How does a blinky/flashing ball work?

[Athosworld]

Im begging you to explain me how does a COB flashing toy ball work, please don’t call me “crazy”, “COB obsessed” or “dumb”, Im just trying to learn to make something similar.
Most people say they are mask programmed but this seems too expensive in such a product, I imagine that the function is hard wired onto the silicon.
Please, please explain me how they work.

 

[ronsimpson]

Somewhere I have the data sheet for this IC and how to program it.

Those files from when I was designing blinking toys are not on this computer. It might take some time to find the programming manual.

Not certain you can get the part now. We also used 6-pin and 8-pin computers that are easy to program. Cost a little more but you can get just one. No minimum number. I can get a 2x3mm micro that has 8 pins. It is smaller than the CBO.
PIC12F617 = about $1.00usd at 5000 price. 2x3mm
ATTINY412 = $0.50 at 5000 larger package 3.9mm

 

[danadak]

Its probably programmed micro or cpld like part. Could be
programmed at wafer sort or at final test. Flash based.

Real high volumes, in the millions, possibly a full custom.

Super low microcontrollers, many < 10 cents US

Ultra-cheap Chinese Microcontrollers

I’m heading to Shenzhen and one of the things I want to take a look at is the ultra-cheap MCUs that are available in the Chinese ecosystem. Ultimately I’d like to see what the cheapest …

41j.com

Regards, Dana.

 

[tepalia02]

You have not shared any link or picture of the ball you're talking about. I am not sure which products you're referring to. My son plays with some LED balls. Here is a video about what's inside those balls.

 

[ronsimpson]

Here is a video

These look like the ones I helped with.

 

[rjenkinsgb]

I'd guess a simple inertia switch of some sort to trigger it, plus a minimal oscillator / counter that could be done with a simple CMOS IC?
Or an absolute minimum small pin count MCU.