Overview
Intel Corporation is an American multinational technology company and one of the world's largest semiconductor chip manufacturers, headquartered in Santa Clara, California. It is best known for designing and producing essential computer components such as central processing units (CPUs) and related products for a wide range of computing devices.
Founded: July 18, 1968, by Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore.
Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Key Products: Microprocessors (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), chipsets, flash memory, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and solutions for data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous driving (Mobileye).
Key Brands: Intel Core, Intel Xeon, Intel Arc, Altera, and Mobileye.
Role in the Industry: Intel was a pioneer in developing SRAM and DRAM memory chips and created the world's first commercial microprocessor, the Intel 4004, in 1971. Its partnership with Microsoft (known as "Wintel") was instrumental in shaping the personal computer (PC) industry.
Intel 4004
The Intel 4004, launched in November 1971, is recognized as the world's first microprocessor, marking a significant advancement in computer technology [1] [2]. Developed initially as part of a contract for the Japanese calculator manufacturer Busicom, Intel later acquired the rights to the chip, paving the way for its broader application [3]. This 4-bit CPU was revolutionary not only because it integrated all necessary components onto a single chip but also because it could be reprogrammed by software, setting the stage for modern computing.
The Intel 4004's design allowed it to interface with various peripherals, including keyboards and displays, which enhanced its usability in calculators and other electronic devices [6]. Its introduction is often credited with kickstarting the microprocessor era, leading to the development of more complex and capable computing systems in subsequent years [1] [4]. Overall, the Intel 4004 represents a landmark achievement in the evolution of integrated electronics and computing.
The first Intel CPU.
Links of Interest
Intel Chips Timeline Poster