nrf51822 Beacon HW: Now with black goop!

[Jerod]

Just ordered another pair of beacon hardware and noted the nrf chip is now coated in black goop.

Curious as to what this is for, and the reasoning its been added to the hardware. It actually covers pin 5 -- so I'd like to understand if its safe to scratch off.

i.e. Is this glue to keep chip in place, or thermal related, and how this might relate to chip temp readings, or how this translates to recommendations for our own hardware design

Any info would be great!

(updated) with photo (forgive the exposure; 2 on the right just arrived this week):

[Adam]

I'm not sure but chip encapsulation is usually used to protect against environmental influences e.g.: humidity, corrosion and mechanical stresses (temperature fluctuations, vibrations).

[Jerod]

I suspect you're right, but want to understand from Nordic's PoV whether this is needed/required/suggested or why suddenly their HW is shipping like this.