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  • Author Author: swankybarbecue4
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Simple 8-bit Computer (Finding Unknown Components)

swankybarbecue4

I have recently begun the construction of an 8-bit computer based around an Intel 8088 CPU. I believe that I have all necessary components for the build, but I am still not too sure. A handful of ICs (including what appears to be the clock IC) have lost their labels after years in storage. It would be very handy to have a component tester to know which pins are which; therefore, knowing what the IC is. I also have many unlabed MOSFETs with no branding or information printed in them as well. So again, it would be helpful to know which pins are G, S, and D. It would also eliminate the hassle of Googling part schematics in some cases. image

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  • Hi Merrick,

    Very interesting project. For the Mosfets, you can read this thread, where you will find an easy way to identify the pins. Once worked that out, you probably will need to test the transistors, in particular you might want to do some measurements to get an idea of their transcharacterists (which will give you clues of what kind of MOS technology you are dealing with - threshold voltages, power, etc.). Collecting those data will help you do a targeted search of the actual transistors datasheets. For the ICs, it might be tricky: the packaging and the number of pins are usually not enough in helping identifying them. Are those ICs mounted on a board, or are just spare parts you found? If they are mounted on a board, perhaps looking up the board schematic (or a similar) could give you an hint on the ICs type and the way they are used. Good luck.

    Fabio.

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  • Hi Merrick,

    Very interesting project. For the Mosfets, you can read this thread, where you will find an easy way to identify the pins. Once worked that out, you probably will need to test the transistors, in particular you might want to do some measurements to get an idea of their transcharacterists (which will give you clues of what kind of MOS technology you are dealing with - threshold voltages, power, etc.). Collecting those data will help you do a targeted search of the actual transistors datasheets. For the ICs, it might be tricky: the packaging and the number of pins are usually not enough in helping identifying them. Are those ICs mounted on a board, or are just spare parts you found? If they are mounted on a board, perhaps looking up the board schematic (or a similar) could give you an hint on the ICs type and the way they are used. Good luck.

    Fabio.

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