# 419: Fission Chips

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2022-06-30
- Length: 1h 03m
- Episode: 419
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-06-30-419-fission-chips
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/419

## Summary

Eric Schlaepfer and Windell Oskay, authors of the book Open Circuits, discuss the process of cross-sectioning electronic components to reveal their internal structures. They detail the technical challenges of preparing samples, including resin impregnation, vacuum degassing, and hand-sanding with grits up to 10,000, as well as the macro photography techniques involving focus stacking and custom robotic rigs. The conversation covers specific components like the μA702 integrated circuit, tantalum capacitors, and cathode-ray tubes, highlighting the blend of engineering failure analysis and artistic photography.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-06-30-419-fission-chips#t=7) Introduction and Guest Backgrounds
- [5:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-06-30-419-fission-chips#t=300) Origin of Open Circuits and Sample Preparation
- [7:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-06-30-419-fission-chips#t=425) Writing Process and Editorial Challenges
- [14:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-06-30-419-fission-chips#t=849) Cross-Sectioning Techniques: Resin and Sanding
- [41:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-06-30-419-fission-chips#t=2471) Photography and Focus Stacking Rig
- [48:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-06-30-419-fission-chips#t=2910) Component Selection and Unfinished Projects

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Open Circuits (product)
- No Starch Press (company)
- Evil Mad Scientist Laboratory (company)
- μA702 (chip)
- Helicon Focus (tool)
- AxiDraw (tool)
- Canon EOS R (tool)
- Processing (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Open Circuits with Eric Schlaepfer and Windell Oskay](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-11-14-open-circuits-with-eric-schlaepfer-and-windell-oskay) (The Amp Hour)
- [An Interview with Ken Shirriff](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-09-25-an-interview-with-ken-shirriff) (The Amp Hour)
- [058 - Technically Met the Specs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2022-06-15-058-technically-met-the-specs) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [005 - Circuits That Go Nowhere](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2017-11-06-005-circuits-that-go-nowhere) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [Ep 241: Circuit Bending, Resistor Filing, the Butterfly Keyboard, and the Badge Reveal](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-10-20-ep-241-circuit-bending-resistor-filing-the-butterfly-keyboard-and-the-badge-reve) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-06-30-419-fission-chips. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Embedded.fm.