- #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
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- Ic Microscope
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the practice of engineers doodling on integrated circuits (ICs) and the discovery of these artistic elements during the de-capsulation process. Participants share experiences of finding logos, team member names, and symbols on the surfaces of ICs from other manufacturers. This practice highlights the creativity and personal touch engineers incorporate into their work, particularly in prototype application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The conversation reflects a nostalgic appreciation for the hidden artistry in microchip design.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of integrated circuit (IC) design principles
- Familiarity with de-capsulation techniques for ICs
- Knowledge of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)
- Basic concepts of microchip manufacturing processes
- Research de-capsulation methods for integrated circuits
- Explore the history and significance of ASIC design
- Learn about the impact of microchip art on engineering culture
- Investigate tools for analyzing IC surfaces post-de-capsulation
Electrical engineers, microchip designers, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and creativity in integrated circuit design.
- #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