[net.micro] IC removal from multilayer boards.

crs@lanl-a.UUCP (02/23/84)

>  So what's the big deal? I remove soldered in ICs from 6 layer boards all
>  the time without hurting either the IC or the board. It helps to have the
>  right tools, of course.
>  -- 
>  Phil Ngai (408) 988-7777 {ucbvax,decwrl,ihnp4,allegra,intelca}!amd70!phil


Phil, I agree that it is quite possible to do so; it is done all of the
time.  HOWEVER, it is NOT something to be taken lightly.

Removal of ANYTHING from multi-layer boards is NOT something that should
be attempted by anyone without considerable soldering experience and
even then not without some soul-searching.

I've worked in electronics all of my adult life and I've removed a lot of
components from etched circuit boards.  Even so I occasionally screw up
a trace.  That's not terribly serious on a single layer or even a two
sided board.  On a multilayer board, it may mean that the *board* has to
be replaced, an EXPENSIVE proposition.

Please note that my point is NOT that it CAN not, nor even that it SHOULD
not be done.  My point is that 1) There is risk involved; 2) It is NOT
something that a person without considerable soldering skill is LIKELY
to be able to do without damage to a VERY EXPENSIVE board.

Charlie Sorsby
...!lanl-a!crs

jaap@haring.UUCP (02/27/84)

<Eat this line>

If you are afraid of resoldering a chip on a multilayer board, you can
always follow the next method:

	1) Don't unsolder the original chip, just cut the pins of the chip
	   close to the housing of the chip.
	
	2) Remove the remainings of the chip. Now you will see a lot of pins
	   sticking out the board; so:
	
	3) Solder the new chip on these pins, using a low power soldering
	   iron. This way the connections inside the board are likely not to
	   be touched.

Jaap Akkerhuis, mcvax!jaap