Decapping
Decapping (decapsulation) or delidding of an integrated circuit is the process of removing the protective cover of a microchip so that the contained die is revealed for visual inspection of the micro circuitry imprinted on the die. This process is sometimes necessary in emulation projects to copy information from DRM-protected ROM chips. Particularly MAME and other arcade emulators benefit from decapping projects.
Decapping is usually carried out by chemical etching of the covering, laser cutting, or mechanical removal of the cover using a milling machine. The process can be either destructive or non-destructive of the internal die. With care, it's possible to decap a device and still leave it functional.
Decapping Groups
Decapping Groups often rely on donations to acquire hardware (ie arcade boards).
- The Dumping Union - Very active group. Doesn't seem have a blog but all news are posted on MAMEWorld (look for DU in the title). Accepts donations from PayPal.
- Team Europe - Active group. Accepts donations from PayPal. See info here on how to donate.
- CAPS0ff - Not very active lately. Has a Patreon.
