SMD rework

PCBs & soldering

Folder: Electronics
SMD rework

SMD rework

09 Apr 2009 346
After assembly the yellow LED blinked as expected, but the LED matrix stayed dark. I checked the SPI lines (clock, data, latch) and the clock line was pulled to GND for some reason. Luckily I could remove 90% of the circuit from my search due to an intelligently placed jumper. Nevertheless I removed one SO16 shift register after enother and the short still was there :-(
Faulty PCBs suck !

Faulty PCBs suck !

09 Apr 2009 141
Hidden under the solder mask, there was a faulty connection between the via and the GND line. It was maybe 50µm wide, just barely visible. It looked like dirt or just a figment of my imagination, but I just cut it and the short was gone. Interesting that such a tiny piece of copper showed a resistance of less than 0.4 Ohms.
This via sucks !

This via sucks !

09 Apr 2009 168
The culprit is on the other side of the PCB, just barely visible with a strong magnifier.
Result of several hours of work

Result of several hours of work

09 Apr 2009 221
I had to find a short between the SPI SCK line and ground. I just couldn't find it for hours :-(
*rduino stamp

*rduino stamp

11 Apr 2009 187
FrOSCon 2009 called for Arduino submissions. Some people were thinking to go there. I though having small Arduino like clones to give away would be nice. Official minis/nanos are just too expensive.
*rduino stamp V2

*rduino stamp V2

11 Apr 2009 126
FrOSCon 2009 called for Arduino submissions. Some people were thinking to go there. I though having small Arduino like clones to give away would be nice. Official minis/nanos are just too expensive.
ChipQuik SMD rework - adding the alloy

ChipQuik SMD rework - adding the alloy

04 Aug 2009 173
You don't need much of the alloy. It's also very brittle. Bending it like normal solder doesn't work. I just cut it to size.
ChipQuik SMD rework - adding the alloy

ChipQuik SMD rework - adding the alloy

04 Aug 2009 141
You don't need much of the alloy. It's also very brittle. Bending it like normal solder doesn't work. I just cut it to size.
ChipQuik SMD rework - applying paste flux

ChipQuik SMD rework - applying paste flux

04 Aug 2009 150
The paste flux is really sticky and smells absolutely weird. Not like any flux I've smelled in 20 years. Use sparingly.
Who needs cheap MSOP10/TSSOP8 to DIP adapters ?

Who needs cheap MSOP10/TSSOP8 to DIP adapters ?

16 Oct 2009 121
I think I need some, but can't find affordable ones. So I'm inclined to have some made, so the price per board gets really cheap (less than 50¢). First side: MSOP10, second side: TSSOP8 This is just in the planning phase and production may take a few weeks. You've been warned. Interested ? Drop me a message !
MSOP10/TSSOP8 - DIP adapters

MSOP10/TSSOP8 - DIP adapters

17 Dec 2009 180
The boards are scored. I didn't explicitly order it that way, but they snap off very easily. At first glance I didn't see the grooves, so that was a positive surprise! I had already thought about using the mini mill to cut these out. Pure horror. I probably would have had to use a 0.5 or even 0.3mm tungsten carbide mill, and these break very easily.
MSOP10/TSSOP8 - DIP adapters

MSOP10/TSSOP8 - DIP adapters

17 Dec 2009 150
MSOP10/TSSOP8 - DIP adapters

MSOP10/TSSOP8 - DIP adapters

17 Dec 2009 167
MakePCB have taken their time - as usual. Excellent quality though and affordable. Luckily the panels are scored. Otherwise I'd have payed for quite expensive coasters.
LT1618 on DIP adapter

LT1618 on DIP adapter

17 Dec 2009 438
LT1618 boost converter finally mounted on a DIP adapter. Prototyping can begin.
MSOP10/TSSOP8 - DIP adapter

MSOP10/TSSOP8 - DIP adapter

17 Dec 2009 186
Thermal pad included. It's a bit small, but it's there ;-)
Dorkbotpdx PCB

Dorkbotpdx PCB

10 Apr 2011 104
My boards were mailed a few days ago, but I just couldn't wait to see them anymore. Tweaking the colors in gerbv helped a bit.
Next prototype

Next prototype

15 Mar 2011 136
This one had been sitting in the back of my head for ages. Now this seems to be ready for a prototype run. No PIR sensor, just couldn't get an affordable small one with integrated lens and amp. Still better than my current CFL bulbs.
How to defend yourself against a man with...

How to defend yourself against a man with...

11 Apr 2011 142
I was planning to use 0402 components in my next project, as well as AVRs in MLF20. Saving space is good I thought. Now that I have seen the size of these LEDs, or more precisely the LACK thereof, I'm not so sure anymore. 1206 and 0805 are not critical and I have dealt with these many times before, but 0402... holy sh... for these I'd need a new pair of glasses + a good magnifying monocle.
143 items in total