The ECL Logic Chip - Emitter Coupled Logic Technology

About this Artwork

This artwork is a mixed media display celebrating Emitter Coupled Logic (ECL) Technology. Logic chips were the first silicon-based integrated circuits. Prior to logic chips, components such as transistors, diodes, resistors, inductors, and capacitors were created individually. These discrete components were soldered to printed circuit cards, which had metal traces to connect the components. With logic chips, all components in the circuit were created at the same time, on one piece of silicon. This process, called etching, created the components by depositing layers of silicon, treated with impurities. These N-type and P-type silicon layers provided the semiconductor effect. Initially, integrated circuits had less than 10 transistors. These chips implemented simple logic gates, hence their name. Various technologies were used to create these early chips. The fastest of these was Emitter Coupled Logic. ECL circuits prevented transistor saturation, which dramatically decreased switching time. Early mainframe computers, such as IBM’s, utilized this technology to provide high performance. 

This artwork includes 3 major items. It has a large image of a Motorola MC358 Flip-Flop ECL chip. On the back are the artist’s signature and a narrative describing the artwork and the 358. The artwork includes a Motorola MC358 chip.

Framing: 

The artwork is framed in an 11"x14" black shadow box frame, with glass. All framing materials are acid-free. A narrative about the artwork that includes the artist’s signature is placed on the back of the artwork.

Please note:  The look of the artifacts in the artworks may vary, each piece is unique.