Understanding IC Part Numbers: A Beginner's Guide
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Learn how to decode electronic component part numbers and find the right IC for your design.
Last updated: April 2026
Understanding IC Part Numbers
Electronic component part numbers can seem cryptic at first, but they follow logical patterns.
Structure of a Part Number
Most IC part numbers contain:
- Manufacturer prefix (e.g., TPS = Texas Instruments Power)
- Series identifier (e.g., 62737 for a specific DC-DC converter family)
- Package suffix (e.g., DRVR = driver, SOT = small outline transistor)
Common Suffixes
- T or TR = Tape and Reel packaging
- G = Green/RoHS compliant
- Q = Automotive grade
- M = Military/extended temperature
Searching Tips
When searching for components, try both the full part number and the base number without suffixes. Many distributors list all package variants separately.