Re: A4 chip

[spowers@spdg.COM (Steve Powers)]

Peter sez:
> 
> It is possible to reprogram the computer through the OBDII interface link. I
> assume all chip companies are working on this link as all cars will be
> compatible with each other and once this link is cracked, it will be
> possible to reprogram every type of vehicle. Most companies are putting
> tamperproofing in their computers to stop this happening, in fact I hear
> that GM has put in a checksum system, which, if it detects an error, will
> erase the chip and make it unreprogrammable so it has to go back to GM to
> have the starter software put in. It makes life difficult for everyone, but
> they do have to meet some pretty high requirements with OBDII, they need to
> protect themselves. It should also remove the hacker type computer chip
> copier from the scene in time, which is a good thing.

the OBDII interface _would_ be the way to do it - let the circuitry on
board take care of things...
 
> Steve Powers adds his bit to my previous posting>
>  
> >> 1) The first one is going to have to be unsoldered from the board to be
> >> read, simply to get the base data. 
> >
> >not necessarily... If Bosch utilizes modern manufacturing testability
> >practices, you may be able to read the data with a clip..
> 
> The chips are surface mount small outline with 50 thou pin spacing. I know
> there are clips available but you have to disconnect the power and ground
> pins otherwise you power up the whole computer and corrupt the data. Once
> you have started you might as well finish lifting the chip off the board.

I should have included diodes in my list of etc., etc... What you're saying
isn't done for automotive electronics is industry standard procedure at
computer mfrs... (e.g. programming in situ w/out powering up the electronics) 
  
> >> 2) The chip is then going to be reprogrammed and soldered back on the board
> >> or it will be soldered back on the board and then the computer reprogrammed.
> >
> >again, if they used pulldown resistors, etc., any decent prom programmer
> >will overdrive the proper select lines - obviating the need to risk screwing
> >up your board (e.g. improper de-soldering techniques).. A certain local
> >company commes to mind...
> 
> The problem is that some EEPROMs require +12v to program them. Put that on
> the board and you could end up replacing something else you have destroyed.

one word - DIODES... (BZZZZZT)


-steve powers   '95.5 S6 ... '95 620RX/C ... '91 K100RS-16V ... '88 R100S
spowers@spdg.com

"I must tell you that these are strong Bavarian beer-carrying horses,
not the smaller ones of Italy" (Ferdinand Piech)