The TI 83+' hardware 

 
    Although it's out since more than a year and a half, I don't think anybody has shown its hardware in pictures. So here it is...

First part: a general view

    The TI 83 + Silver Edition is distinguishable by its translucent sequined case (Quite beautiful, I must say...). Except from this quite attractive looking, nothing tells the differences with the traditional TI 83+. If you remove the battery cover, you'll see a small inscription indicating that similarities stop there;
    Under a small triangle, you'll see an inscription (I enlarged it so you can see better...even if that's not perfect yet :p) which says ">PC<". These letters indicate the case's material. Here, it's polycarbonate, yeah, the same plastic that makes bulletproof sunglasses for hunting. Yeah, the TI 83+SE can resist to lead shots (ok, I won't test that...:)

    So don't worry about the calc's durability, the internal components will probably be dead before the case.

    Another advantage of this translucent case, we can easily locate where the two halves of the case snap into each other (see this page for details), so no risky attempts if you want to open it.

    ...And that's what we are going to do...

Second part: the opening

    Make sure you have the right tools for this work (there should be no problem, considering there's only a few.):

- Torx #6 screwdriver For those who cannot find one, I sell some for $10CDN ($7US, 9€). Caution it's not the same as the regular TI 83+!
- Flat screwdriver, with rounded corners if possible
- A cable compatible with your computer, and the correct software. In fact, when you will remove the back cover of the TI, you will be forced to remove also the RAM auxiliary battery. So you have two choices: either you archive in ROM all data you want to keep; or, if you don't have enough room in archive memory (which is highly unlikely to happen considering it's enormous size - more than 80% larger than the one on the TI 89/92+) or want increased security, you'll have to copy data to the computer.

Data backup

    I won't rewrite all about this, it's already on the overclock page

Third part: opening the calculator

    I won't tell the details about removing the batteries, it's already on the overclock page (again!)

    Before starting to unscrew blindly, please note that some of these screws are particularly hard to unscrew, because polycarbonate is stiffer than ABS, in which are built most electronic appliances. Don't try to force them, you could mess them up if you do (all the more there's no Torx the exact size of the screws: only #6 seems to fit best).

    To avoid destructing the screws, thoroughly clean the screwdriver's tip as well as the screw head. In fact, dirt makes the screw head slippery. If you're clumsy, I recommend you use some anti-slipping compound for vinyl disk decks, you can find some at most electronic parts retailers (but this is not cheap). Once you have ended with the preparation of the two parts, push the tip of the screwdriver in the screw's head, and if it doesn't fit properly, grind the screwdriver, as indicates this page.
   

Click on the picture for a zoom. Beware it's a heavy one !

Fourth part: The main components

The RAM:

    It is a SRAM one, a type of RAM which holds data as long as current is applied to the circuit.

    One advantage of this RAM is its speed; it is much faster than DRAM we can find in computers, and requires less work from the system, which is crucial considering the relatively low power of a calculator.

Capacity

128KB (only 24 are available to the user, the other part is accessible via notably Virtual Calc, the virtual TI 83+ application for TI 83+SE - see the archives for more information)

Pin assignment

/WE Write Enable, allows data to be wrote in memory when in low state (active) while /CE₁ is at the same logical state
/OE Output Enable, allows data reading when in low state while /CE₁ is active and /WE is inactive
/CE Chip Enable
Vcc Power supply +3V (2,7~3,6V)
Vss 0V

Current consumption in activity: 20mA (40mA max.) standby: 0,4µA (100µA max.)

This memory is equipped with a function which automatically places it in standby mode when inputs are inactive. (In our application it doesn't change anything when the calculator is on :-/ )

Underlined in red: Manufacturer's code; here, CY = Cypress
Framed in yellow 62128V: memory's reference
Underlined in orange: access time to memory in nanoseconds, here 70= 70ns; the lower the value, the faster the memory :)
Underlined in grey: Case code (useful only if you want to change it)
Underlined in green: temperature range, here, C = commercial; 0°C to +70°C

    Other information on TI 83+SE's RAM (you need Acrobat Reader to read them (while you wait for the HTML version))
    You have other infos ? Mail-me !

The Flash ROM:

Capacity

2MB (512KB are used by the AMS, 1,5MB are available to the user)

Framed in yellow 29LV160: integrated circuit reference
Underlined red: manufacturer's abbreviation; here, = Fujitsu
Underlined violet: boot sector location; here, T = Top (vs. B = Bottom)
Underlined in mauve: memory's speed; not faster than 70 ns to access data
Underlined in grey: case code; PFTN = TSOP (Thin Small Outline Package) normal pin assignment

Power supply: +3V
Current consumption in read mode:30 mA; in standby: 5 µA
Number of write/erase cycles before memory becomes corrupt: 100 000

The microcontroller:

    It seems that it contains the z80 microprocessor and other control circuits.

     This circuit is proprietary, so it is unlikely (unfortunately) I can find detailed information about it :(

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