database of feasible component substitutions

[cx_deluxe]

does such a thing exist?

ie: J201 crosslisted with 2n5457 MPF102 and who knows what else>

I realize that this is the sort of thing that one learns with experience, but it might be really useful if some of that experience was written down.  Big project, no doubt, but a place where we could post our trials, errors, and results sure would be handy. 
what do you think?

[d95err]

Yes, it exists and it's this forum! 

Really, just searching on this forum for the name of a part you want to substitute usually turns up a lot of helpful threads with suggestions on component substitutions.

[The Tone God]

I can tell your new at this just from the suggestion your posing. It is wishful thinking. Building a "database" of this type would be far too complex and almost impossible to cover all applications, manufactures, part types, specification, etc. The maintenance of such a database would become a never ending chore in itself. No one has that time around here or anywhere.

The best thing is to learn to use various search engines (forum, google, various manufactures) properly and figure out yourself what parts can and cannot work.

Andrew

[Arn C.]

What you are talking about 'sort of' does exist!   2-5 years ago, someone from this forum, whether it was a topic that came up or ?  Anyway, this person and I emailed and I ended up emailing quite a large list of cross referenced parts that I spent awhile compiling and he said that he was making up a big list with what I sent him.    I have never heard anything more about this.

I do believe I still have that list in my office at work, but it may take some time to find it.

I would be happy to contribute!!!

Peace!
Arn C.

[cx_deluxe]

It wouldn't necessarily have to be comprehensive to be helpful.  I know I could learn a whole helluva lot from a practical "rubber-hits-the-road" cross reference, no matter how provisional, inadequate, or incomplete.  Hell, if it only listed, say 60 of the more common components it'd be useful (for me, at least).  Admittedly the utility would be much greater for those of us with limited experience. 

[nelson]

I use the transistor cross reference database. Set up by the university of washington.


http://www.ee.washington.edu/circuit_archive/parts/cross.html



No point in reinventing the wheel.

[Ge_Whiz]

The trouble is, component substitution may depend on the circuit it's going into. Generally speaking, dual op-amps are interchangeable but we are all aware of specific circuits in which they are not. It's probably better to ask about specific substitutions here and to ask if anyone has experience of trying particular components.