DTA Pro ECU - fried chip hunt - VB125ASP - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: Potential Resistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2025, 09:57:03 pm
content: Hi, I'm doing a favour for a friend who has fried his ECU, and I'm not having any joy finding a couple of replacement chips (in the UK from reputable source).Does anyone know where I could purchase a couple of the same or equivalent (see attached pictures below)?I've seen some China listings on you know where, but they are not automotive specification (and they are probably not genuine either). The ECU is in a track racing car so will need to be reliable, being subject to vibration and heat more so than your average vehicle.Any assistance would be appreciated.

author: fzabkar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 12:26:58 am
content: Mouser lists it, but with "restricted availability".

author: JimboJack
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 01:39:33 am
content: not a porsche by any chance they used them in those cars ? you may have better chance on porsche forums , old DME's etc. 993 i think or 994the only other alternative to that that is the VB130SP that has a high limit on the IcL max of 13Amps they were made around before Y2K, so defo salvage parts only.(Vcc -0.2 to 40V)VB130SP 450Vcl Max. ICLmax 13, Tech M1-3VB125ASP 340Vcl Max ICLMax 11, Tech M1-2Vcc -0.3 to 7V)VB325SPTR-E 380VCL , ICL MAx 10A , Tech M1-3 , Icc is 150mA (May work)if you input voltage is between 4.5-5.5V to the chiphttps://www.digikey.com.au/en/products/detail/stmicroelectronics/vb325sptr-e/2035129VB326SP-ND is no longer available same as 325 but increases current to 11AIf you circuit does not use pin 8 or pin 10 in the VB125AP it may VB325 may work from their example application datasheet. (along with the VCC must be 4.5-5.5V, pin 7 if it battery voltage no chance. )mouser list the package incorrect i think PowerSO-12 instead of PowserSO-10J.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 02:01:10 am
content: Quote from: Potential Resistor on August 19, 2025, 09:57:03 pmWhere else would a part described as an "ignition coil driver" be used?Because of the unique package, I don't think you're going to get remarked fakes; used (and working, or not) is more likely.

author: Potential Resistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 12:17:57 pm
content: @fzabkar thanks for your input ;-) yes, I'd seen that on Mouser.

author: Potential Resistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 12:27:31 pm
content: @JimboJack many thanks for the comprehensive reply.To answer your question....No it's not a Porsche. I don't know exactly what you call them, they look like smaller formula 1 cars to me, the sort of thing drivers learn their craft in.

author: Potential Resistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 12:37:36 pm
content: @amyk thanks for the input ;-)"Where else would a part described as an "ignition coil driver" be used?"Answer - off the top of my head....a lawnmower, or any other internal combustion engine device that requires a spark, but isn't necessarily an automotive vehicle."Because of the unique package, I don't think you're going to get remarked fakes; used (and working, or not) is more likely."Valid point.

author: JimboJack
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 10:43:49 pm
content: info on the VIpower around Y2K, * was manafactured in their notes as i listed. VB325 and VB326

author: Potential Resistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2025, 07:00:09 pm
content: @JimboJack Thanks again for taking the time to share helpful information.I've seen my friend today and discussed the difficulty in finding a suitable / available chip, along with the potential pitfalls associated with this repair should we go down the China route. There were other factors at play too, but to cut a long story short, he's going to find another ECU.All things considered, I think he's made the right decision.Thanks to all the contributors, unfortunately, no happy ending this time

author: yxtkj
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 02, 2025, 09:30:19 am
content: I am in China, where we have the famous Huaqiang North, where there are many chips available for purchase. If you have any need, feel free to contact me

author: gamalot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2025, 10:00:32 am
content: If you know how to shop from Taobao...