Busicom and the Birth of the Microprocessor
Busicom Co., Ltd. (ビジコン株式会社, Bijikon Kabushiki-gaisha) was a pioneering Japanese company that played a crucial role in the development of computer-related products during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Headquartered in Taito, Busicom is best known for its partnership with Intel Corporation in the creation of the world's first microprocessor, the Intel 4004.
The Collaboration with Intel
In 1969, Busicom commissioned Intel to design a series of chips for their electronic calculators. This ambitious project required the development of a family of seven chips, including a three-chip central processing unit (CPU). This collaboration was a landmark in the history of computing because it led to the creation of the Intel 4004, the first commercially available microprocessor.
The design work was done by Masatoshi Shima from Busicom and Federico Faggin from Intel. Marcian Hoff and Stanley Mazor of Intel also played significant roles in the design process. This microprocessor was originally designed to replace a number of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) in a calculator already produced by Busicom, marking a significant advancement in electronic computing.
Impact on Modern Technology
The introduction of the Intel 4004 microprocessor by Busicom and Intel marked the beginning of a new era in electronics and computer engineering. Microprocessors are the cornerstone of modern computers, and their development has driven the advancement of information technology and digital devices globally.
Busicom's legacy extends beyond calculators. In April 1971, they began manufacturing automated teller machines (ATMs) based on the first commercial microprocessor. This innovative use of microprocessors catalyzed the evolution of various technologies and laid the groundwork for today’s embedded systems.
Notable Figures
- Tadashi Sasaki: A Japanese engineer instrumental in Busicom's founding and the development of the Intel 4004.
- Masatoshi Shima: Known for his logic design work on the specialized CPU for Busicom.
- Federico Faggin: An Italian-American physicist and engineer known for leading the Intel 4004 project.
Legacy and Influence
Busicom's collaboration with Intel not only resulted in the creation of the first microprocessor but also set a precedent for future innovations in digital technology. This partnership exemplifies the potential of global collaboration in technology and has left an indelible mark on the field of microelectronics.