Jack Kilby Demonstrates First Integrated Circuit

September 12th, 1958

September 12th, 1958

Jack Kilby Demonstrates First Integrated Circuit
How Long Ago?

66 years, 6 months, 3 days ago

Location

Dallas, Texas, USA

Category

Science & Technology

People
  • Jack Kilby
Links & References
Tags

Jack Kilby Demonstrates First Integrated Circuit

Jack Kilby, an engineer at Texas Instruments, successfully demonstrated the first working integrated circuit, which revolutionized electronics. This innovation combined multiple electronic components into a single piece of semiconductor material, enhancing the efficiency and miniaturization of electronic devices. The demonstration provided a tangible example of integrated circuits' potential, setting the foundation for modern electronic systems and circuits used across various industries today.

Kilby created a working integrated circuit.

His work enabled miniaturization of electronic devices.

This led to advancements in computers and smartphones.

Kilby's circuit was made on a single germanium piece.

What Happened?

In the late 1950s, the field of electronics was progressing rapidly, characterized by large and cumbersome individual components such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors. In this landscape, Jack Kilby, a newly hired engineer at Texas Instruments, began exploring ways to create more efficient, compact circuits. His innovative idea was to integrate these individual components into one single unit, primarily using germanium semiconductor material. On September 12, Kilby successfully demonstrated his working integrated circuit, which consisted of a transistor, capacitors, and resistors all placed on a single piece of semiconductor material. This revolutionary approach significantly transformed the way electronic circuits were designed and produced.Kilby's breakthrough not only showcased the viability of integrated circuits but also laid the groundwork for what would become the microelectronics revolution. With the ability to pack numerous electronic functionalities onto a small chip, the designs for consumer electronics, computers, and telecommunications began to evolve rapidly. His integrated circuit's design philosophy encouraged further explorations into circuit miniaturization, leading to advancements in chip design and fabrication technologies. This innovation played a pivotal role in the development of microprocessors, solid-state devices, and eventually the development of complex computers. Kilby’s contributions would later earn him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000, cementing the significance of his work in both technological and scientific realms.

Why Does it Matter?

The demonstration by Jack Kilby is interesting because it marked a critical turning point that enabled the modern digital age. Integrated circuits became fundamental for the subsequent creation of everything from computers to smartphones, reshaping daily life and industries on a global scale. This innovation not only improved performance but also drastically reduced the size and cost of electronic devices, making technology more accessible to the general public.

Discover More Historic Events from September 12th

Accidents & Tragedies

Siberian Light Aviation Flight 51 Crash

September 12th, 2021 3 years ago

Siberian Light Aviation Flight 51, a domestic flight, crashed short of the runway while attempting to land at Kazachinskoye Airport, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives. The aircraft, a Let L-410 Turbolet, encountered difficulties while approaching the airport, leading to its premature descent. The incident highlights ongoing air safety challenges in the region and raises questions about the operational conditions at smaller airports in Siberia.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Deadly Explosions in Petlawad, Madhya Pradesh

September 12th, 2015 9 years ago

A series of explosions occurred in Petlawad, Madhya Pradesh, when propane erupted and ignited illegally stored mining detonators. The incident resulted in at least 105 fatalities and more than 150 injuries. This catastrophe raised alarms about unsafe storage practices and the lack of regulation in the area, particularly regarding explosives and flammable materials.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Deadly Collapse at T.B. Joshua's Synagogue Church

September 12th, 2014 10 years ago

On September 12, 2014, a six-story guesthouse at the Synagogue Church of All Nations, led by T.B. Joshua in Lagos, Nigeria, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 115 individuals and injuring many others. The church complex, known for its charismatic Christian services, was hosting guests at the time, creating a tragic atmosphere. The reasons behind the collapse were subject to investigations, with allegations of substandard construction practices surfacing, complicating an already sensitive situation for the church and its followers.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

Voyager 1 Enters Interstellar Space

September 12th, 2013 11 years ago

NASA confirmed that its Voyager 1 probe has officially entered interstellar space, making it the first human-made object to do so. Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 was designed to study the outer planets of our solar system. As of September 12, 2013, it crossed the heliopause, the boundary where the solar wind from the Sun slows down and merges with the interstellar medium. This milestone marks a significant achievement in human exploration and understanding of the cosmos.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Flight 251 Crash

September 12th, 2012 12 years ago

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Air Flight 251 crashed while approaching Palana Airport in Russia. The accident claimed the lives of ten individuals and left four others injured. The incident occurred in challenging weather conditions, with fog and low visibility reported at the time of the flight's approach. Investigations into the crash revealed pilot error as a contributing factor.

Continue Reading
Arts & Culture

National September 11 Memorial & Museum Opens

September 12th, 2011 13 years ago

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum opened to the public, honoring the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Located at the World Trade Center site in New York City, this memorial and museum preserves the memory of those who lost their lives and educates visitors about the events of that tragic day. The site features two reflecting pools set within the footprints of the original Twin Towers, surrounded by the names of nearly 3,000 victims. The museum showcases artifacts, stories, and multimedia presentations to convey the impact of the attacks and their aftermath.

Continue Reading