November 17, 2024
Siliconix DG190BP - dual SPDT JFET analog switch : weekend die-shot
Siliconix DG190BP is a rare example of having multi-chip assembly inside DIP-16 ceramic package. Just like in modern multi-chip assemblies, it was used to reach maximum product performance per $ by utilizing different manufacturing processes for different dies + offer product variability for the same silicon design. JFET's in DG190 have RDSon of 30 Ohm. Siliconix had different variation of this product with different JFET dies (which lead to different switching speed/resistance combinations). Siliconix was later acquired by Vishay.Main die size 1113x2027 µm.
October 30, 2024
Chinese F-91W homage quartz watch : weekend die-shot
Chinese F-91W quartz watch is very similar to Casio F-91W, but fortunately does not misuse Casio trademark. Chip is 4 times smaller in Chinese version, it looks simpler, purely digital.PCB is optimized for cost to an extreme : everything that can be integrated is integrated. There is not even a decoupling capacitor which is probably ok for digital circuits with low slew rate.
Die size 1384x1245 µm.
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October 20, 2024
October 1, 2024
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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September 2, 2024
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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September 1, 2024
August 1, 2024
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.