b wrote:
these two vertical output ics seem almost identical, i think the 8170
needs a ref voltage on pin 1. can they be interchanged? if so, what
mods if any will be required.
cheers. B

TDA8177 ICs are getting hard to find (discontinued).
Why not use it's smaller counterpart. The TDA8172 is a drop in
replacement that works for me. I have replaced 8177s with 8172s in
commercial 25" RGB monitors with no failures (2+ years) (Dotronix
DSV-25C video wall monitors). There should be a electrolytic capacitor
just off of the pins of this IC. It is usually a 100mfd with a voltage
rating between 35v and 50v. Replace this cap or you will be replacing
the IC again. (I use a 100mfd/63v which cuts down on failures).
No extra circuitry changes are needed if going from 8177s to 8172s. The
worst that can happen is the IC fails. I have used this IC in Toshiba
projection units also with no failures.
Good luck!
Dave