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In order to understand how a device works or to find a spare part you may need to identify an IC. Usually a small black package with 3 or more (often many more) pins, it should be marked with a part number and a manufacturing date code. The smallest devices just have an abreviated part number of just 3 letters and/or digits. If you can recognise the manufacturer's name or symbol the manufacturer's website will generally give the most reliable information. Alternatively, you can look up the part code with your favourite search engine or consult a datasheet archive such as below.