HaQue wrote:
just my luck, I get in a uSD with only about 6 vias on the whole PCB.. I need:
1. Money
2. x-ray
3. laser
4. time
5. reality check!
What good is an X-Ray if you don't know the pin-out to the controller or NAND, I still don't know how this is derived. You're taking pictures of wires with no reference, like a map without street names.
You don't need a laser, use fine grit automotive sandpaper and be gentle, create a jig to put the device in so you're not sanding the edges off.
To get a proper laser is a HUGE waste of money. Yes it can do other things, like remove thermoset BUT it will destroy everything inside as well. Maybe 1 out of 100 times there is a blown fuse inside, fuses are in predictable locations, removing the thermoset will destroy the fuse, but you are replacing it anyway so it doesn't matter. I don't think it's worth it. (?Almost?) Nobody uses a laser. Put the money towards a sports car.
In school they would say:
With enough time, money and effort you can build a bridge the moon with nothing but popsicle sticks and glue BUT it will take a lot of time, money and effort.
If you really want to crack monolithics start innovating, test out new ideas, I'm constantly rummaging around my office trying to create a solution out of something else. Don't give up, make it your obsession. If it's not worth your time move on to something else you don't "have" to solve it. Think like the chinese, they make something using stupid simple solutions, it's usually crap but it kind of works. Start small, can you remove a PCB layer without damaging the IC's inside, hone your skills. Anyway enough of my motivational speeches.