Intel 4004 Microprocessor

The Intel 4004, introduced by Intel Corporation on November 15, 1971, stands as a monumental achievement in the history of computing as the first commercially available microprocessor. This 4-bit central processing unit (CPU) was a pioneering product that laid the foundation for modern computing, igniting the era of microcomputers.

Development and Design

The journey of the Intel 4004 began in 1969, when a Japanese company named Busicom commissioned Intel to create a series of integrated circuits for its electronic calculators. This project marked a significant collaboration between the companies and involved groundbreaking innovations in semiconductor technology.

Key Figures

Two central figures in the development of the Intel 4004 were Federico Faggin and Masatoshi Shima. Faggin, an engineer from Fairchild Semiconductor, brought his expertise in silicon gate technology (SGT), which was crucial for the development of the 4004's design. Shima, working with Busicom, contributed to the logic design that would eventually become the heart of the 4004 microprocessor.

Intel engineer Marcian "Ted" Hoff played a pivotal role as well by proposing a simplified architecture that capitalized on data stored in RAM, paving the way for a single-chip CPU.

Architecture and Features

The Intel 4004 was part of the MCS-4 chipset, which included three additional chips for memory and I/O functions. The microprocessor operated with a 4-bit word length and was capable of executing 60,000 operations per second. It contained 2,300 transistors and was manufactured using a 10-micron process technology.

Innovation in Technology

The 4004 utilized silicon gate technology, which involved using poly-silicon instead of metal for gate electrodes, allowing for higher density and better performance. This technology was first developed by Faggin at Fairchild Semiconductor and was instrumental in achieving the level of integration required for the 4004.

Impact and Legacy

Launching the Intel 4004 was a watershed moment for Intel and the semiconductor industry. It transformed Intel's business landscape and set the stage for the subsequent development of more powerful microprocessors, such as the Intel 4040 and beyond. The 4004's success demonstrated the feasibility of integrating the CPU into a single chip, which dramatically reduced the size and cost of computing devices, facilitating the rise of personal computers.

The Intel 4004's design and execution exemplify the convergence of innovative thought and technology, leading to a revolution in how computers are built and utilized. It is not just a historical artifact but a symbol of the power of collaboration and technological advancement.