Intel 4040 - The Intel 4004 Revisited - P4040

About this Artwork

This artwork is a mixed media display celebrating the Intel 4040. The 4040 is an upgraded 4004 designed for use as an automation controller. The 4040 was used primarily in games, test, development, and control equipment. The overall chip design of the 4040 is very similar to the 4004. The 4040 is a 4-bit microprocessor like the 4004, however, the package of the 4040 is more than twice as wide as the 4004 and has 24 pins vs. the 16 of the 4004. The 4040 added 14 instructions, a larger stack (8 level), 8K program space, 8 more registers, and interrupt abilities (including shadows of the first 8 registers).

The Intel 4040 is perhaps the most misunderstood of Intel’s microprocessors. You may find references that describe the 4040 as Intel’s 3rd microprocessor, it is the fourth, coming after the 8080. Some say that it was the first to implement interrupt processing, it’s not. The 8008 and 8080 both implemented interrupt processing. Some say that it was introduced to expand on the successful 4004, it’s wasn’t. Although the 4004 was a pioneering step forward, it wasn’t hugely successful and wasn’t Intel’s architecture of choice. So with 8008 and 8080 already in play, why was the 4040 introduced? People ask the same question of the Intel Celeron. The answer is that it that the 4040, and the Celeron, were deviations from Intel’s strategic path in response to competition. Intel needed a cheap microprocessor to compete in the control and automation market space. The 4040 allowed Intel to price a microprocessor low, to compete, while protecting the profitability of the main product line. This strategy worked to keep competition at bay while Intel worked to develop a line of microcomputers designed specifically for the control and automation market.

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.