The most famous blog about Apple iFixit repair techniques I make out another new product, find out what is the basis of set-top boxes Apple TV the fourth generation, and to evaluate its maintainability.
Changes in the novelty visible even externally: it has become higher and a half times heavier, got rid of the audio jack and micro-USB port Diagnostics received standard Type C. Inside the new items all the best from its predecessor, the technical equipment is significantly improved.
fourth generation Apple TV still collected on the block principle. This greatly simplifies the construction and improves maintainability. Responsible for the performance of 64-bit processor Apple A8 and as much as 2 GB of RAM LPDDR3 standard. Next to them on board the master found the Wi-Fi module, memory controller, similar to be incorporated into the 15-inch MacBook Pro, and 32 GB of NAND flash memory.
The remaining space is occupied by a rather large heat sink and power board. Because heat rises always generating its units positioned at the top of the structure, which is located under the heat-sensitive charge. Significantly increased the voltage of the power supply: if earlier it was 3.4 V to 1,75 A, in the current generation is 12 V at 0.917 A.
iFixit master drew attention to the lack of wires connecting the power supply and the motherboard.
Food or components are magically or via screw connections of the radiator.
Following the Apple TV's turn to Siri Remote control panel. He has undergone major changes, I got a glass touch panel, two microphones, Lightning-connector, Bluetooth 4.0, accelerometer and three-axis gyroscope.
attaching the top panel design refers to the iPhone 5s - here it is also connected to the lower part of the large flat connector in the middle. On the small board located microcontroller ARM Cortex-M3, the touch panel controller (as in the iPhone 5s / 5c and iPad Air), a gyroscope, a signal processor and a Bluetooth-transmitter.
Further most interesting: Lightning-connector is formed in ZIF-format and connected to a battery 410 mAh. Masters iFixit could only guess why Apple has found a place ZIF-connector in a small remote control and set it in a much more voluminous iPad.
In general, engineers assessed the maintainability Apple TV 4 on 8/10, saying only the need for soldering on the motherboard level in case of problems with the ports.