I've built numerous transistor pedals and I'm just venturing into the world of IC chip pedals, and I have a question about IC chip names. I will be building a current lover, and possibly some others.
The project calls for a CD4013BCN, can this be replaced by the CD4013 that small bear sells? Others I'm confused about are TL072 vs. TL072CP vs. TL072ACP, and LM386 vs. LM386N-3.
Thanks very much, I tried googling ic chip codes and couldn't really find any clear answers!
usually you can look at the data sheets that would be online for the chips, and they should tell you.
I hope that helps!
For op amps, usually the letters/numbers after the main part number have to do with either package type (DIP, SIP, SOIC, etC) or operating maximums (how hot/cold they can get before failing). And occasionally, they denote something like max voltage. So you can almost always safely use op amps that only differ by the trailing letters/numbers. So TL072 and TL072CP are both going to work fine in 99% of effects circuits.
Other ICs may vary a bit more, but usually it's still the same kind of thing. The LM386-N3 is a good example. It's the same as the LM386 or LM386-N1, but it puts out a bit more volume/gain at the same voltage.
As was suggested previously, always google the part number and check out the first couple pages of the data sheet to verify.