I think the RFID tag is used for when Amazon pre-configures these devices with your account, they probably store some info on there or on their assembly line and according to that then flash the correct files and all.
Really like your video's lots of information on how and why thing are engineered the way they are, it's fascinating how many minds were put in all the little thing that compose the electronics of today.
I have two 2nd gen Dots. I had a 3rd gen but found it sounded like it was emitting sound from under a multiple layered blanket. Even after adjusting the bass, mid-range and treble it still sounded muddy and muffled. I sent it back. Amazon actually called me to get my feedback.
Kindles also have the same type of RFID tag on the back cover - at least the three Kindle Keyboards that I tore down. Must be something common to Amazon, maybe stock keeping?
@@mjr263 I doubt it. Considering how automated the Amazon warehouses and shipping centers are, they are almost certainly there for inventory tracking / management.
Fascinating engineering, but you're crazy to put one in your home. If you ever make enough ad money (maybe a broken one?), please consider ripping into the custom silicon!
Please... is it the IDENTICAL DAC chip for both vers2 and vers 3 echo dots ? wish to know if there is a REAL sound upgrade or not...at that level...we use far better ext. amps and spkrs anyway...ALSO, note that amazon UK has echo INPUT... a new thing... PLS LET ME KNOW ABOUT DACs...on both or, at least, in this 3rd vers....thanks...good job
Not a custom chip. It's the ISSI3236A RGB LED driver in 5x5mm QFN. I'm trying to promote the KTD2061 in 3x3mm QFN to replace that chip with about 1/3rd the size and PCB traces. But our schedule couldn't make it happen for Echo gen3. czcams.com/video/FDpbfXSLjqU/video.html
I'll echo (har har) the others when I say I'm amazed you'll allow one of these things to be powered up inside your home. But, I suppose we're all carrying their predecessors around in our pockets already anyway. Thanks for the teardown!
Predecessors? You have to pay pretty close attention during setup to avoid activating Google Assistant or Siri on just about any phone you can still get to hold a battery charge on. Been a thing since Android 6 and iOS 5, and those things have video, audio, location, massive storage, independent data connections, and access to all of your personal information. In comparison to how unnerving a smartphone can be, these barely cross past "cute".
"hmmmm, people are very suspicious of our Echo product line being a potential privacy concern and recording ambient audio they never intended, how can we allay their unfounded conspiratorial fears?" "oooh, let's add a uniquely coded rfid tracker to the inside of each unit!" "capital idea! that's why you're senior EE, Bobby!"
What's that RFID thing going to do that has anything to do with privacy? It doesn't work unless it's excited by an electromagnetic field to power it's circuitry, which means someone with an RFID field generator has to be very close to it, and then it can only receive/send pre-programmed data back. It has no way to record or store voice data on that tiny sand-grain of a chip. And when are you going to let someone with an RFID scanner into your home?
Damn.. I was hoping to see inside the custom chips...
I think the RFID tag is used for when Amazon pre-configures these devices with your account, they probably store some info on there or on their assembly line and according to that then flash the correct files and all.
Most likely, their kindle keyboards also have it
some companies use them now for parts tracking in place of those mini qr codes you see though you could be right.
Flashing would be too complicated. These devices phone home to Amazon and obtain the necessary configuration at that time.
Ohh nice! That’s the first thing I searched when I got my fluffy dot. Glad you showed it inside!
Really like your video's lots of information on how and why thing are engineered the way they are, it's fascinating how many minds were put in all the little thing that compose the electronics of today.
really good content electronupdate. I shattered the thumbs up on your video. Always keep up the high-quality work.
I enjoy slowing down the play speed of your videos.
I have two 2nd gen Dots. I had a 3rd gen but found it sounded like it was emitting sound from under a multiple layered blanket. Even after adjusting the bass, mid-range and treble it still sounded muddy and muffled. I sent it back. Amazon actually called me to get my feedback.
Kindles also have the same type of RFID tag on the back cover - at least the three Kindle Keyboards that I tore down. Must be something common to Amazon, maybe stock keeping?
I bet it is to register the device to the ordering account.
@@mjr263 I doubt it. Considering how automated the Amazon warehouses and shipping centers are, they are almost certainly there for inventory tracking / management.
This model does 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi which is a reason for two antennas.
which button had the prox sensor next to it ?
6:30 Test points TM4 and TM5 are almost certainly a USB interface to the CPU.
Nice video 👍
I would like to see where the radio is for the Amazon SideWalk program. Presumably they are using frequencies in the 868-920 wavelength
Fascinating engineering, but you're crazy to put one in your home. If you ever make enough ad money (maybe a broken one?), please consider ripping into the custom silicon!
Thank you
Can you teardown any EEG headset? Keep making these videos. I think these are very interesting.
Any idea how to unblock...the Echodot thirdies...using debugging..
Please... is it the IDENTICAL DAC chip for both vers2 and vers 3 echo dots ? wish to know if there is a REAL sound upgrade or not...at that level...we use far better ext. amps and spkrs anyway...ALSO, note that amazon UK has echo INPUT... a new thing... PLS LET ME KNOW ABOUT DACs...on both or, at least, in this 3rd vers....thanks...good job
A lot of micros and componentes for a 20 dlls budget, interesting.... Great video!
How does the sound get out? Looks like the outer shell does not have any louvers. It is a solid cylinder. Nice vid.
Can you do a tear down for 4th Gen?
Thank
Great high-res zoom pictures! Which microscope are you using?
I think its an amscope
Paul Boonen No microscope for this video: just a Canon SLR camera and a reversing ring for the 18-55 lens
I'm surprised they didn't use digital I2S-microphones.
Do you take request tear downs?, if so will you tear down those cheap smart watch and smart rings?
Torx size
Not a custom chip. It's the ISSI3236A RGB LED driver in 5x5mm QFN. I'm trying to promote the KTD2061 in 3x3mm QFN to replace that chip with about 1/3rd the size and PCB traces. But our schedule couldn't make it happen for Echo gen3. czcams.com/video/FDpbfXSLjqU/video.html
I wouldn't be surprised if the two antennas were for some kind of antenna diversity scheme.
It looks, there is no enough opening in body for sound to come out, thats why it feels muffled while listening music
ISSI3236A RGB LED Driver
Who in their right mind would want something like this?
Idiots.
Everyone tears it down. No one pulls out the speaker and measures the impedance or shows the connection. Thumbs up anyway.
I'll echo (har har) the others when I say I'm amazed you'll allow one of these things to be powered up inside your home. But, I suppose we're all carrying their predecessors around in our pockets already anyway. Thanks for the teardown!
Predecessors? You have to pay pretty close attention during setup to avoid activating Google Assistant or Siri on just about any phone you can still get to hold a battery charge on. Been a thing since Android 6 and iOS 5, and those things have video, audio, location, massive storage, independent data connections, and access to all of your personal information. In comparison to how unnerving a smartphone can be, these barely cross past "cute".
decap the rfid chip
"hmmmm, people are very suspicious of our Echo product line being a potential privacy concern and recording ambient audio they never intended, how can we allay their unfounded conspiratorial fears?"
"oooh, let's add a uniquely coded rfid tracker to the inside of each unit!"
"capital idea! that's why you're senior EE, Bobby!"
You will find RFID tags in more stuff than you expect. Even some clothes have it.
What's that RFID thing going to do that has anything to do with privacy? It doesn't work unless it's excited by an electromagnetic field to power it's circuitry, which means someone with an RFID field generator has to be very close to it, and then it can only receive/send pre-programmed data back. It has no way to record or store voice data on that tiny sand-grain of a chip. And when are you going to let someone with an RFID scanner into your home?
aaaaaand do you think the conspiratards know anything about how they work?
The RFID chip is for the NSA
Good video, but please stop mumbling.