Ground off IC markings

[xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Hello,

I was reading the thread Which IC is this? which talks about identifying an IC with the markings ground off.

It made me wonder - why DO manufacturers remove the markings from some chips? Are they inferior parts, protecting a patent? What's your thoughts?

-Michael

 

[DirtyLude]

Generally makes it a little harder to reverse engineer and/or hack.

In one case I know of a product that has markings obscured because they are using the chips outside of manufacturers spec.

 

[3v0]

Generally makes it a little harder to reverse engineer and/or hack.

In one case I know of a product that has markings obscured because they are using the chips outside of manufacturers spec.

And more difficult to repair.