Jack Kilby, integrated circuit pioneer, dead at 81

mosc · Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 2:56 pm Post subject:

Thanks for posting this. Jack Kilby certainly was a great engineer and his work has changed the world. Not only did he invent the IC, but also the hand-held calculator. He was also a very modest and kind human being.

DrJustice · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 4:31 pm Post subject:

Somehow I didn't see this thread before now.

That's one of my great heroes gone Sad

He was a most unique man with a gift to humanity.

DJ

P.S. Ref. my Avatar which will now definitely not change.
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mosc · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 4:41 pm Post subject:

Cool. Is your avatar from Kilby's notebook?

DrJustice · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 4:57 pm Post subject:

Yes, it's the very page with the initial description of the integrated circuit.

Here are some pictures, Courtesy of Texas Instruments:

Jacks and his notebook:

Posted Image

The first IC:

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The first electronic calculator, note the built in miniature printer:

Posted Image

DJ
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DrJustice · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 5:11 pm Post subject:

For the record, it should be mentioned that the "Fairchildren" group led by Peter Noyce (who later went on to co-found Intel) was also working on the IC at roughly the same time as Jack Kilby. Peter Noyce is often regarded as the "other father" of the IC. He passed away in 1990.

DJ
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mosc · Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 2:58 pm Post subject:

Yes, they worked it out independently, but agreed to jointly inventing it. They were both "gentlemen".