October 29, 2016
K140UD2B - Soviet opamp : weekend die-shot
K140UD2B is an old Soviet opamp without internal frequency compensation. Similar to RCA CA3047T. ICs manufactured in ~1982 have bare die in metal can, ones manufactured in 1988 - have some protective overcoat inside metal can (which is quite unusual).Die size 1621x1615 µm.
October 20, 2016
National Semiconductor LM330 - first LDO (1976) : weekend die-shot
LM330/LM2930 (LM130) is the first LDO linear regulator manufactured by National Semiconductor since 1976.Die size 1723x1490 µm.
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July 3, 2016
MAX2659 - SiGe GPS/GNSS LNA : weekend die-shot
Maxim Integrated MAX2659 is a low-noise (NF 0.8dB) SiGe RF amplifier for GPS/GNSS applications.
June 27, 2016
Microchip HCS301 KeeLoq : weekend die-shot
Microchip HCS301 is an old and popular code hopping encoder for remote controls.Die size 2510x1533 µm, 1µm technology.
PS. Thanks Andrew for the chips!
June 11, 2016
OPUS Microsystems OP-6111 - MEMS 2D scanner : weekend die-shot
OPUS Microsystems OP-6111 is a sensor-less resonant 2D-tilting MEMS mirror for application requiring laser scanning (laser projectors, 3D scanning, photoresist exposure e.t.c). Electrostatic actuator.Die size 3688x3180 µm, mirror is 1000 µm in diameter.
May 22, 2016
Silicon Labs Si8641 - quad channel digital isolator : weekend die-shot
Silicon Labs Si8641 uses capacitive coupling to implement digital isolation (up to 5kV, this model 2.5kV) as speeds of up to 1 Mbps.This particular model (Si8641AB) contains 2 identical dies, apparently configured by bonding some of the pads on the sides.
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May 11, 2016
You can now support Zeptobars at Patreon and more
We are running this blog for more than 3 years with no monetization of any kind (advertisements, merchandise and such) but from time to time people kept asking on how to help us. From the other side - we've probably reached the limits of our resources to improve the quality of our lab/imaging setup, and we'll need your help to move further.
We've finally outlined a number of voluntary ways you can support our efforts to produce higher-quality microchip photographs for curiosity and education.
Basically, there are 4 ways - spread the word, send us few cool chips for future work, support us at our Patreon campaign (which would allow you to schedule small contribution for each new die shot we publish) or send us some Bitcoins (or use good old Paypal).
Either way content of this blog will remain free for everyone and it will continue to be licensed under permissive CC BY 3.0 license.