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Jack KilbyAmerican engineer, creator of the first integrated circuit, Nobel laureate
Date of Birth: 08.11.1923
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Jack Kilby: The Father of Integrated Circuits
- Birth of the Integrated Circuit
- Pioneering Microchips
- Military, Industrial, and Commercial Applications
- Post-Texas Instruments Career
- Legacy and Honors
- Digital Era and Southwestern University
Jack Kilby: The Father of Integrated Circuits
Early Life and EducationJack Kilby, an American electrical engineer, was born in Jefferson City, Missouri. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
Birth of the Integrated Circuit
In the summer of 1958, while working at Texas Instruments, Kilby conceived the idea of creating multiple electronic components on a single semiconductor substrate. His theory, presented on September 12th, resulted in the development of the first integrated circuit (IC).
Pioneering Microchips
Kilby's invention revolutionized the field of microelectronics, leading to the development of microchips that facilitated the unprecedented progress in computing power. He and Robert Noyce independently developed similar ideas for ICs.
Military, Industrial, and Commercial Applications
Kilby spearheaded the application of ICs in military, industrial, and commercial settings. His teams created the first military systems and computers based on integrated circuits. Later, he extended his technology to more practical uses, such as the pocket calculator and thermal printer.
Post-Texas Instruments Career
In 1970, Kilby left Texas Instruments to pursue independent ventures. He explored solar energy and became a professor of electrical engineering in Texas. He officially retired from TI in 1983.
Legacy and Honors
Kilby succumbed to cancer in 2005 at the age of 81. His scientific contributions were widely recognized. He received the National Medal of Science in 1969 and the National Medal of Technology in 1990. He was also inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1982.
Digital Era and Southwestern University
In 2008, Southwestern University launched a year-long project commemorating the 50th anniversary of the "digital age," paying tribute to Kilby's pioneering role. He held an honorary doctorate from the university and supported it through an endowed fund. Kilby received a total of nine honorary doctorates from various American universities and was bestowed an honorary professorship from a Taiwanese university.
