How did intel invent the microprocessor?
The invention of the microprocessor happened because a Japanese company wanted to build a small calculator. The creation of this calculator was the catalyst for Ted Hoff from Intel to invent the microprocessor.HistoryBusicom, a Japanese company, approached Intel with a design for a small calculator. The design included many separate chips for each computer task.InventionTed Hoff from Intel looked at the design and realized that it was not cost-effective. He developed a single chip, or microprocessor, programmed to perform all computer tasks.OwnershipBusicom owned Hoff’s microprocessor until Intel bought it from them for $60,000.SalabilityHoff’s chip, the 4004, had as much power as the first computer, which was the size of a large room and weighed 30 tons. Intel went public with the microprocessor in 1971.ImpactThe microprocessor is one of the most important inventions in our time.
