4004s

The Intel 4004 is a significant microprocessor that was released by Intel Corporation in 1971. It is widely considered to be the first commercially available single-chip microprocessor. Prior to the 4004, the functions of a central processing unit were typically implemented using multiple integrated circuits. The development of the 4004 was a groundbreaking achievement in the field of microelectronics and paved the way for the modern computer era.

The 4004 was designed by Federico Faggin, Ted Hoff, and Stanley Mazor. It was originally commissioned by Busicom, a Japanese calculator manufacturer, for a line of programmable calculators. The chip was fabricated using a 10-micrometer process technology and featured 2,300 transistors. It operated at a clock speed of 740 kHz and had a 4-bit data bus. Despite its relatively modest specifications by today's standards, the 4004 was a substantial improvement in terms of size, cost, and performance compared to previous approaches.

The Intel 4004 introduced several key innovations, including the concept of a general-purpose programmable processor on a single chip. Its success demonstrated the viability of microprocessors and spurred further research and development in the industry. The 4004 had a profound impact on the design of electronic devices, leading to the miniaturization and increased functionality of everything from calculators and personal computers to embedded systems and consumer electronics. Its legacy continues to be felt in the pervasive presence of microprocessors in countless aspects of modern life.