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Gold Recovery from IC BGA Chips Using Sulfuric Acid

 


Hello, welcome back! Today I'll introduce you to a method for extracting gold from IC BGA chips. First, we'll separate the IC chip from the motherboard. Next, we'll separate the black chip from the green PCB attached to the IC chip.

You'll see there are two parts:



there's the green PCB of the IC chip and the black package that encases it.

Place the black IC chip in a beaker. In this step, we'll separate the gold wire from the compound or black material. We use 98% sulfuric acid and boil it with the IC chip at 90 degrees Celsius. In my experiments, if the temperature exceeds 90 degrees Celsius, the gold will sometimes dissolve or disappear. We should use enough sulfuric acid to cover the IC chip 2-3 times its size. After the IC package or compound has completely dissolved, rinse it with water and gently rinse it off.

This step is quite dangerous, so be careful. The sulfuric acid reacts quite violently with water.

After washing, we'll see beautiful die chips and gold wires.



If you're willing to try, You can separate the gold wire and melt it down to obtain pure gold, or you can refine it to a higher purity with aqua regia, depending on your needs. You can find a video clip of this process on our channel.

For those interested in doing this at home, please consider the safety of yourself and others. Sulfuric acid is dangerous and you should have knowledge of chemicals and precautions before working. You should wear protective clothing and stay away from people and pets.



Thank you and see you in the next video.

Gold Recovery from IC BGA Chips Using Sulfuric Acid – Safe & Effective Method! ðŸ’Ĩ💰

Welcome back! In this video, we’ll show you how to extract gold wire from IC BGA chips using 98% sulfuric acid at 90°C. You'll learn how to separate the IC chip from the motherboard, dissolve the black compound, and safely recover the beautiful gold wires and die chips inside.


✅ Step-by-step IC chip breakdown

✅ Gold wire extraction process

✅ Sulfuric acid safety tips & boiling temperature guide

✅ What to do with the recovered gold


⚠️ This process involves strong acids. Always follow proper safety precautions and work in a well-ventilated area with protective gear.


#GoldRecovery #ICChipGold #BGAChipTeardown #EwasteRecycling #UrbanMining #SulfuricAcidGold #ElectronicsGold #PreciousMetalsRecovery

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🔍 What is an IC Chip Die?

 

🔍 What is an IC Chip Die?




An IC chip die (integrated circuit die) is the small, thin slice of semiconductor material, usually silicon, that holds the actual electronic circuit. This circuit includes components like transistors, resistors, and capacitors, all packed into a tiny space.

  • The die is created using photolithography and doping processes.

  • It is typically just a few millimeters in size.

  • Once manufactured, the die is packaged into an outer casing (ceramic, plastic, or epoxy) to form what we know as an IC (integrated circuit).


ðŸŸĄ Gold Inside the IC Chip



Gold is used inside ICs for several important reasons:

1. Gold Wire Bonds

  • Function: Gold wires connect the tiny contact pads on the silicon die to the external leads of the package.

  • Why Gold?

    • Excellent electrical conductivity.

    • High corrosion resistance.

    • Reliable thermal and mechanical stability.

  • Wire diameters are typically 15 to 50 microns.

  • Found in older or high-end ceramic chips, military-grade ICs, or early computer ICs.

2. Gold-Plated Lead Frames or Pads

  • Sometimes, gold-plated contacts are used on the lead frame or bond pads to improve reliability and conductivity.

  • These are usually very thin layers, measured in microns or nanometers.


🔧 IC Chip Recovery for Gold

People extract gold from ICs for recycling e-waste. The most gold-rich ICs are:

  • Ceramic DIP chips (older types).

  • CPUs from early computers.

  • Telecom and military-grade ICs.

Gold recovery methods involve:

  1. Removing the chip casing (by heating, crushing, or using chemicals).

  2. Collecting wire bonds and gold plating.

  3. Chemical processing (e.g., nitric acid, aqua regia) to isolate pure gold.


⚠️ Safety & Note

  • Always use proper safety equipment and ventilation when handling chemicals.

  • Modern ICs may contain very little gold, often replaced by copper or aluminum wires due to cost.


Learn more »

How to separate 5,000 pieces of gold plating with nitric acid in 24 hours

 




How to separate 5,000 pieces of gold plating with nitric acid in 24 hours


Hello friends, today I have some kind of printed pin, I don't know what it is. It's a gold-plated pin. The color is very beautiful. As usual, I will use nitric acid and water by mixing 1 part nitric acid and 3 parts water to dissolve the unwanted metal, leaving only the gold plating that we want. You see that this reaction looks very beautiful and the gold color looks very good. This set of work has a quantity of 5,000 pieces written on the bag label. First, I will separate the unwanted materials first. And next time, I will collect the gold that I get to extract it again. 



Gold is rare, but determination is rarer. You might not see it on your first try, but every failure is part of the map that leads you closer to success. Stay curious. Stay careful. Keep learning. Because with the right knowledge and a persistent spirit, even the most ordinary-looking scrap can surprise you with extraordinary rewards.

Gold extraction from e-waste often involves strong acids like aqua regia (nitric + hydrochloric acid), which release dangerous fumes and can cause burns or lung damage. To protect yourself:



Work in a Well-Ventilated Area or ideally under a fume hood to avoid inhaling toxic gases like nitrogen dioxide  or chlorine.


Wear Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):


Acid-resistant gloves


Safety goggles or face shield


Long-sleeve lab coat or chemical-resistant apron


Respirator mask with acid vapor cartridges (if ventilation is limited)


Have Neutralizing Agents Ready:


Keep baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or lime nearby to neutralize spills.


Have plenty of clean water on hand for rinsing skin in case of contact.


Label and Store Chemicals Safely:


Use chemical-proof containers with clear labels.


Store acids away from each other to prevent reactions.


Never mix chemicals blindly.


Always follow proper procedures—small mistakes can cause violent reactions.


Safety comes first—because no amount of gold is worth risking your health.

Learn more »

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Recycling Electronic Components: Extract Gold or Resell?

 





Whether you’re thinking of extracting precious metals like gold from old IC chips or selling usable parts online, here’s what you need to know.


1. Know What You Have: Sorting Components

Start by identifying what kind of electronic components you’re dealing with:


Circuit Boards (PCBs) from computers, phones, and TVs



IC Chips (Integrated Circuits) and processors


RAM sticks and CPUs


Connectors and Pins with visible gold plating


Power supplies, hard drives, and other mechanical parts


Some items are ideal for precious metal recovery, while others may still be functional and can be resold.


2. Extracting Gold from IC Chips: The Process and Risks

Gold is used in electronics because it doesn't corrode and conducts electricity well. But it’s only present in tiny amounts—measured in fractions of a gram per device. Here’s an overview of how gold is extracted:


Incredible Gold Recovery from IC Chips – How It’s Done

Chip Harvesting: IC chips are removed from circuit boards using heat or chemicals.


Burning or Crushing: Some methods involve incinerating chips or crushing them into powder.


Chemical Treatment: The powder is soaked in aqua regia (a mix of nitric and hydrochloric acid) to dissolve the metals.


Gold Precipitation: After filtration, chemicals such as SMB (Sodium Metabisulfite) are added to precipitate pure gold.


Smelting: The recovered gold powder is melted into a solid nugget or bar.


⚠️ Warning: This process involves toxic chemicals and dangerous fumes. It must be done with proper safety gear, in a well-ventilated area, or preferably in a lab setting. In many regions, this process may also require a license due to environmental regulations.


3. Selling Components Instead: A Safer and Sometimes More Profitable Option

Not all e-waste should be chemically processed. Often, working components can fetch a higher value when resold.


Top Platforms for Reselling Electronic Parts:

eBay: Ideal for rare or vintage parts like RAM, CPUs, IC chips, and graphics cards.


Facebook Marketplace: Good for local selling of power supplies, cases, and parts.


Specialist Websites: Some platforms focus on bulk component sales or specific electronics.


What Sells Well:

Tested, functional CPUs and GPUs


Rare or discontinued IC chips


Working RAM sticks


Gold-plated connectors and pins


Vintage electronics (for collectors or restoration)


✅ Tip: Take clear photos, include model numbers, and test components if possible. Buyers pay more when they know what they're getting.


4. Environmental Considerations

Whether you extract or resell, responsible e-waste handling is important:


Avoid landfilling e-waste—it leaks toxic metals into soil and water.


Work with certified e-waste recyclers if you’re unsure how to process certain items.


Donate usable electronics to schools or nonprofits before scrapping them.


5. Final Thoughts: Choose Your Path Wisely

If you’re tech-savvy and have the right safety setup, gold extraction from IC chips can be fascinating—but it’s more suited for those with experience and proper equipment.


For beginners or those interested in turning a quick profit, reselling components is often safer, easier, and surprisingly profitable.



Whichever route you choose, remember: e-waste isn’t waste until it’s wasted.

Learn more »

Old electronic module EPSON BIOS extract gold 3 black buttons ic chip








Today I found an old electronic module of EPSON BIOS. I'm not sure what it's used for. I'll take it apart to see if it can be used to extract gold. Are there any parts that contain gold? Let's see from what we've taken apart. You can see that it has 3 black dots of IC chip. Inside, there are a lot of gold wires. I might use this part to extract gold later. But today, we'll take it apart to see what's inside and what's interesting.






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3 minute on how to find and extract gold plated pin connectors from old...


3-minute explanation on how to find and extract gold-plated pin connectors from old or obsolete electronics:

ðŸ•ĩ️‍♂️ Step 1: Know What to Look For
Gold is used in electronics for its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion. You’ll typically find gold-plated connectors, pins, and fingers in:

Old desktop computers (especially servers)

Laptops and motherboards

Hard drives

RAM sticks

PCI cards

CPUs

Old mobile phones

Modems, routers, and network equipment

Look for parts that connect or plug into something else—gold is often used on those contact points.

🧰 Step 2: Tools You’ll Need
Small Phillips screwdriver or electronics toolkit

Needle-nose pliers

Wire cutters

Magnifying glass (helpful for spotting gold)

A container to store gold pins safely

Optional: Dremel tool or rotary cutter for tough components.

🊛 Step 3: Dismantle the Device
Start by opening the casing of the device. Be careful—old electronics may have sharp edges or hidden screws.

Once open:

Remove the motherboard or circuit boards

Identify gold-plated connectors: they’re typically shiny yellow (not dull brass color)

PCI cards, CPU sockets, and RAM slots usually have gold-plated pin connectors




🏅 Step 4: Identify Gold-plated Parts
You're looking for:

Edge connectors (long strips on RAM or expansion cards)

CPU pins (older CPUs, especially ceramic ones like Pentium Pro or AMD K6, can have gold)

Pin headers (those upright little needles that wires plug into)

Internal connectors (IDE connectors, backplane connectors)

Use a magnifying glass if unsure—gold plating has a distinctive bright yellow shine and doesn’t tarnish.

✂️ Step 5: Extract the Gold Pins
Once found, use:

Wire cutters to snip gold pins off headers

Pliers to pull gold-plated connectors or edge fingers from boards

For RAM or PCI cards, cut the golden edge fingers off cleanly

Place all your gold-bearing parts in a labeled container. Be neat—it helps later if you go on to refine the gold chemically.




⚠️ BONUS: What Not to Do
Don’t expect pure gold—it’s plated, and usually microns thick

Don’t refine unless you know what you’re doing—it involves hazardous chemicals like nitric acid and should only be done with proper knowledge and safety

✅ In Summary:

Look for gold on connectors and contact points

Focus on RAM, CPUs, cards, and motherboards

Use simple tools to remove and collect

Store your finds until you have enough to refine or sell as scrap



Learn more »

Extracting gold from electronic parts made easy!






The SDS3811B-125.0000 is a surface-mount crystal oscillator, likely operating at 125.0000 MHz. While specific datasheets for this model are not readily available, components like this are typically used in applications requiring precise timing, such as telecommunications, networking, and embedded systems. These oscillators often feature gold-plated contacts to ensure reliable electrical connections.
Brilliyond



Why Is Gold Used in Electronics?
Gold is extensively used in electronic components due to its unique combination of properties:

Exceptional Electrical Conductivity: Gold allows electricity to flow with minimal resistance, ensuring efficient signal transmission.

Using pliers with extra narrow gripping jaws is a precise, manual method to remove Gold Fingers from a circuit board. Here’s how it works,



Learn more »

Gold vs non gold wire in CCD cameras! ðŸ“ļ✨





"Have you ever wondered what connects the tiny sensor inside a CCD camera to the rest of the electronics? The answer is bonding wires—made of either gold or non-gold materials."

Gold Wire 
"Gold wire has been traditionally used in CCD cameras for its excellent electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and reliability. It’s also very soft and easy to work with in delicate microelectronics. In high-end CCD sensors—like those used in scientific instruments or space telescopes—gold wire ensures stable performance over time, even in extreme conditions."



Non-Gold Wire 
"But gold is expensive. That’s why many manufacturers now use non-gold wires—like copper or silver-coated aluminum. These offer similar conductivity and are much cheaper, but they can oxidize faster and are harder to bond. Still, with advances in packaging technology, non-gold wires are becoming more common in consumer-grade CCD cameras, like those in home security or older digital cameras."




Conclusion 
"In short, gold wire means better reliability and longevity—perfect for critical applications. Non-gold wire saves cost and is ideal for mass production. Both play vital roles in the world of CCD cameras."
Learn more »

Gold from Sony DVCAM 3CCD DSP! gold CCD and electronic parts in professi...







Gold from Sony DVCAM 3CCD DSP: Exploring the Hidden Value of Gold in Professional Video Equipment

When you think of gold, you probably imagine jewelry, coins, or bars stored in a vault. But there’s a surprising place where gold plays an essential role — inside professional video equipment, like Sony’s DVCAM 3CCD DSP camcorders. These high-end devices, once used by filmmakers and broadcasters, are more than just tools of the trade; they're hidden reservoirs of valuable electronic components, including gold.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details of gold used in Sony DVCAMs, especially in the 3CCD (Three-Charge Coupled Device) models with DSP (Digital Signal Processing). We'll also explain why gold is used, where it is found inside, and how electronic recyclers recover it today.





ðŸ“ļ What Is the Sony DVCAM 3CCD DSP?

Sony DVCAM is a professional digital video format introduced in the mid-1990s. These camcorders were staples in TV studios, newsrooms, and documentary productions due to their reliability and image quality.

A 3CCD system uses three separate image sensors for red, green, and blue light, resulting in more accurate color reproduction than single-CCD designs. The DSP (Digital Signal Processor) in the system handles real-time video processing, color balancing, and encoding.

To support this level of performance, Sony packed the internals with high-quality electronic parts — and that includes gold.


🧠 Why Is Gold Used in Electronic Equipment?

Gold isn’t just valuable for its shine. It has unique physical properties that make it ideal for electronics:

  • Excellent conductivity: Gold transmits electrical signals better than almost any other metal.

  • Corrosion resistance: Gold doesn’t tarnish, ensuring long-lasting connections.

  • Durability under heat and stress: Perfect for high-performance, heat-generating components like processors and sensors.

Because of these traits, gold is often used in:

  • Connector pins and contacts

  • Internal wiring

  • Bonding wires inside IC chips

  • Coatings on circuit board traces

  • CCD sensor circuitry

  • DSP chips and memory modules


ðŸ§Đ Gold Inside the Sony DVCAM 3CCD DSP

Let’s take a closer look at where gold is typically found in a Sony DVCAM 3CCD DSP camcorder:

1. CCD Sensors

Each of the three CCDs (for red, green, and blue channels) contains gold bonding wires inside the chip package. These ultra-thin gold wires connect the silicon chip to its leads.

2. DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and ICs

The DSP chips and various integrated circuits contain gold in the following forms:

  • Gold-bonded wire connections

  • Gold-plated pins or pads for mounting

  • Gold traces on multilayer PCBs

3. Connectors and Terminals

Many professional camcorders use gold-plated connectors for video output, audio input, and sync interfaces to ensure maximum signal clarity and longevity.

4. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

High-end PCBs in these cameras may use gold plating on edge connectors or internal layers to improve conductivity and reliability, especially in signal-sensitive applications like video.

5. Memory Modules (RAM/Flash)

Like computer components, memory chips inside DVCAM units use gold in their internal architecture.


💰 How Much Gold Is Inside a DVCAM?

The actual quantity of gold in one unit is small — often less than 0.2 grams — but across hundreds or thousands of units, it becomes economically worthwhile to extract. Some estimates suggest professional cameras may contain $5–$20 worth of gold each, depending on model and complexity.

For example, in a full teardown of a Sony DSR-PD170 or similar 3CCD camcorder:

  • The CCD and DSP chips may hold micrograms of gold.

  • Internal connectors and flex cables may have thin gold plating.

  • High-density boards may add a few more milligrams.


🔧 Gold Recovery and E-Waste Recycling

Today, retired professional equipment like Sony DVCAMs is often collected for e-waste recycling. Here's how the gold is recovered:

  1. Manual Disassembly: The valuable parts (PCBs, connectors, ICs) are removed.

  2. Chemical Processing: The gold is extracted using acid baths, electrolysis, or fire refining.

  3. Refinement: The recovered gold is purified and melted down into bullion or reused in new electronics.

While not all recyclers specialize in high-value recovery, urban mining (the process of reclaiming rare metals from electronics) is a growing industry, especially as natural gold mining becomes more environmentally taxing.


🔍 Legacy Value Beyond Gold

Though the gold content is a major point of interest for recyclers, many enthusiasts and collectors still value Sony DVCAMs for their retro aesthetic, analog video art projects, or vintage broadcast restoration.

Some DIYers also salvage parts for use in custom electronics or educational projects. The CCDs, optics, and lens assemblies are particularly popular.


Conclusion

Sony’s DVCAM 3CCD DSP camcorders represent a fascinating blend of high-performance engineering and hidden material value. Inside these aging devices lies not only video technology history but also precious metals like gold, quietly powering the magic of professional image capture.

Whether you're a recycler, collector, or just curious about what’s inside your gear, the story of gold in electronics is a reminder that value often hides in the most unexpected places — sometimes behind a lens.


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Gold plays a critical role in the design and function of CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensors found in professional video cameras. These cameras demand exceptionally high image quality, speed, and reliability, and gold helps achieve that — even though it’s used in tiny amounts. Here’s a detailed explanation of how and why gold is used inside a CCD camera sensor:


ðŸ“ļ What Is a CCD Sensor?

A CCD sensor is the core component that converts light into electrical signals to create a digital image. In professional 3CCD cameras, there are three separate CCD chips — one each for red, green, and blue light. These sensors are highly sensitive and must transmit tiny, precise electrical signals with minimal interference.

To do this reliably in high-performance environments, gold is used in several critical areas.


ðŸ”Đ Where Is Gold Used in CCD Sensors?

1. Gold Bonding Wires

  • Function: Connects the silicon CCD die (the actual chip) to the legs or pads of its ceramic or plastic package.

  • Why gold?

    • Gold is ductile (easy to draw into fine wires), making it ideal for bonding.

    • It’s highly conductive and ensures fast, accurate signal transmission.

    • It resists corrosion, which is critical for long-lasting, stable performance.

Each CCD chip may contain dozens of ultrafine gold wires, often just 1–2 microns thick.

2. Gold-Plated Leads and Pads

  • The external pins or pads that connect the CCD to the main circuit board may be gold-plated.

  • Gold prevents oxidation, ensuring clean electrical contact over the lifetime of the camera.

3. Internal Substrate and Layer Connections

  • Inside high-end ceramic CCD packages, gold may also be used in thin internal layers or traces to distribute signals from the sensor to the processor.

  • This ensures consistent performance under thermal and mechanical stress during long shooting sessions.


🧠 Why Not Use Copper or Silver?

  • While copper and silver are also excellent conductors, they:

    • Oxidize easily, which can cause signal degradation over time.

    • Lack the reliability in ultra-fine wires used in bonding.

    • Are harder to bond at the microscopic level during chip packaging.

Gold, in contrast, maintains perfect contact even in harsh environments — heat, moisture, and vibration — which are common in professional filming settings.


ðŸŽĨ Importance in Professional Video Cameras

Professional cameras like Sony's 3CCD DVCAMs or broadcast cameras rely on precision and durability. Gold use in CCDs contributes to:

  • Accurate color capture

  • Low noise and high signal integrity

  • Reliable performance over years of use

  • Consistent image quality, even in extreme shooting conditions

For example, in live broadcasting, a single dropped frame or flicker is unacceptable. The gold-enhanced connections help ensure seamless image flow from the sensor to the processing system.


🧊 Summary: Why Gold in CCD Sensors?

Gold Usage AreaPurposeBenefit
Bonding wiresConnect chip to packageUltra-reliable, corrosion-free links
Connector pins/padsExternal electrical interfaceStable and clean signal transfer
Internal circuit tracesSignal routing inside the CCD packageHigh-performance and durable

ðŸ’Ą Final Thought

Although the actual amount of gold in a CCD sensor is very small — just fractions of a gram — its role is essential. Without it, the image stability, accuracy, and longevity required by professional users would not be possible.

That’s why even obsolete cameras still attract interest from recyclers: CCD sensors and other gold-bearing components represent not just engineering marvels, but also tiny reservoirs of precious metal.

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90s hybrid amplifier IC RSN311W64 What’s Inside This Mysterious Audio Chip?





The RSN311W64 is a hybrid amplifier IC produced by Panasonic (formerly Matsushita), commonly used in home audio systems, mini component systems, and stereo receivers. It is designed as a high-power audio amplifier for consumer electronics.

Key Features:
Multi-channel amplifier: Typically supports 2-channel (stereo) audio output.

Built-in protection circuits: Includes thermal shutdown, overvoltage, and short-circuit protection, making it durable and safe for consumer use.

High output power: Capable of driving speakers directly with decent wattage, usually around 50W–100W per channel depending on the power supply.

Compact hybrid module: Integrates multiple transistors, resistors, and diodes in a single thick-film module, reducing the need for external components.

Applications:
Commonly found in Panasonic, Technics, and other Japanese-brand audio systems from the 90s and early 2000s.

Used for audio amplification in mid-range stereo systems.

Repairs and Considerations:
When it fails, symptoms often include no sound output, distorted audio, or shutting down the system.

Replacements are hard to find today since it’s discontinued, and exact replacements may require harvesting from old equipment.

Learn more »

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