5 Oct
1998
5 Oct
'98
1:22 p.m.
I wrote:
While I would be the last person to want to downplay
the significance of
the F-14 computer, I personally think that the word 'microprocessor' is
only useful if it refers to a single monolithic IC, in which case Ted Hoff
and Intel get credit for the first one.
Sam replied:
Single, monolithic IC with....? What? A transistor
on it? An ALU with
"control logic"? You run into the same problem. Who's definition do we
agree upon? The answer seemingly is the same as the answer for "who has
the most money?"
A single monolithic IC that contains a complete CPU capable of executing
stored programs from external memory (or optionally, internal memory).
Have you ever heard of the AL1 from Four Phase
Systems? Circa 1968, and
also the first "microprocessor" :)
No, please tell us about it.