- #1
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But you better have a microscope to see them!
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/16/1242...n-doodles-engineers-microchip?ft=nprml&f=1002
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/16/1242...n-doodles-engineers-microchip?ft=nprml&f=1002
Even Engineers Doodle -- on the ICs they design
- Thread starter Tom.G
- Start date
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- Tags
- Ic Microscope
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the practice of engineers doodling on integrated circuits (ICs) and the discovery of these doodles during the de-capsulation process. Participants share experiences related to finding hidden symbols, logos, or names on IC surfaces, reflecting on the culture within engineering and design.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants mention the need for a microscope to see the doodles on ICs.
- Others share experiences of de-capping ICs from other manufacturers to find logos or symbols left by the design team.
- A participant notes that finding doodles in prototype ASICs can provide insight into their origins.
- There is a general appreciation for the creativity of engineers who leave these doodles, with one participant expressing a desire to revisit the practice of de-capping chips.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the existence and novelty of doodles on ICs, but there is no formal resolution or consensus on the implications or significance of these findings.
Contextual Notes
Some discussions may depend on personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, with no formal studies or data presented to support claims about the prevalence or meaning of doodles on ICs.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in engineering culture, integrated circuit design, or the intersection of creativity and technology may find this discussion relevant.
- #2
berkeman
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Yeah, whenever we used to de-cap another manufacturer's IC to figure out what went wrong, we would always look around the IC surface to see if they'd left any logos or similar. Every once in a while you might find the project team member names or some interesting symbol... 
- #3
nsaspook
Science Advisor
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If you ever see similar doodles inside some random prototype ASIC, you now know where they came from.
Last edited:
- #4
Flyboy
Gold Member
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Ok, that’s pretty cool. Kudos to the people behind them.
- #5
davenn
Science Advisor
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berkeman said:Yeah, whenever we used to de-cap another manufacturer's IC to figure out what went wrong, we would always look around the IC surface to see if they'd left any logos or similar. Every once in a while you might find the project team member names or some interesting symbol...
for sure
gosh, it's been years since i last did that
i have been reinspired tp decap a few more chips