Understanding Integrated Circuit Codes
Integrated circuits (ICs) are the backbone of modern electronics, and each IC comes with a unique manufacturer code that helps engineers and technicians identify and understand the components they are working with.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significance of IC manufacturer codes, how they can be interpreted, and provide a list of common IC manufacturer codes used in the industry.
What Are IC Manufacturer Codes
IC manufacturer codes are alphanumeric identifiers assigned to integrated circuits by their manufacturers.
These codes provide critical information about the IC, such as the manufacturer, part number, date of manufacture, and specific characteristics of the component. They are essential for ensuring compatibility and proper functionality within electronic systems.
Related: How to Read Integrated Circuits
Importance of Manufacturer Codes
Knowing these manufacturer codes is essential for several reasons:
- Component Identification: Helps quickly identify the exact part and its specifications.
- Compatibility: Ensures the component will work correctly within the intended design.
- Sourcing: Aids in locating the correct part from distributors or manufacturers.
- Documentation: Facilitates finding datasheets and application notes specific to the component.
How Can Engineers Interpret IC Manufacturer Codes
Interpreting IC manufacturer codes can be challenging, as different manufacturers may use different coding schemes. However, most codes follow a general structure that includes:
- Manufacturer Identifier: A unique prefix or symbol representing the manufacturer.
- Part Number: A series of numbers and letters indicating the specific model of the IC.
- Date Code: Information about the production date, often including the year and week of manufacture.
- Additional Information: Sometimes codes include other details like batch number, package type, or revision level.
Engineers typically refer to datasheets provided by manufacturers to accurately decode and understand these identifiers. These datasheets contain comprehensive details about the IC, including its specifications, pin configuration, electrical characteristics, and application notes.
List of IC Manufacturer Codes
Here’s a list of some common IC manufacturer codes and their corresponding companies:
- TI: Texas Instruments
- NXP: NXP Semiconductors
- INT: Intel Corporation
- STM: STMicroelectronics
- ADI: Analog Devices, Inc.
- MPS: Monolithic Power Systems
- ON: ON Semiconductor
- MX: Macronix International Co.
- IDT: Integrated Device Technology
- AMD: Advanced Micro Devices
What Are Common IC Manufacturer Codes
Let’s look at some specific examples of IC manufacturer codes and what they signify:
Texas Instruments (TI)
Example: SN74LS00N
- SN: Series prefix (indicates logic family)
- 74LS00: Part number (Quad 2-input NAND gate)
- N: Package type (DIP – Dual In-line Package)
Intel Corporation (INT)
Example: INTEL 8255
- 8255: Part number (Programmable Peripheral Interface)
- No additional prefix/suffix needed as “INTEL” is often imprinted on the chip
STMicroelectronics (STM)
Example: STM32F103C8T6
- STM32: Series (Microcontroller family)
- F103C8: Specific model and memory size
- T6: Package type and temperature range
Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI)
Example: AD9833BRMZ
- AD: Manufacturer prefix
- 9833: Part number (Low Power Programmable Waveform Generator)
- BRMZ: Package type and grade
Understanding these codes is crucial for selecting the right components and ensuring that they meet the requirements of your specific application. By familiarizing yourself with the coding schemes of different manufacturers, you can streamline the process of identifying and sourcing ICs for your projects.
Understanding Integrated Manufacturer Abbreviation List
Abbreviation | Manufacturer | Abbreviation | Manufacturer |
AM | Advanced Micro Devices | A | National Semiconductor |
AMSREF | Advanced Monolithic Systems | ADC | National Semiconductor |
OM | AEG | CLC | National Semiconductor |
PCD | AEG | COP | National Semiconductor |
PCF | AEG | DAC | National Semiconductor |
SAA | AEG | DM | National Semiconductor |
SAB | AEG | DP | National Semiconductor |
SAF | AEG | DS | National Semiconductor |
SCB | AEG | F | National Semiconductor |
SCN | AEG | L | National Semiconductor |
TAA | AEG | LF | National Semiconductor |
TBA | AEG | LFT | National Semiconductor |
TCA | AEG | LH | National Semiconductor |
TEA | AEG | LM | National Semiconductor |
A | Allegro Microsystems | LMC | National Semiconductor |
STR | Allegro Microsystems | LMD | National Semiconductor |
UCN | Allegro Microsystems | LMF | National Semiconductor |
UDN | Allegro Microsystems | LMX | National Semiconductor |
UDS | Allegro Microsystems | LPC | National Semiconductor |
UGN | Allegro Microsystems | LPC | National Semiconductor |
EP | Altera | MF | National Semiconductor |
EPM | Altera | MM | National Semiconductor |
PL | Altera | NH | National Semiconductor |
A | AMD | UNX | National Semiconductor |
Am | AMD | PB | NEC |
AMPAL | AMD | PC | NEC |
PAL | AMD | PD | NEC |
OM | Amperex | UPD | NEC |
PCD | Amperex | UPD8 | NEC |
PCF | Amperex | NJM | New Japanese Radio Corp. |
SAA | Amperex | NSC | Newport |
SAB | Amperex | SM | Nippon Precision Circuits |
SAF | Amperex | NC | Nitron |
SCB | Amperex | MM | Oki |
SCN | Amperex | MSM | Oki |
TAA | Amperex | MC | ON Semiconductor |
TBA | Amperex | EF | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
TCA | Amperex | ET | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
TEA | Amperex | GSD | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
V | Amtel | HCF | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
AD | Analog Devices | L | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
ADEL | Analog Devices | LM | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
ADG | Analog Devices | LS | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
ADLH | Analog Devices | M | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
ADM | Analog Devices | MC | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
ADVFC | Analog Devices | MK | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
AMP | Analog Devices | OM | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
BUF | Analog Devices | PCD | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
CAV | Analog Devices | PCF | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
CMP | Analog Devices | SAA | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
DAC | Analog Devices | SAB | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
HAS | Analog Devices | SAF | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
HDM | Analog Devices | SCB | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
MUX | Analog Devices | SCN | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
OP | Analog Devices | SFC | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
PM | Analog Devices | SG | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
REF | Analog Devices | ST | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
SSM | Analog Devices | TAA | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
SW | Analog Devices | TBA | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
MA | Analog Systems | TCA | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
PA | Apex | TD | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
AT | Atmel | TDA | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
ATV | Atmel | TDF | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
BQ | Benchmarq Microelectronics Inc. | TEA | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
BT | Brooktree | TL | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
ADS | Burr-Brown | TS | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
ALD | Burr-Brown | TSH | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
BUF | Burr-Brown | UC | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
DAC | Burr-Brown | ULN | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson) |
DCP | Burr-Brown | AVS | ON Semiconductor (previously Thomson)) |
INA | Burr-Brown | OHN | Optek |
IS | Burr-Brown | AH | Optical Electronics Inc. |
ISO | Burr-Brown | AN | Panasonic |
IVC | Burr-Brown | PDM | Paradigm |
MPC | Burr-Brown | P | Performance Semiconductor |
MPY | Burr-Brown | HEF | Philips |
OPA | Burr-Brown | MAB | Philips |
OPT | Burr-Brown | N | Philips |
PCM | Burr-Brown | NE | Philips |
PGA | Burr-Brown | OM | Philips |
PWR | Burr-Brown | PC | Philips |
RCV | Burr-Brown | PCD | Philips |
REF | Burr-Brown | PCF | Philips |
REG | Burr-Brown | PLC | Philips |
SHC | Burr-Brown | PLS | Philips |
UAF | Burr-Brown | PZ | Philips |
VCA | Burr-Brown | S | Philips |
VFC | Burr-Brown | SA | Philips |
XTR | Burr-Brown | SAA | Philips |
G | California Micro Devices Corp. | SAB | Philips |
CLC | Comlinear | SAF | Philips |
CY | Cypress | SC | Philips |
PALCE | Cypress | SCB | Philips |
DS | Dallas Semiconductor | SCC | Philips |
AM | Datel | SCN | Philips |
RD | EG&G Reticon | SE | Philips |
RF | EG&G Reticon | SP | Philips |
RM | EG&G Reticon | TAA | Philips |
RT | EG&G Reticon | TBA | Philips |
RU | EG&G Reticon | TCA | Philips |
EL | Elantec | TDA | Philips |
RTC | Epson | TEA | Philips |
PBL | Ericsson | UA | Philips |
SFC | ESMF | UMA | Philips |
XR | Exar | MN | Plessy |
A | Fairchild | SL | Plessy |
DM | Fairchild | SP | Plessy |
F | Fairchild | TAB | Plessy |
L | Fairchild | BUF | Precision Monolithic |
MM | Fairchild | QS | Quality Semiconductor Inc. |
NM | Fairchild | R | Raytheon |
NMC | Fairchild | Ray | Raytheon |
UNX | Fairchild | RC | Raytheon |
FSS | Ferranti | RM | Raytheon |
ZLD | Ferranti | R | Rockwell |
ZN | Ferranti | KA | Samsung |
MB | Fujitsu | KM | Samsung |
MBL8 | Fujitsu | KMM | Samsung |
MBM | Fujitsu | LA | Sanyo |
GA | Gazelle | LC | Sanyo |
GEL | GE | NQ | Seeq |
MVA | GEC-Plessey Semiconductor | PQ | Seeq |
ZN | GEC-Plessey Semiconductor | RTC | Seiko |
ACF | General Instrument | IR | Sharp |
AY | General Instrument | OM | Siemens |
GIC | General Instrument | PCD | Siemens |
GP | General Instrument | PCF | Siemens |
SPR | General Instrument | SAA | Siemens |
GL | Goldstar | SAB | Siemens |
GM | Goldstar | SABE | Siemens |
GMM | Goldstar | SAF | Siemens |
AD | Harris | SCB | Siemens |
CA | Harris | SCN | Siemens |
CD | Harris | TAA | Siemens |
CDP | Harris | TBA | Siemens |
CP | Harris | TCA | Siemens |
H | Harris | TEA | Siemens |
HA | Harris | SG | Silicon General (Infinity Micro) |
HFA | Harris | PH | Silicon Storage Technology |
HI | Harris | DF | Siliconix |
HIN | Harris | L | Siliconix |
HIP | Harris | LD | Siliconix |
HV | Harris | D | Siliconix, Intel |
ICH | Harris | L | Siltronics |
ICL | Harris | LD | Siltronics |
ICM | Harris | BX | Sony |
IM | Harris | CXK | Sony |
CS | Harris, Cherry Semiconductor | CX | Sony, Cyrix |
DG | Harris, Temic | TPQ | Sprague |
HCPL | Hewlett-Packard | UCS | Sprague |
HCTL | Hewlett-Packard | COM | Standard Microsystem Corp. |
HPM | Hewlett-Packard | KR | Standard Microsystem Corp. |
HA | Hitachi | ST | Startech |
HD | Hitachi | CM | Supertex, Temic |
HG | Hitachi | SYD | Syntaq |
HL | Hitachi | SYS | Syntaq |
HM | Hitachi | TMC | Taytheon |
HN | Hitachi | TC | Telcom Semiconductor |
HT | Holtek | TCM | Telcom Semiconductor |
HAD | Honeywell | TP | Teledyne Philbrick |
HDAC | Honeywell | TSC | Teledyne Semiconductor |
SS | Honeywell | OM | Telefunken |
HY | Hyundai | PCD | Telefunken |
W | IC Works | PCF | Telefunken |
PEEL | Information Chips and Technology Inc. | SAA | Telefunken |
ISD | Information Strorage Devices | SAB | Telefunken |
IMS | Inmos | SAF | Telefunken |
IDT | Integrated Device Technology | SCB | Telefunken |
IS | Integrated Silicon Solutions Inc. | SCN | Telefunken |
C | Intel | TAA | Telefunken |
i | Intel | TBA | Telefunken |
I | Intel | TCA | Telefunken |
N | Intel | TEA | Telefunken |
P | Intel | TML | Telmos |
PA | Intel | HM | Temic |
IR | International Rectifier | MC | Temic |
ITT | ITT | P | Temic |
GAL | Lattice | S | Temic |
ISPLSI | Lattice | SD | Temic |
LT | Linear Technology Corporation | SI | Temic |
LTC | Linear Technology Corporation | U | Temic |
LTZ | Linear Technology Corporation | IP | Temic, Seagate Microelectronics |
LS | LSI Computer Systems | MA | TESLA |
ATT | Lucent Technologies | MAA | TESLA |
MSK | M. S. Kennedy | MH | TESLA |
MX | Macronix | MHB | TESLA |
MA | Marconi | MC | Texas Instruments |
MAX | Maxim | NE | Texas Instruments |
MX | Maxim | OP | Texas Instruments |
SI | Maxim | RC | Texas Instruments |
MC | Micra Hybrids | SG | Texas Instruments |
MIC | Micrel | SN | Texas Instruments |
ML | Micro Linear Corp. | TIBPAL | Texas Instruments |
MN | Micro Networks | TIL | Texas Instruments |
MP | Micro Power (Exar) | TIP | Texas Instruments |
PIC | Microchip | TIPAL | Texas Instruments |
MSC | Microcomputers Systems Components | TIS | Texas Instruments |
MIL | Microsystems International | TL | Texas Instruments |
MT | Mitel Semiconductor | TLC | Texas Instruments |
M | Mitsubishi | TLE | Texas Instruments |
MSL8 | Mitsubishi | TM | Texas Instruments |
CMP | Monolithics | TMS | Texas Instruments |
MAT | Monolithics | UA | Texas Instruments |
OP | Monolithics | ULN | Texas Instruments |
SSS | Monolithics | T | Toshiba |
MCS | MOS Technology | TA | Toshiba |
MK | Mostek | TC | Toshiba |
HEP | Motorola | TD | Toshiba |
LF | Motorola | THM | Toshiba |
MC | Motorola | TMM | Toshiba |
MCC | Motorola | TMP | Toshiba |
MCCS | Motorola | TMPZ | Toshiba |
MCM | Motorola | TDC | TRW |
MCT | Motorola | UM | United Microelectronics Corp. |
MEC | Motorola | L | Unitrode |
MM | Motorola | UC | Unitrode |
MPF | Motorola | UCC | Unitrode |
MPQ | Motorola | ULN | US Microchip |
MPS | Motorola | MACH | Vantis (AMD) |
MPSA | Motorola | PALCE | Vantis (AMD) |
MWM | Motorola | VT | VLSI Technology Inc. |
SG | Motorola | VA | VTC |
SN | Motorola | VC | VTC |
TDA | Motorola | PSD | Waferscale Integration inc. (WSI) |
TL | Motorola | WD | Western Digital |
UA | Motorola | X | Xicor |
UAA | Motorola | U | Zentrum Microelectronics |
UC | Motorola | UD | Zentrum Microelectronics |
ULN | Motorola | ZH | Zetex |
XC | Motorola | ZLDO | Zetex |
ZM | Zetex | ||
ZMR | Zetex | ||
ZR | Zetex | ||
ZRA | Zetex | ||
ZRB | Zetex | ||
ZREF | Zetex | ||
ZRT | Zetex | ||
ZSD | Zetex | ||
ZSM | Zetex | ||
Z | Zilog |
Conclusion
IC manufacturer codes play a vital role in the electronics industry, providing essential information about integrated circuits. By learning how to interpret these codes, engineers can ensure they are using the correct components, leading to more reliable and efficient designs.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or a budding electronics enthusiast, understanding these codes will enhance your ability to work with integrated circuits effectively.