Genetic Circuits

Apple iBook Repair / ATI Video Chip

Ibook Repair: Causes, Symptoms and Solutions offered

We have seen a significant trend in intermittent ATI video chips on laptop motherboards.  Most common type is the on the Apple iBook G3 and G4 Logic Boards.  FirstPhase Tech has identified that there are periodic stress fractures on the BGA that cause video failure.  Using our BGA inspection scope  we have identified that there are inconsistent sized solder joints beneath the device.  Inconsistent solder paste volume during the manufacture of the logic board results in stress not being distributed evenly (the smaller, lower mass solder joints take on the majority of the expansion stress which over time causing them to fracture.

This analogy can be likened to 2 steel plates side by side with  a matrix of connecting ropes between them. Most of the ropes are 3ft in length but a select few of the ropes are 2ft and 11in. As the plates separate from each other repeatedly over time, the ropes that are 2ft 11, since they are shorter in length, break since they handle most of the stress.

To date we have successfully repaired about 120 of these now for various customers providing  our BGA chip reflow service. This may be a correction to the symptom, but likely not the cause. Our first repaired units have been in operation for over a year with no re-occurence of the problem. It is very unlikely you get any more time out of our repair than you got originally. For example, if it has taken 2 years for the device to have fractured solder joints, you will likely only see another 2 years at best before it re-occurs. For most people this is just fine since they do plan to upgrade  before that time. The only way to completely repair both the symptom and combat the cause would be to remove the BGA device, reball and re-install it onto the motherboard. The cost for this would be at minimum $75.00

First Phase Technologies does offer the basic BGA reflow for $50.00 ($35.00 for 3 or more at one time). PLEASE NOTE: The services listed do not include removing or re-installing the motherboard, we leave that up to experienced Apple techs. Cost is just to repair the device. For more information on the process visit our website www.firstphasetech.com and click on BGA or Advanced package rework. Email tomfpt@gmail.com, Or to speak to an experienced rework tech on the process Call Toll Free 800-718-0206.  We accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Paypal.

First Phase Ebay Store

First Phase Technologies has re-opened its online eBay store where we have listed everything from electronic components, life science lab equipment and a variety of services. One item that may be of interest is a table top photoplotter made by Bungard. This unit is ideal for a start up board fabrication house or phototool center. The unit is brand new in the box and  although it lists for $8500.00 we are selling it for $5500 and throwing in 2 flourescent green lights, a bottle of fixer and developer and a new box of Kodak film. We originally purchased the unit for mask development but found out it did not have the resolution for nanoscale plotting we required. Check our ebay store often as we add on a vast array of electronics components from IC's to Mil Circular connectors.

New Clean Room

First Phase Technologies and Flowchips announce that they have acquired and plan to install/construct a 2000 sq ft cleanroom in their Medtronic Way facility. It is a class 1000 cleanroom that will enhance our microarray capability as well as provide space for developing biosensors and developmental hardware. Need clean room space for your project? Give us a call!