This may sound like a dumb question, but has anyone ever encountered a method of fixing zapped ICs?
A method for retrieving programming from a dead microcontroller?

I have a burnt up micro controller and it is pretty unlikely that I am going to be able to get source code or a bitstream from the company. If I could make it work long enough to bit sniff or if I could somehow extract its programming I just might be able to replace it.

 

Impossible.

 

You might find this report interesting. I noticed that I downloaded it in 2006. My how time flies.

http://core.kmi.open.ac.uk/download/pdf/72289.pdf

A blown chip would make it even harder. You don't describe the extent of "blown." I have "blown" a single pin on a PIC, but was able to use the others. I assume that your chip is more blown than that. In any event, it sees like buying a new device would be cheaper than trying to reverse engineer the device you have.

John

 

It would be easier to publish a functional specification of the device and get some help in making a new improved model. Less cost in time and money as well.

 

whst is the number on the chip? what kind of chip;?

 

Good news. Although the chip has the telltale burn mark in the center, it was not the source of the problem. Just a loose connection.
As the saying goes "CHECK THE CABLES".

Anyway, the chip was a PALCE22V10H-15PI/4, a programable logic device. If it had been dead, I would have been buying a new and expensive board.

 

if the equipment is vsluable or important, find a way to copy the chip and any other programable chips as soon as you can.