Andrew ZonenbergMar 6
OK, oscillator failure analysis step one: Cleaning residual solder off the underside so it sits flat on the mill table. Then a final cleaning with acetone to get any flux residue off.
Show threadAndrew ZonenbergMar 6

I wasn't sure if I could mount it to the mill table without it flying off because it was so small, so I mounted it to a ~1cm copper disk with some crystalbond wax.

This will make it much easier to find if I drop it, and give more area for me to attach to the chuck with double-sided tape.

Show threadAndrew ZonenbergMar 6
And mounted up on the mill
Show threadAndrew ZonenbergMar 6
Starting to thin down the edges of the lid
Show threadAndrew ZonenbergMar 6
OK that's thinned down a bunch let's see if i can get in with a scalpel now...
Show threadAndrew ZonenbergMar 6
Starting to go...
Show threadAndrew ZonenbergMar 6
Almost there just need to peel the lid off fully
Show threadAndrew ZonenbergMar 6

Pretty happy with the results for a surgical decap.

It looks like the quartz crystal sits on top and the oscillator driver is under it. Unfortunately we can't see the oscillator die without destroying the crystal.

Nothing looks obviously damaged, I'll do some higher mag images next.

Show threadAndrew ZonenbergMar 6

Composite of three focal planes (upper bond pads/crystal surface, lower bond pads, top of package) on the Labsmore/Mitutoyo system.

The left two pads clearly have connections to the driver IC but aren't very visible with the DOF of this system at the chosen focal planes.

It's interesting that the quartz is a somewhat textured surface, I expected a mirror polish.

Show threadsen
@azonenberg images like this really drive home that our whole digital world relies on little slices of rock with two wires glued to them :)
Mar 6 at 2:44amWeb