Practical Electronics/7400 Series/Labelling

74 and 54 Series ICs all have a code on the top of the carrier body. This can be printed (usually in white) or etched. It consists of a "core" code which identifies the IC's function, and the type of electronics used within it. This is often supplemented by manufacturer's prefixes and suffixes which give information about the manufacturer and the carrier's physical form.



Device Family

 * 74 means a "commercial grade" device, suitable for general use.
 * 54 means a "military grade" device, for use in more hostile environments.

Device Function
This code tells you what the IC does. There are hundreds of these codes. Many common ones are given on the 74 Series page.

Prefix
This tells you which company made the IC. There a many hundred of different prefixes, and dozens of manufacturers, some sharing the same prefix. As these prefixes are not unique to the 74 Series of ICs, these prefixes are listed separately and can be found here.

Suffix
This tells you the type of package that the IC comes in, for example a DIP. It can also give information about the material (e.g. ceramic or plastic). These suffixes are not unique to the 74 Series of ICs, and as such, they are listed on a separate page, here.