Raspberry Pi 2's 'Xenon Death Flash': A Bizarre Hardware Vulnerability Solved by the Community
2025-05-24
In 2015, a bizarre hardware vulnerability was discovered in the Raspberry Pi 2: camera flashes caused instant shutdowns. Dubbed the "Xenon Death Flash," this phenomenon triggered a community-wide detective effort. Testing revealed the culprit: the U16 power regulator chip. Its WL-CSP packaging exposed the silicon die, making it susceptible to intense light, causing crashes. The community found a fix (Blu-Tack!), prompting the Raspberry Pi Foundation to release an improved hardware revision. This event showcased community power, highlighted the risks of miniaturization in modern electronics, and underscored the need for more comprehensive testing.
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Hardware
hardware vulnerability