Stanley Mazor
Stanley Mazor is an American microelectronics engineer celebrated for his pivotal role in the invention of the world's first microprocessor, the Intel 4004. Born in 1941, Mazor's early life saw a move to California, where he attended Oakland High School, graduating in 1959. His academic journey continued at San Francisco State University, where he majored in mathematics and nurtured a hobby in helicopter design and construction.
Career at Intel
In 1969, Mazor joined the fledgling Intel Corporation, a company that would soon become a cornerstone of the Silicon Valley tech boom. At Intel, he was swiftly assigned to work alongside innovators such as Marcian "Ted" Hoff and Federico Faggin. Mazor's collaboration with these luminaries was instrumental in transforming a concept by Hoff into a groundbreaking microprocessor architecture.
The Intel 4004
The development of the Intel 4004 was spurred by a request from the Japanese calculator manufacturer Busicom, which sought Intel's expertise to design and manufacture a new set of chips. Mazor, alongside Faggin, Hoff, and Masatoshi Shima from Busicom, was credited as a co-inventor of the Intel 4004. This microprocessor, often described as a "computer-on-a-chip," was revolutionary in its architecture and instruction set.
Legacy
The successful creation of the Intel 4004 in 1971 marked a significant milestone in the history of electrical engineering and laid the groundwork for the subsequent development of microprocessors. This innovation not only advanced the field of information technology but also cemented Intel's place in the annals of computer history.
Personal Life
Mazor's personal life is closely tied to his academic journey. During his time at San Francisco State University, he met his future wife, Maurine, and they married in 1962.