DigiX SMOKE!

[exeng]

Well, it's like a nightmare... it just keeps getting worse...

So, with respect to my prior post http://digistump.com/board/index.php/topic,2544.msg12189.html#msg12189

I decided to try a 12V PS (proper polarity verified) and got smoke on one of the DigiX parts. Note, this did not happen immediately but only after a few power resets while trying to figure out my wireless issue. Also, before this, I was watching the signal strength bounce continuously from 0% to something reasonable.

So, this put my project on hold until I fix this and the wireless problems, or I find a suitable replacement with reliable WiFi and many GPIO pins.

Can anyone one tell me what part that smoked is?  Perhaps I can try my hand at replacing it. I checked the schematic but did not see it there (or I miss it.)

BTW, I thought the DigiX could handle 12V through the barrel jack??

3.3V, 3.4-5.5V (LiPo Ready), 5V, or 6-16V input (onboard buck regulator)

from the product spec.

Here is a picture highlighting the Smoked part.

EDIT: Well apparently from the few digits that remain on the part this is the AOZ1021AI IC REG BUCK ADJ 3A SYNC 8SOIC. Can anyone confirm? It's suppose to handle 16v, 18v max.

[Solice]

I won't have access to my parts drawer until tomorrow night.  If you don't have it sorted by then, I'll take a look at mine to double check.

Looking at the data sheet for that part, 4.5 to 16v should be fine.  Can you see if there's a solder bridge on any of the pins?

[exeng]

Don't see any solder bridges on the part's pins. I'll look at the board total. Arrrgh! $60 board in smoke. Really! Not what I need just now.

Oh well, once I figure out (confirm) that it's the AOZ1021AI IC, I can most likely get one for a couple of $ from Digikey. Shipping will be more than the part I'm sure.

I've soldered really fine wires to a digital camera main board (talk about tedious) so I'm sure I can replace this part.

Here is what you don't want to see on your expensive DigiX board...

[Solice]

Only other thing that I can think of is, was anything connected to this dev board when you saw the magic smoke?  A regulator like that can get very hot if there's a short anywhere, and I myself have made a mistake of sticking a jumper wire into the wrong header pin.

[exeng]

Nothing else connected. No pins etc. Was simply accessing the AP to see what signal strength the STA was seeing. As I said the signal strength was bouncing up and down to 0%. Don't know if this was related to me having issues with wireless or not. Ordered 3 parts from Digikey. So, I will have 3 chances to get it soldered down properly.

Time to review surface mount part replacement.

[PeterF]

Z1021AI
ZA3E2N

Appears to be a AOZ1021A

Hm... I didn't see any smoke? Maybe I should see if I can make my board smoke... was it black or blue? Electric green? :-P

Edit: Also replied with my experience re: WiFi in the other thread...

Oh, and this is Oak related how?  

[exeng]

It's Oak related because I failed to pay attention to what heading I was posting under. I was still in shock when the genie left the part in a flash of smoke in about 2-3 secs and there is nothing you can do about it.

It's kinda like when you drop your motorcycle in a bare hill in the middle of nowhere and gas spills out. You pick it up and instead of kick starting, you hit the electric start and poof a small flame starts. Then in desperation you blow on it thinking it will go out but it only spreads and comes back together. Finally you just accept that your bike will and does become a crispy critter. Stop laughing... Yes been there back in the day.

I'll move a link to the continuation of this thread over to DigiX Support.

[PeterF]

I was more bemused by the the self-ignite... er, electric start option 

Oh c'mon... and here I thought it was because it was going to be some big project with Oaks and DigiXs and Digisparks all talking to one another...

Yup... it's that moment when you realise something has gone wrong, and you can't do anything to stop it, and you're still in a daze   

[exeng]

I'll respond on the other now properly located thread under DigiX Support... Hey you pointed it out.