Gene Chip – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

The Gene Chip is a proprietary vape chipset manufactured by VooPoo and installed in many of their box mods. Often called a “DNA killer”, the Gene Chip is a tiny circuit board that interprets your button presses, regulates battery power, and delivers consistent wattage or temperature to the atomiser. Beginners like it because the Gene Chip fires almost instantly (0.025 s), protects against short-circuits, and prevents over-discharge of 18650/21700 cells. Advanced vapers value its accurate TC mode for stainless-steel, nickel and titanium coils, plus customisable power curves that can be uploaded via VooPoo’s Windows software.

Technical Details

Gene Chips use 32-bit ARM Cortex processors running at 12 MHz; they sample CoilResistance“>coil resistance every 0.002 s and adjust output through a synchronous buck-boost converter rated up to 95 % efficiency. Popular variants include the Gene.Fan (Drag/Drag 2), Gene.Fan 2.0 (Drag 3), Gene.TT (Argus GT) and Gene.AI (Vinci pod series). Maximum output ranges from 80 W on single-battery boards to 177 W on dual-battery versions. Input voltage 3.2–4.2 V, output 0–7.5 V, resistance range 0.05–5.0 Ω. Firmware upgrades are supplied as .GEN files and flashed over USB-C; the chip stores eight user profiles plus a “FIT” mode that automatically limits ramp-up to avoid gunk on fresh coils.

Usage & Tips

• Prime before first fire: After installing a new coil, press Fire three times to enter the “Set Coil – New/Old” prompt; select New so the Gene Chip can baseline resistance.
• Avoid gurgling: Use the soft-power curve if your glass tank floods on the first puff; it reduces initial wattage by 20 % for 0.5 s.
• TC troubleshooting: If temperature mode jumps out of TC, unscrew the Genesis atomizer (or any RBA), cool it to room temp, and re-read resistance.
• Battery safety: The Gene Chip will not fire below 3.2 V, but recharge before 3.3 V to extend cell life; gold-plated contacts also minimise voltage sag.

History & Context

VooPoo partnered with US chip-designer Gene in 2017 to create a faster, cheaper alternative to Evolv’s DNA. The first Gene.Fan debuted in the VooPoo Drag, breaking 0.025 s fire speed records and winning a 2018 Vapouround award. Continuous firmware updates have kept older devices relevant, making Gene Chip mods a staple in the Australian market from 2018 onward.