What does d/c mean in component marketplaces? 1

[JimmyComeEre]

I have been frequenting several component marketplaces, a great deal of them from the Orient. They consistently have a column header that reads "D/C". Many write values like 99+ or 98+, sometimes ratios, 98/99+. Can anyone explain what D/C and these ratios mean?

Thank you.

-Gary

 

[itsmoked]

I suspect "Devices/Hundred"

As in - they haven't tested the product but expect tests to pass 98 components out of 100.

But I await others comments too.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[electricuwe]

DC is the common abbreviation for Datecode, giving the date of manufacturing. Since it is common to abbreviate without as w/o I would assume D/C also beeing used for datecode.

When buying components through other channels than the usual disribution chain be aware of the following:

- older parts may be difficult to solder
- there might have been some product changes in between and a circuit designed with newer devices might not work with older ones
- you might get old parts containing lead
- for devices difficult to get there might also be counterfait devices ( devices not manufactured by the manufactuerer whose stamp/label they carry) offered on these marketplaces

 

[JimmyComeEre]

electricuwe,

I'd made the same conclusion about date code being abbreviated D/C. Thank you for confirming that for me. You mentioned several interesting points in regards to older merchandise.

I was looking for an MOS Integrated Circuit. Some have date codes as old as 95+, would you happen to know if these qualify as being too old. And maybe you can help me with this cryptic datecode: 9539+.

Thank you.

 

[electricuwe]

9539 I would read as 1995, calendar week 39. If you find 9539+ in a PCN or in a some other dicument of the supplier I would read "newer than". On a part 9539+ looks strange to me.

If you need parts for series production I wouldn't use parts that old, for repair it should not be a problem.

 

[JimmyComeEre]

What date codes would you consider for production? I should mention that these are obsolete items, so availability is not always guaranteed. The earlies date codes I've seen are 00+ and 01+.

 

[electricuwe]

If you need the devices for production take special care regarding the concerns mentioned before e.g.

- do an additional visual ckeck of soldering quality
- look for PCNs issued in between
- check if the parts are leadfree if required
- you also may ask the former manufacturer on his point of view, even if the device is obsolte he will usually be able to test it or to analyse samples it. But he may charge you for that.