Oh, I see. My misunderstanding. If you are right Philba, then I'm puzzled why he would be losing parts as these are quite simple. I note that the data sheet warns not to hang other open collector outputs onto the output line from part to uP. I guess they use an active pullup or something internally and can't hack the current sourcing that an external load would force on it.
Maximum voltage is 6V while recommended supply is 5V. Not much margin there, I wonder if there are spikes on the DC supply that are killing the part for some reason. Such spikes are signs of poor quality DC supply, but they can be filtered or regulated out of concern.
It would be extremely helpful if a schematic diagram could be provided, and if more details of DC power supply and other external elements could be provided.