*This guide also applies for the S17 Pro models.*

I. Required Tools

1. Electric screwdriver

2. Multimeter, ASIC Tester, Variable Bench PSU (0-25V/ 0-10A) 

3. Soldering Station(hot air gun, soldering iron, hot plate)

4. ESD Protection (Tweezers, Mat, Wristband, Gloves)

5. Low Temperature Solder Paste

6. Fan Cooled Workstation & Fume Extractor

7. Chipquik Flux

8. PICKIT 3.5 or newer

The below table outlines some of the repair components necessary for repairs:

II. Hashboard Structure

III. Signal Transmission

1. The CLK-RST-BO-CO signal line is transmitted from the first chip to the 48th chip. RI signal is transmitted from the 48th chip to the first chip, as shown in following figure:

2. The hash board has a total of 48 chips, and 12 voltage domains of 4 chips as shown below:

Test point locations between chips are shown below:

Picture and diagram of the IC chip:

3.Signal communication circuit from IO to chip

IV. Power circuit

The power supply voltage for each board is 18.5V input. There are 12 voltage domains, and the voltage of every voltage domain is 1.55v.

V. Using the Tester

1. First assure that the hash board is grounded and place it on the fan base.

2. Connect the testers data cable to the control board. Then attach the negative(black) cable from the power supply to the hash board negative terminal. With the PSU powered off attach the positive(red) cable to the last terminal. Turn power supply on to 18.5V.

3. Power on the tester and press begin test.

4. Result will may vary depending upon the ASIC tester you are using.

VI. Troubleshooting Phenomenon’s

Phenomenon 1: 0 ASIC count on the tester

Failure analysis:

1. Verify the data cable is connected to both the miner and the tester.

2. Test the positive and negative terminals of the hash board for voltage at ~18.5V

3. Test the MOSFETS with a multimeter. One lead to the negative input terminal and one lead past the MOS on the metal rail. Voltage should match input voltage when testing and 0 when not testing.

4. Verify that all 12 domains are receiving power from the boost circuit. Measure diode D4 both ways. It should be open one way and 0.2-0.4V. Also, check the R79 and R81 resistor below the boost chip for 1M and 100k Ω.

5. Confirm that the PIC and Q10 Chip Pin 1 is 3.3V.

6. Test RI before chip 48 for 1.8V. The RI signal travels backwards from 48-1. This will determine if the RI is normal entering the chips. Track RI back until you find anomaly. The RI test point is one over from the center in any Mode 0 domain.

RI/RO-1.8, CLK-0.8, BO-.01 RST-.01 CO-.01

Then check the LDO on that domain to verify it is delivering proper alternating voltage of 1.8 and 0.8. If the LDOs are healthy then replace first the chip after the abnormal RI reading, and then all chips in the domain if necessary.

6a. You can also short the RI (assuming it is being delivered to the 48th chip) by creating continuity between the heatsink of the next chip and the previous chips RI input( inside of the bottom right resistor in the pack of 4 resistors (C1979 on chip 48)(C1894 on chip 47)). Do this while the board is being tested to detect the break in the RI chain.

7. If there is no voltage supply across each 1.8V and 0.8V LDO then check if data of U6 memory chip.

8. Shorted 0402 capacitors (0.1uf, 1uf) and resistors (0R, 33R, 1K, 4.7K,) going down the ASIC chain. Most of these run in parallel with one another.

9. If you are having trouble finding the break in any of the signal connections test the resistance from the chips top or heatsink, and the test points. Use resistances of a good board for reference.

Phenomenon 2: 7 ASIC count on the tester

Failure analysis:

1. Tester gives you 7 chip count. This indicates that the RI is normal and flowing thru all chips properly. Check that the CLK is 0.8V. The BO, RST, CO, and CLK signals travel forward from 1-48. If you’re getting a number for ASIC count then there is a break in the CLK signal. If it is not then check the LDOs on that chips domain.
2. Check that one of the LDOs output 0.8V and the other 1.8V.
3. Check that there is a supplied voltage of 3.2V from VIN
4. Check both crystal oscillators Y1 and Y2.

Phenomenon 3: 48 ASIC count on the tester, but does not run in miner

Failure analysis:

1. Check the temperature sensors appear on the tester and miner dashboard
2. Do a thorough visual inspection for physical damage, missing/disconnected components or anything unusual
3. Clean the board with 99% Alcohol
4. Remove all heatsinks and replace with monolithic HS
5. S17 Temperature sensors(4)-ASIC 9,12,37,40. Confirm pin 1 is receiving 3.3V.

VI. Miscellaneous

Chip compatibility chart:

How to Flash the PIC:

Install MPLAB IPEv3.10 and open:

Select device: DsPIC33EP16 GS202

Connect the PICKIT3.5 to your computer

Reset power settings. Click settings then developer mode. Use the password: microchip

Select Power target circuit from PICkit3

Set Voltage to the default 3.375V

Go back to operate and click browse on the source line. Select the desired PIC you want to flash.

Click Connect and the Click Program. The log should say flash completed.