u8plus smart watch quick teardown and uart

Summary of u8plus smart watch quick teardown and uart


Summary: A budget U8 Plus smartwatch teardown reveals a MediaTek MT6261 SoC, 200mAh 3.7V battery, speaker, reset button, vibrator motor connection, touchscreen with its controller on the flex cable, and exposed pads including UART (RXD/TXD), USB signals (D+/D-), VBAT, PWR, and unlabelled pads possibly for JTAG.

Parts used in the U8 Plus smart watch teardown:

  • Aluminium back plate
  • 200mAh 3.7V battery
  • Speaker
  • Reset button (mounted near USB connector)
  • MediaTek MT6261 SoC
  • Touchscreen and touchscreen controller on flat flex cable
  • Home/power button
  • Vibrator motor (connection labeled VIB)
  • USB connector and USB data pads (D+ and D-)
  • Bluetooth antenna
  • LCD and LCD connector pads
  • RXD and TXD UART pads
  • VBAT and PWR pads
  • Unlabelled test pads (possible JTAG)

With the battery and the speaker pulled back we can see a MediaTek MT6261 SoC and supporting components on the left. On the right are connections for the reset button (mounted on top of the usb connector), speaker and what I assume is a vibrator motor connected to ‘VIB’. The touchscreen is also connected at the top, with it’s controller mounted on the flat flex cable. The home/power button is tucked in on the far left. u8plus smart watch quick teardown and uart 9 Jan 2016

u8plus smart watch quick teardown and uart

I noticed this smart watch on Amazon for the bargain price of £7.51, which was just too cheap to ignore – I didn’t expect much but I was quite surprised at how functional it actually was… Anyhow, it was never expected to stay in once piece for long, and after an hour I took the screwdriver to it.

The back is covered by a aluminium plate that seemed to be sticky backed; it came off pretty easily. Underneath was four screws that released the back cover.

Inside, not much too see: a 200mAh, 3.7v battery, speaker, reset button (on the right) and what looks like a bluetooth antenna at the bottom.

With the battery and the speaker pulled back we can see a MediaTek MT6261 SoC and supporting components on the left. On the right are connections for the reset button (mounted on top of the usb connector), speaker and what I assume is a vibrator motor connected to ‘VIB’. The touchscreen is also connected at the top, with it’s controller mounted on the flat flex cable. The home/power button is tucked in on the far left.

The other side of the board, removed from the shell: the connections to the LCD are at the bottom, the power button on the right and some test pads sprinkled all over 🙂

The ‘D+’ and ‘D-‘ and the proximity to the USB suggest the four pads on the left are for the USB; VBAT is positive side of the battery; PWR connects to the power/home button. Just slightly covered by the green label is RXD and TXD – which is likely our UART, and two others (‘OW2’ and ‘OL0’). Above them next to PWR are five unlabelled pads – hopefully these are JTAG.

 

 

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Quick Solutions to Questions related to U8 Plus smart watch teardown:

  • What SoC does the U8 Plus use?
    The article identifies a MediaTek MT6261 SoC.
  • What is the battery specification?
    The battery is 200mAh at 3.7V.
  • Where is the reset button located?
    The reset button is mounted on top of the USB connector on the right side.
  • Does the watch have UART pins exposed?
    Yes; RXD and TXD pads are visible and likely the UART.
  • Are USB data signals accessible on the board?
    Yes; four pads near the USB are suggested to include D+ and D- for USB.
  • Is there a vibrator motor connection?
    Yes; a connection labeled VIB is present and assumed to be for a vibrator motor.
  • Where is the touchscreen controller located?
    The touchscreen controller is mounted on the flat flex cable at the top.
  • Are there unlabelled pads that could be JTAG?
    Yes; five unlabelled pads next to PWR are hoped to be JTAG.

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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