Which chip serial numbers to memorize?

[Dongulus]

I've noticed in some teardown videos that Dave will often identify ICs by the serial number on the packaging. Can any of the more experienced members tell me of some essential chips to memorize the serial number for tearing apart products? Also, are there any ICs that have pin configurations that are handy to know?

[IanB]

Don't you think Dave uses Google off camera?

The only chips people memorize are the chips they use in their own work. For the average amateur your memorization probably stops at the NE555, the LM324, and PIC or Atmel micros. (And maybe a few basic logic chips.)

[IanB]

Also, are there any ICs that have pin configurations that are handy to know?

No, no, a thousand times no. You always check the pinout of a chip you are working with. Different manufacturers have been known to move the pins around on what is supposedly the same IC. Nothing will ruin your day worse than assuming a pinout only to find your board doesn't work after you have put it together because your assumption was wrong.

[c4757p]

No, no, a thousand times no. You always check the pinout of a chip you are working with.

I second this with enthusiasm.

[free_electron]

anyone in electronics should know the partnumbers by heart. if you don't know what a 7400 7402 7404 7405 7408 7413 7414 7420 7490 etc are : change hobby ...
most single opamps in 8 pin package have the same pinout. 2 -, 3 +, 4 neg, 6 out, 7 pos, 5 and 1 adjust.
dual opamps are  1 out, 2 ,- 3 +, 4 neg, 5 + , 6- , 7 out , 8 pos. quads like 324 339 : ditto 1,7,8 and 14 are outs..

ttl and cmos has vcc  hihgest numbered pin and gnd on highest/2 pin. with few exceptions like 7490 7492 ...

[digsys]

ANY possibility of common numbering blew out the door when surface mount came out !! PLUS, parts are so tiny, they only use
codes anyway, which can be a nightmare to find, and can vary between manufacturers. Plus, you may not ever need to know all
the historic types. I'd suggest, IF you'd like that knowledge, occasionally google through random circuit diagrams, pick out
interesting parts and look up their pedigree. Plus it's a more interesting way to do it.