What Does This Chip Do?

[Solderbox]

I have been scrapping old electronics and I find a lot of microchips. I do not know what these chips do though. What is the procedure for identifying random chips and understanding what they do?

 

[esp1]

hi,
You could Google search for the datasheet for a device, if you can identify the device markings.
The problem with many IC devices they have manufacturer customised markings which do not have a datasheet.

You could post images of the devices, it maybe possible for us to recognise them.

E

 

[Solderbox]

When you refer to the "device" are you referring to the microchip itself or the electronic device as a whole?

 

[betwixt]

Please understand that there are generic parts and custom parts. For generic parts, search for the number printed on the chip, avoid an isolated group of four digits, for example "9823" which is probably a date code, week 23 of 1998.

If you can't find the part number in a search, look for a manufacturers name or logo and try their web site.

You will find SMD parts, especially ones with 6 or fewer pins are usually codes with a one, two or three character code. These can be very difficult to identify as there is no standardization between manufacturers.

Custom parts are essentially useless, they are made for a specific purpose and to a design known only to the equipment manufacturer. Any specification will be confidential between the designer and the chip fabrication facility and you stand very little chance of finding it out. Unfortunately for you, custom chips are quite cheap to make these days and there are a lot of them around.


Brian.