The Transistor to Computer Chips - Type A, 2N1613, Micrologic, 3101, Intel 4004, TMS1000

About this Artwork:

This collection of six electronic devices spans a period of about 20 years and represents the greatest advances in tools for the human mind than any other period of history. The invention of the transistor was a pivotal point in human history, and the invention of the 2N1613 planar transistor was the key enabler of the computer revolution. The next logical step was to build multiple integrated devices on a single piece of silicon; this was Fairchild’s Micrologic family. Intel followed with the first memory chip built with planar transistors, the 3101. Intel quickly followed with the first microprocessor. Texas Instrument’s TMS1000 was the first “computer on a chip” combining RAM, ROM, clocks, and I/O support. Today we have billons of transistors on a single chip, but the developments since these key devices have been larger degrees of integration, denser transistor counts, and faster speeds. These devices led the way. The devices included in this artwork all new-old stock. They are:

1. The FIrst Transistor: An early 1950s development version of the Bell Labs Type A transistor (A1698, 2N22). The development serial number is handwritten on the top of the transistor.
2. The First Planar Transistor: A Fairchild 2N1613 Planar Transistor
3. The First Monolithic Integrated Circuit: A Fairchild Micrologic 914 Dual NOR logic chip (Glob top)
4. The First Solid-State Memory Chip: An Intel P3101A gray memory chip
5. The First Microprocessor Chip: An Intel P4004
6. The First Microcomputer Chip: A Texas Instruments TMS1000NLL

The devices have ChipScape artworks above them. All, except the Type A Transistor, are microscopic photos of the chips. The Type A Transistor photo is a macro photo of the hole through the canister. Through the hole, you can see the germanium slab with the two whisker wires touching it. The yellow color is resin. Each of the devices has a labeled technical outline of the electrical connections for their leads.

The devices in this artwork represent the key milestones in the development of the microcomputing revolution. They enabled the personal and mobile aspects of computing. This artwork is a great piece of history for nostalgia and education.

Framing:  

The artwork is 9"x20" in a 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.