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After Hours

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

By Bill Detwiler November 22, 2010, 9:06 AM PST on Twitter billdetwiler

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Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Cracking Open the Microsoft Kinect

Cracking Open the Microsoft Kinect

The Microsoft Kinect is an Xbox 360 peripheral that allows a “controller-free gaming and entertainment experience.” Packed with cameras, microphones, an IR projector, and more, the Kinect is Microsoft’s answer to the Nintendo Wii remote and the Sony Playstation Move controller.

Follow along as I crack open the Kinect for a look at the hardware inside.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Under the Kinect

Under the Kinect

Under the Kinect are the WiFi extension cable, product documentation, and the Kinect Adventures game.

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Power/USB cable

Power/USB cable

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Left

Left

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Removing the bottom grills

Removing the bottom grills

Thin plastic grills are mounted on both side of the Kinect. They are held in place with adhesive and plastic tabs. Using a thin metal blade or spudger, you can pry each grill loose from the Kinect’s case.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Bottom grills removed

Bottom grills removed

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Removing the Torx T10 security screws

Removing the Torx T10 security screws

Two Torx T10 security screws are located under each of the gills.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

More Torx T10 security screws

More Torx T10 security screws

Two more Torx T10 screws are hidden beneath the two Xbox 360 stickers–one on each side.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Removing the top cover

Removing the top cover

With the Torx T10 security screws removed, you can lift off the top cover.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

First look inside the Kinect

First look inside the Kinect

Because of the Kinect’s size, Microsoft stacked the device’s three PCBs.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Back with top cover removed

Back with top cover removed

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Removing the right-side grill

Removing the right-side grill

With the top cover removed, you can gently slide the right-side grill away from the case.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Left-side grill

Left-side grill

Behind the left-side grill is the Kinect’s cooling fan.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Removing the left-side grill and fan

Removing the left-side grill and fan

Like the right-side grill, you can remove the left-side grill and fan by gently sliding them away from the case. You’ll also need to disconnect the fan’s cable from the PCB.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Cooling fan, rubber duct, and grill

Cooling fan, rubber duct, and grill

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Side grills and cooling fan removed

Side grills and cooling fan removed

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

First PCB

First PCB

The first PCB is held in place by seven Torx T10 screws.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Second, small PCB

Second, small PCB

The second, smaller PCB will remain attached to the first PCB, when the larger board is removed from the frame. Several cables connect various components to the first and second PCBs.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

First PCB - Bottom

First PCB - Bottom

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

First PCB with cables disconnected

First PCB with cables disconnected

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

PCB connector

PCB connector

To separate the first and second PCB, you’ll need to pry loose this black, rectangular connector.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

First and second PCBs separated

First and second PCBs separated

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

First PCB - Top

First PCB - Top

A thin metal heat sink is stuck to chips on the first PCB. As I want to put this unit back together in working order, I’m going to leave the heat sink in place.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Wolfson Microelectronics WM8737G

Wolfson Microelectronics WM8737G

Wolfson Microelectronics WM8737G

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Fairchild Semiconductor FDS8984 and NEC D720114

Fairchild Semiconductor FDS8984 and NEC D720114

Fairchild Semiconductor FDS8984 (right) and NEC D720114 (left)

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

H1033366 XBOX1001 X851716-006 GEPP

H1033366 XBOX1001 X851716-006 GEPP

H1033366 XBOX1001 X851716-006 GEPP (left)

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

First PCB - Bottom

First PCB - Bottom

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

ST Microelectronics 25P16V6G 9YHJM VS MYS 0384

ST Microelectronics 25P16V6G 9YHJM VS MYS 0384

ST Microelectronics 25P16V6G 9YHJM VS MYS 0384

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

G39 01A1P 025AV

G39 01A1P 025AV

G39 01A1P 025AV

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Foxconn markings on the first PCB

Foxconn markings on the first PCB

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Second PCB - Bottom

Second PCB - Bottom

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Second PCB - Top

Second PCB - Top

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

TI TAS1020B

TI TAS1020B

TI TAS1020B

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Third PCB

Third PCB

With the first two PCBs removed, we can now tackle the third PCB.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Disconnecting the camera and IR projector ribbon cables

Disconnecting the camera and IR projector ribbon cables

The Kinect’s two cameras and IR projector are connected to the third PCB with three ribbon cables.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Removing the third PCB posts

Removing the third PCB posts

The third PCB is held in place by the posts that were used for the first PCB’s screws. I used a 3/16 inch nut driver to remove them.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Disconnecting the last cable on the third PCB

Disconnecting the last cable on the third PCB

A single cable is attached to the underside of the third PCB.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Third PCB chips

Third PCB chips

TI ADS 7830I 07NZ

AD8694 A #024 1879325

A3906 1032 262L

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

ST Microelectronics M29W800DB and Prime Sense PS1080

ST Microelectronics M29W800DB and Prime Sense PS1080

ST Microelectronics M29W800DB and Prime Sense PS1080

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

4LBF 1027 K7B and LVX 125 015

4LBF 1027 K7B and LVX 125 015

4LBF 1027 K7B and LVX 125 015

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

All PCBs removed

All PCBs removed

With the Kinect’s three PCBs removed, we can turn our attention to the remaining components.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Removing the metal frame

Removing the metal frame

The Kinect’s internal metal frame is held to the front cover with four Torx T10 screws–two on each side.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Status LED

Status LED

The status LED is held to the front frame with plastic clips. You should be able to remove it without breaking the clips.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Microphone cables

Microphone cables

Once the LED is disconnected, you’ll also need to pull the microphone cable through the frame.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Microphone cables

Microphone cables

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Microphone assembly and front cover

Microphone assembly and front cover

The Kinect has four downward-facing microphones–three on one side and one on the other. All four microphones are attached to a plastic assembly that can be removed from the front cover.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Microphone assembly

Microphone assembly

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Metal frame, cameras, and IR projector

Metal frame, cameras, and IR projector

With all the plastic covers and PCBs removed for the Kinect’s main body, all that remains are the cameras, IR projector, status LED, base, and related cables.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Base post screws

Base post screws

A single Torx T10 screw holds the base’s post to the metal frame.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Removing the base

Removing the base

With the post screw removed, you can pull the base away from the metal frame. Take care when pulling the cable through the frame.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Base

Base

The Kinect’s base contains the motor and gears used to position the device for optimal performance.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Status LED removed from the metal frame

Status LED removed from the metal frame

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Plastic support

Plastic support

Before removing the cameras and IR projector, we’ll remove the white, plastic support that’s mounted to the metal frame.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Plastic support screws

Plastic support screws

The plastic support is help to the frame by three Torx T10 screws.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Removing the plastic support

Removing the plastic support

The cable for the IR projector is attached to the plastic support, you’ll need to remove this before pulling the support completely away from the Kinect.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Plastic support

Plastic support

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

IR projector screws

IR projector screws

The Kinect’s IR projector is attached to the metal frame with three Torx T6 screws.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

IR projector cable

IR projector cable

To remove the IR projector from the metal frame, you’ll need to pull the cable through the frame.

When I was removing the cable, I pulled the cable through from the connector end. It wasn’t until after I pulled the cable through, that I find out I could have pulled it through from the other side.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

IR projector removed

IR projector removed

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

IR projector

IR projector

The Kinect’s IR projector, rubber gasket, and senor cable. Had I removed the rubber gasket, I could have pulled the able through the frame from this end.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Camera screws

Camera screws

The Kinect’s two cameras are held to the metal frame with six Torx T6 screws.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Cameras

Cameras

The Kinect’s two cameras are held together with a one-piece rubber gasket.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Empty metal frame

Empty metal frame

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Disassembling the base

Disassembling the base

A rubber pad is attached to the bottom of the base and hides several Phillips #0 screws.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Removing the base's top cover

Removing the base's top cover

With the Phillips #0 screws removed, you can lift the top cover away from the Kinect’s base.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Removing the motor and gear assembly

Removing the motor and gear assembly

The motor and gear assembly should come right out of the base’s bottom cover.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Motor and gear assembly

Motor and gear assembly

A metal brace holds the post to the motor and gear assembly. The brace is held in place with four Phillips #0 screws.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Opening the motor and gear assembly

Opening the motor and gear assembly

Removing the three large Phillips screws on the bottom of the motor and gear assembly will let open the assembly.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Microsoft Kinect (Xbox 360) Teardown

Inside the motor and gear assembly

Inside the motor and gear assembly

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

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By Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is the Editor for Technical Content and Ecosystem at Celonis. He is the former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and previous host of TechRepublic's Dynamic Developer podcast and Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show.
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