When it comes to electronic components, understanding the meaning behind part numbers is crucial. Part numbers not only identify a specific component, but they also provide important information about the component's function, package type, and manufacturer. Whether you're an engineer working on a new design or a DIY enthusiast looking to build your own circuit, this guide will help you navigate the world of electronic component part numbers.
First, let's take a look at how part numbers are constructed. Generally, part numbers consist of a combination of letters and numbers. The first letter or letters of the part number often indicate the component's function. For example, "FT" is commonly used for USB to serial converters, "SM" for transistors, "KSZ" for Ethernet PHY transceiver, "ULN" for high voltage, high current darlington arrays, "1N" for diodes, "STM" for microcontroller, "MBR" for Schottky diodes, "BAV" for small signal Schottky diodes, "BSS" for small signal MOSFETs, "ATMEGA" for AVR microcontroller and "DS" for 1-Wire temperature sensors.
The remaining characters of the part number can provide information about the component's package type, such as "REEL", "LT1G", "TUBE", "TP", "DIP" or "SMD", as well as its manufacturer. Some part numbers also include a revision number to indicate a specific version of a component, such as "A", "B", "C" and so on.
Let's take a closer look at some specific part numbers:
The FT232RL-REEL is a USB to serial converter made by FTDI, the "FT" at the beginning of the part number tells us that it's a USB to serial converter, and the "232RL" tells us that it's a specific version of the converter, and the "REEL" tells us that it's a component in reel packaging.
The SMMBT3904LT1G is a NPN transistor made by ON Semiconductor, the "SM" at the beginning of the part number tells us that it's a Small signal transistor, and the "MBT3904" gives us more information about its characteristics and the "LT1G" tells us that it's a component in a lead-free and RoHS compliant small-outline transistor package.
The KSZ9031RNXIC is a Single-port 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet Physical Layer Transceiver made by Micrel, the "KSZ" at the beginning of the part number tells us that it's a Ethernet PHY transceiver, and the "9031" gives us more information about its characteristics and the "RNXIC" tells us that it's a component in RoHS compliant package and the "IC" tells us that is in a small-outline integrated circuit package.
The KSZ9031RNXIC-TR is a version of the KSZ9031RNXIC but in tape and reel packaging.
The KSZ9031RNXIA is a version of the KSZ9031RNXIC but in a RoHS compliant, lead-free and halogen-free package.
The ULN2803ADWR is a high voltage, high current darlington array made by Texas Instruments, the "ULN" at the beginning of the part number tells us that it's a darlington array and the "2803" gives us more information about