05-27-2019, 03:09 PM
I am in the process of changing the bios on a T430s but seem to be stuck. My end goal is to have the bios modified so I get rid of whitelist for wan. I'd like to replace the current bios chip with a W25Q128FVSSIG (SOIC8) but in order to do that I need a backup
The bios chip is a Macronix MX25L12835EZNI-10G (WSON8). Using FPT from DOS it came up as a Macornix MX25L12805D, which doesn't really make sense since that is a SOP16 package.
The chip has been removed as I could not make a SOIC8 clip fit on the chip. With it removed, I am also not bothered by voltage sag so that should be good.
I am however facing a problem when trying to read it using a CH341 USB unit (black edition) to make a backup for modifying. I have tried ASProgrammer and CH341 programmer.
I put the chip in the test clip with pin 1 at the red wire. When I hook it up to the CH341 unit, the USB "unplugs" itself and the software loses connection. Also, the ON light goes dimmer. When I unhook the test clip, the CH341 comes to life again and software can see the unit again. I also have the green PCB but getting the little 6x8 WSON package aligned is really tricky so I opted for the clip.
If I orient the chip in other ways, it is not identified.
I have checked that both ASProgrammer and CH341 Programmer both should "know" the chip as it can be manually selected.
So I am quite lost right now about what to do. Have considered the following:
1. chip was damaged during removal (although done by a professional with the right kit - not me :-) )
2. my ch341 unit is faulty
3. the testclip or pogo boards are faulty
4. the wiring using clip is wrong and the green PCB should be used as the pin routes on WSON8 are not the same as for a SOIC8. However, looking at coreboot t430s wiki, this did not seem to be the case (Preparation section, https://www.coreboot.org/Board:lenovo/t430s). (I will receive a better test clip (Pomona 5250) which allows me to customize the pin routing between clip and CH341 unit if 4. is the culprit.)
5. bite the bullet and have the bios chip soldered onto the green PCB that came with the CH341 unit.
Really hoping for some help here - so many thanks in advance!
The bios chip is a Macronix MX25L12835EZNI-10G (WSON8). Using FPT from DOS it came up as a Macornix MX25L12805D, which doesn't really make sense since that is a SOP16 package.
The chip has been removed as I could not make a SOIC8 clip fit on the chip. With it removed, I am also not bothered by voltage sag so that should be good.
I am however facing a problem when trying to read it using a CH341 USB unit (black edition) to make a backup for modifying. I have tried ASProgrammer and CH341 programmer.
I put the chip in the test clip with pin 1 at the red wire. When I hook it up to the CH341 unit, the USB "unplugs" itself and the software loses connection. Also, the ON light goes dimmer. When I unhook the test clip, the CH341 comes to life again and software can see the unit again. I also have the green PCB but getting the little 6x8 WSON package aligned is really tricky so I opted for the clip.
If I orient the chip in other ways, it is not identified.
I have checked that both ASProgrammer and CH341 Programmer both should "know" the chip as it can be manually selected.
So I am quite lost right now about what to do. Have considered the following:
1. chip was damaged during removal (although done by a professional with the right kit - not me :-) )
2. my ch341 unit is faulty
3. the testclip or pogo boards are faulty
4. the wiring using clip is wrong and the green PCB should be used as the pin routes on WSON8 are not the same as for a SOIC8. However, looking at coreboot t430s wiki, this did not seem to be the case (Preparation section, https://www.coreboot.org/Board:lenovo/t430s). (I will receive a better test clip (Pomona 5250) which allows me to customize the pin routing between clip and CH341 unit if 4. is the culprit.)
5. bite the bullet and have the bios chip soldered onto the green PCB that came with the CH341 unit.
Really hoping for some help here - so many thanks in advance!