5 ms·
This class of devices is often made at a ridiculously huge volume and the cheapest way possible, so they're very likely to contain one-time-programmable devices
by q3k 13y ago
This class of devices is often made at a ridiculously huge volume and the cheapest way possible, so they're very likely to contain one-time-programmable devices with no test / debug lines.
- mschuster91 13y agoYet there are labeled(!) test points visible for the I2C lines on the board, and a number of other labels... so the question is, why doing the epoxy stuff while leaving the labeling on the PCB?
- duskwuff 13y agoEpoxy blobs tend to be more about cheap mass-production than anti-reverse-engineering. If you're getting a custom chip manufactured, it's often easier to just stick the die straight on the board than it would be to have it put in a package, then put on the board.
- mschuster91 13y agoHow is the bonding from the pads on the die to the pads on the PCB accomplished? Sounds easier to do with packaging compared to PCB for me.
- csmuk 13y agoExactly the same way the die connects to the pins on the package (usually fine wire). Then they cap it all.
- ChuckMcM 13y agoEpoxy enhances reliability by keeping the chips hermetically sealed. So when your kid barfs on his favorite Furby it still has a chance of working, or gets thrown by the family dog against the wall. They are fun to play with from a hardware poking perspective.