AD561JD - 10-bit laser-trimmed DAC : weekend die-shot

Die size 3694x2475 µm.



Datasheet has top metal photo and high-level architecture:
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RCA CA3033 - high-current (36mA) opamp : weekend die-shot

You can feel the Rubylith vibes here. Die size 1513x1418 µm.


Schematics below:
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RCA CD40163BD - CMOS Synchronous 4-Bit Counter : weekend die-shot

Die size 2757x2111 µm.

Kwazar K140UD1B - Soviet / Ukrainian opamp : weekend die-shot

Kwazar K140UD1B was the first high-volume/most popular Soviet opamp without frequency correction. This sample was manufactured by Kwazar fab (Kyiv, Ukraine) in 1970's. One can compare it to its successor K140UD2 which had much higher open-loop gain.

Die size 1225x1228 µm.

TT04 - looking inside TinyTapeout 4 (GDS included) : weekend die-shot

Through TinyTapeout project (TT04) I got to design a microchip with a bunch of oscillators, had it working in my hands and inspected under microscope. Now we'll be able to verify if manufactured chip matches GDS design files and is there any secret sauce!

Feel free to inspect source design using KLayout, SKY130 layer definitions, and finally full original GDS design. You can hide metals and DECAP cells in KLayout to make it easier to look around and compare to photos.

You can also watch video interview with decapsulation process here.

Die size 5256x3662 µm.

TT04 with metal removed, side illumination for looks:


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Nyquest NY8A051H - 1.5 cent microcontroller : weekend die-shot

If you were surprised to see 10-cent microcontroller - Nyquest Technology NY8A051H pushes price expectations much, much further down: Its high-volume pricing is just 1.5 cents, and it is currently the cheapest microcontroller in the world* (cheaper than Padauk, the holder of the previous record). I had to order a whopping 20pcs as a minimum order, and it was still under $1. Please note that despite its name - it is not 8051-compatible.

For these 1.5 cents, you don't get much: 1k words of OTP memory and 48 bytes of SRAM, but this might be just enough for many simple applications. And if you need even less and would like to save another fraction of a cent, Nyquest offers a range of simpler 4-bit MCUs.

Die size 497x418 µm. This is where 20pcs minimum order came in handy : the first 2 dies were lost as I was not expecting the die to be this small. A single 300mm wafer could fit 337,000 NY8A051H microcontrollers. It is truly an economic marvel how one is able to manufacture, test, package, and sell microcontrollers at this price point. It is barely larger than a simple BJT.

* in stock at LCSC.

Sinowealth SH79F1616P - 8051 from your Microwave : weekend die-shot

Sinowealth SH79F1616P is what runs your Microwave. 12MHz, 16KiB flash, 512 bytes SRAM + extra 19 bytes of LED/LCD controller memory, 1KiB EEPROM-like memory. This chip comes from Sharp-branded microwave manufactured by ODM Guangdong Galanz Enterprises Co., Ltd.

Die size 2129x1563 µm.