How to erase PIC16C73A using UV Erasing ?

[ITP]

UV Erasing PIC16C73A

Hi All,

I am not able to erase PIC16C73A microcontroller using an UV Eraser.
I have tried upto 20 min. This is the maximum time avilable on eraser.

Any comments.

Note: I am not using code protection.


Regards
Itp

 

[ITP]

Hi,

I could erase it after exposing the chip on UV for about 1.5 hrs.

Why this chip is taking this much time. Any body has similar experience.

Regards
Itp

 

[C-Man]

Re: UV Erasing PIC16C73A

A long time ago I had similiar problems with good old Eprom's some types needed at least 1 to 2 hours to get completely erased ...

Nowadays most things are flash based which of course can give other problems

best regards

 

[jochez]

Re: UV Erasing PIC16C73A

Try to clean it with some cleaner!!! The problem is often an old window on the chip!!!

 

[TEHb]

Re: UV Erasing PIC16C73A

PIC16C73A have advanced security feature with security bits placed under the metall layer.
There is no way to erase 73A with security bits set.

 

[ITP]

Hi TEHb,

My code protection bit was not set.
But It is surprising that why they (MicroChip) made it impossible to erase if protection bit is on. I think flash devices don't have this problem.

Regards
Itp

 

[sam_pr]

Re: UV Erasing PIC16C73A

I'm sure it was a bug of microchip. I lost some chips until I realized that the problem is setting the security bit. The current version of the mplab ask you to confirm burning the security bit on problematic chips.

I did-not like Microcip's response to my complains, such a 'feature' should have been written on the cover page of all documents.