.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 03:17:26 am
content: Many cheap universal programmers (like the Wellon) can do it. If a device isn't supported or incorrectly identified you can create an id pattern for it.Here is a link to mcumall. Look at the VP series. You can download the software and try it out without the programmer connected. Canadian company I believe.http://www.mcumall.com/downloads/

author: Pasky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 03:21:02 am
content: Thanks, I have a TOP 3000 programmer. I'm unsure if it's compatible with the Wellon type though. I tried to search in the program how to identify chips when someone else mentioned earlier they use their TOP programmer as well. I can't seem to find the option. I tried 'Read MFC' but it didn't work. Let me see if what you posted has something I can work with. Thanks.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 03:47:02 am
content: On a Wellon click on the test menu then pick autofind, simple as that.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 05:58:27 am
content: Quote from: Pasky on February 16, 2015, 03:00:42 amNowhere in your initial post do you say you're reverse engineering anything.How do you even know they're 7400 logic if the markings are removed? They could be CMOS, or GALs, PALs, you name it.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 06:23:31 am
content: Reverse engineering is fun.I've never seen a PAL or GAL with marking removed, no need really.As for CMOS or TTL start with your eyes any marked chips you see is a place to start. Of course that doesn't mean you cant mix but it is a start. Supply voltage also handy.Even with a chip identifier of some sort there can be multiple hit's. Part of the game is to hit the datasheets and check each one out.It can be quite profitable to keep some old gear in operation. I still do it for some old customers even though I retired.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 07:03:17 am
content: Just looking at the ebay ic testers.This one looks very useful. Yes, I know it's both Chinese and a gadget. It does more than just logic.Video?—?—???Ebay linkhttp://www.ebay.ca/itm/New-Transistor-Tester-Detect-IC-Tester-Meter-Maintenance-Tester-MOS-PNP-NPN-/121216153333?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c390bb6f5

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 09:10:12 am
content: Quote from: Pasky on February 16, 2015, 03:21:02 amDid you find it yet? I don't know how similar the software is but in my versionyou- click on the Type button- then select TTL/CMOS- double click on Standard (Menufactrue? wtf? Never noticed that one before)- Then choose 74/40/45 logik series- In the next screen you can click Search, that sometimes finds the inserted part.

author: Pasky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 12:58:15 pm
content: Quote from: Alex EisenhutIf you had bothered to read the entire topic before replying rather than the first post, you'll see it's right before your first reply.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/any-devices-i-can-purchase-that-can-identify-logic-chips/msg610621/#msg610621.I know their not gal's or PAL's because of the layout and if they were I could have just dumped them with my programmer. Again, you're just going off for no reason without even looking into what you're replying at.Quote from: pickle9000 on February 16, 2015, 07:03:17 amAwesome, definitely what I need. I guess the seller did misunderstand then. I'll be grabbing one of these. Thanks everyone!

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 01:16:14 pm
content: There appear to be two versions of that tester. If you look at the ebay links I previously provided you will see that there is a later model that has more membrane button ? In other respects its seems the same. It would be worth buying the latest version as it may have bug fixes and/or more IC identities loaded.Aurora

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 01:22:46 pm
content: Have you had a look at your TOP3000 programmer? Does it really not have the function the TOP2005 has? Seems a waste to buy something when you've already got it.

author: Pasky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 01:30:01 pm
content: Quote from: david77 on February 16, 2015, 01:22:46 pmAh, I found this area. I have some logic chips lying around and I'll test it with it later today. It's under 'Tools -> Test IC' in Topall v8.17.