Microchip pioneer Jack Kilby dead at 81
posted Jun 22nd 2005 10:13AM
Jack Kilby, the inventor of the integrated circuit, has died at the age of 81. Kilby built the first IC while working at Texas Instruments in 1958, and later helped to develop the first handheld calculator. Kilby was awarded a Nobel prize in 2000, for laying "the foundation of modern information technology." Ironically, when Kilby first started developing IC technology, he had trouble finding a company that would invest in the work. "TI was the only company that agreed to let me work on electronic component miniaturization more or less full time, and it turned out to be a great fit," he wrote. TI battled Fairchild Semiconductor, where Robert Noyce — later an Intel cofounder — created his own version of the IC months after Kilby. The two companies eventually cross-licensed the two technologies.
it's sad that real important people, who make actual differences in life, aren't even remotely well known when compared to the likes of Justin Timberlake or David Beckham (whom probably make more money for doing something that's "mundane" in comparison).
RIP Jack Kilby.
Thanks, Jack.
True... But I have a feeling Jack will still be reknowned 200 years from now. I don't think you can say the same for Timberlake or Beckham.
yeah, that's a perfectly valid point.
i was just stating the obvious that my mother would know Timberlake and Beckham, whom have contributed in almost no way towards of how she lives, and not Kilby even though ICs are in literally everything.
Yea, but Beckham is a handsome guy, and this egghead is disgusting.
Whoa there Sandy, careful with your insults. Besides Jack's important contribution to modern technology (without him you wouldn't have your PC, mp3 player, or cell phone), he is a family friend who has just died. Please be respectful.
I believe the JK flip flop was named after him as well.
Oh really...
I was wondering why they called it JK flipflop.
what is the picture of? that doesn't look like an IC to me.