Compatible ICs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: FPTEC
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 01, 2017, 04:10:31 am
content: Hello,It is common not to have an IC for substitutes, so finding a compatible one would make it easier. But in many cases this has become complicated.What do you do in these cases to find a compatible one?Thanks.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2017, 04:22:30 am
content: What IC's do you need and where have you tried to source them from ?

author: FPTEC
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 01, 2017, 04:27:17 am
content: It is not a specific case. Sometimes I can, sometimes not.I would like to know the methods used by the most experienced.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2017, 04:36:05 am
content: Quote from: FPTEC on July 01, 2017, 04:27:17 amMore info required.As we have no idea which continent you're on we can't give recommendations for sources.You can fix that by adding either a location or a country flag in your profile.

author: FPTEC
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 01, 2017, 05:00:50 am
content: Done...As you can see now in my profile, I am a beginner.Despite this, the location has never been a barrier for me to get information, so much that I posted in this forum.Awaiting...

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2017, 07:20:46 am
content: Quote from: FPTEC on July 01, 2017, 04:10:31 amUnless it's very old most can be found if you look hard enough.Google can find most with the right keywords.If they're logic IC's sometimes one with the same functionality and pinout can be found in the other families of logic IC's.Datasheets are the key to ANY substitution and understanding datasheets is very important.It's a bit like being able to build a house but not able to read or understand the design plans.

author: FPTEC
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 01, 2017, 07:37:20 am
content: Actually, the search for pinouts + .PDF I already use.But it usually returns few results most of the time.So I'm looking for other ways, knowledge is never too much ....

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2017, 08:19:50 am
content: Datasheets, experience, schematic of the board the device is fitted to, all useful.Logic function chips are fairly easy to substitute unless it's being used on the ragged edge of the specification or is even being used for some non obvious function (74LS logic chips being used as RF amplifiers for instance)Some chips you'll never get a substitute for, even when you can buy the chip they are programmed at factory and you can't get the code or the programmer is ridiculously expensive.many analogue chips were multi source and available under different part numbers (LA1230, CA3089 and a 3rd part I can't remember the number of are pin and function compatible for instance), yet more chips you can replace with near equivalents or upgraded versions with minimal modification of the circuit.Google will get you so far and you'll find you get better at finding substitutes as your experience grows, if you've done your research and haven't got anywhere then come and ask in here, people will usually help if they can and may even off the parts you need.