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Products => Test Equipment => Topic started by: da_n on November 09, 2013, 12:52:32 pm

Title: Extech Ex330 - missing main chip?
Post by: da_n on November 09, 2013, 12:52:32 pm

Hi, first post here so I am sorry in advance for any noobie errors. I recently bought an Extech Ex330 after watching Dave's $50 shootout, I thought I would have a quick look inside just to check it all looked OK. After removing the back I was very surprised to see the main chip appears to be unpopulated, picture attached (including screenshot from the YouTube shootout which shows it populated). Wonder if people think this is simply a case of them revising the board and no longer needing the chip, or would this raise your suspicions? Thanks.

Title: Re: Extech Ex330 - missing main chip?
Post by: Lightages on November 09, 2013, 12:56:13 pm

I does have the main chip. Under that black blob of epoxy is a form of the chip in bare form, no package. This is called "Chip ON Board" and is a common way of manufacturing circuit boards in order to save costs. The footprint for a full chip is also sometimes included so as to allow the possibility of a full packaged chip if necessary.

Title: Re: Extech Ex330 - missing main chip?
Post by: da_n on November 09, 2013, 12:59:20 pm

Ah I see  :palm:


Thanks for clearing up my confusion, you learn something new every day I guess (I am new to electronics). Cheers!

Title: Re: Extech Ex330 - missing main chip?
Post by: Zbig on November 09, 2013, 09:12:28 pm

I once heard someone calling them "topless" chips ;)