JW wrote:
I know I'm getting up there in years, but is the writing on semiconductors
getting fainter and fainter? I have to drag everything under the
microscope just to read the markings. Even on DIPs for christ's sake.

WTF - are the chip makers actually saving money by doing this?

I was told that the marking technique they now use is better for
automated placement equipment that has automated optical scans.

I agree it still sucks - can only read the numbers when you have them
at *just* the right angle, with just the right amount of light, just
the right amount of magnification.

Cheers

PeteS