Scented ICs

[David Halliday (Volt Computer)]

I worked for Tapco about 15 years ago doing final test on their new line
of power amplifiers.  We had a lot of QC problems plus the design was
running *right* on the edge of unstability.

It was a basic given that out of ten amps, one of them would blow up
spectacularly - most times, the power supply electrolytics would go
along for the ride...  The amp was since reworked and Tapco was sold to
JBL

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	J.D. McEachin [SMTP:jdm at synthcom.com]
> Sent:	Tuesday, August 12, 1997 5:52 AM
> To:	synth-diy at horus.sara.nl
> Subject:	Re: Scented ICs
> 
> On Mon, 11 Aug 1997, R.Fahl wrote:
> 
> > So, can anyone tell me why chips stink so terribly when they blow
> up?
> > 
> > Couldn't manufacturers start making opamps and transistors with a
> variety
> > of aromas?  Everybody lets the smoke out of an IC once in a while,
> might as
> > well smell good.
> 
> While they're at it, maybe they could make chips that visibly and
> audibly
> fail.  I remember powering up a new pcb once with the power & ground
> lines
> to some TI high current output drivers reversed - a loud pop and
> ceramic 
> bits flying out of the enclosure ensued.  I found ceramic bits
> embedded 
> in the ceiling!  Which reminds me kids, always wear your safety
> goggles 
> when testing boards - you never know what's going to happen!
> 
> JDM
>