Jack Kilby Files First Integrated Circuit Patent
February 6th, 1959
February 6th, 1959

How Long Ago?
66 years, 1 month, 9 days ago
Location
Dallas, Texas, United States
Category
Science & Technology
People
- Jack Kilby
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Jack Kilby Files First Integrated Circuit Patent
Jack Kilby, an engineer at Texas Instruments, filed a patent for the integrated circuit, a significant advancement in electronics. This invention allowed multiple electronic components to be integrated into a single compact unit, greatly enhancing device performance and efficiency. The patent marked the beginning of a new era in technology, as integrated circuits would eventually revolutionize the computing and telecommunications industries.
Kilby worked for Texas Instruments during this time.
The integrated circuit revolutionized electronics.
This patent opened new possibilities in computing.
Kilby's work laid the foundation for modern technology.
What Happened?
In the late 1950s, the electronic industry was on the verge of a major transformation, driven by the need for smaller, more efficient devices. Jack Kilby, working at Texas Instruments, conducted a series of experiments to find a solution to the limitations of traditional circuitry, which required multiple discrete components. On February 6, 1959, Kilby applied for a patent for the integrated circuit, effectively a miniaturized assembly of electronic components manufactured onto a single piece of semiconductor material. His first working model was completed in the summer of 1958, marking a crucial stepping stone in electronic engineering.
Kilby’s innovation stemmed from his desire to address the challenges faced by engineers in creating smaller and more efficient electronic devices. The integration of various functions—such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors—into a single circuit was groundbreaking and facilitated the miniaturization of technology. This new way of designing circuits laid the foundation for modern electronics, paving the way for the production of compact devices such as calculators and personal computers.
This development was not only significant for its immediate applications but also for its long-term impact on the engineering field. Kilby’s work garnered widespread attention and laid the groundwork for subsequent innovations in the semiconductor industry. His patent would contribute to the electronics revolution, enabling highly sophisticated devices to be manufactured at a fraction of the size and cost compared to previous technologies.
Why Does it Matter?
The filing of Jack Kilby’s patent for the integrated circuit is interesting because it marked a major breakthrough in technology. Integrated circuits became the building blocks for a multitude of devices, ultimately changing how we interact with technology in our everyday lives. This innovation not only enhanced the performance and efficiency of electronic devices but also sparked the rapid growth of the electronics industry, significantly impacting global communication, computing, and information processing.
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