This week the semiconductor industry mourns the passing of Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel and credited with pioneering the computer chip industry and the miraculous transformation of all things electronic. Gordon and his industry compatriots conceived and began the manufacture of the integrated circuits we’ve come to know as computer chips. In the following years industry advancements in microlithography enabled a geometric progression in computing power while continually reducing device size and cost. This geometric expansion in computing power came to be known as Moore’s Law, a concept who’s limits have been extended as physical barriers and engineering challenges have been overcome.
How might we celebrate the life and contributions of Gordon and Moore’s Law in a way that adequately portrays the transformation of our industry and global society? A tough assignment, my best response below.
A few years ago I received a consultation request from an individual seeking background and discussion/implications of Moore’s Law. I enjoy engaging conversation on semi industry matters and contemplated how to best respond. I recalled an archived YouTube presentation by Gordon Moore himself titled “Behind the Ubiquitous Microchip” which was captured by University of California Television, UCTV. In my opinion the video is priceless. The early days of the semiconductor industry are recalled by Gordon along with the concept of what we now know as Moore’s Law. Gordon tells the story with great humility and whit conveying the human side of an industry equation we’ve all come to know. In a response email I declined the requested consultation but instead included a link to Gordon’s UCTV presentation. I couldn’t have told the story better that Gordon himself. I’ve never had the honor of meeting Gordon but after viewing this video I somehow feel I know him. For years I’ve had this video posted on my YouTube channel, the only item selection under my play lists. The video, “Behind the Ubiquitous Microchip” runs about twenty eight minutes in length. If you haven’t seen it, set aside some idle time to gain valuable insight on our industry and celebrate a well deserved tribute to Gordon Moore.
We’ll miss you Gordon.
[1] Click on the link for Gordon’s video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxLnbVjKXmQ&list=PLVMW-w8WazD50xSLS0nUx8xREQCYabMqa
Regards to all,
Thomas D. Jay
Semiconductor Industry Consultant
Thomas.Dale.Jay@gmail.com
TDJ Technology Group.com
Thomas D. Jay YouTube Channel
Corporate, private entities or publications referenced or linked in this article are the respective owners of their logos, trademarks, service marks, media content and intellectual property. Unless otherwise disclosed, Thomas D. Jay has no financial interest in companies referenced in blog articles or other published media communications. Thomas D. Jay is not a registered financial advisor. No representation is made to either buy or sell securities. Opinions expressed by Thomas D. Jay are his own. Thomas D. Jay does not employ or otherwise utilize/authorize third party agents to express his opinions, represent his interests or conduct business on his behalf except where formally contractually designated. Thomas D. Jay opts out of requests to share personal information or unidentifiable user data. Thomas D. Jay does not agree to indemnify or hold harmless vendors, clients or third parties to related contractual agreements and reserves the right to applicable legal remedies in lieu of arbitration. Thomas D. Jay retains all copyright and moral rights to his published material, content and brand marketing, and shall in no case be represented, depicted or characterized by parties/entities other than his published "About Thomas D. Jay" descriptor. Contractual agreements are to be written and interpreted in the English language and are subject to the laws of the United States. These terms and conditions shall supersede any conflicting agreement. Clients, vendors and concerned parties should check my blog site at www.thomasdalejay.blogspot.com for periodic updates or changes to theses terms.
References and acknowledgements:
[1] YouTube, Gordon Moore, Behind the Ubiquitous Microchip”, 2006 University of California Television, UCTV.
Thomas D. Jay
Semiconductor Industry Consultant
Thomas.Dale.Jay@gmail.com
TDJ Technology Group.com
Thomas D. Jay YouTube Channel
Corporate, private entities or publications referenced or linked in this article are the respective owners of their logos, trademarks, service marks, media content and intellectual property. Unless otherwise disclosed, Thomas D. Jay has no financial interest in companies referenced in blog articles or other published media communications. Thomas D. Jay is not a registered financial advisor. No representation is made to either buy or sell securities. Opinions expressed by Thomas D. Jay are his own. Thomas D. Jay does not employ or otherwise utilize/authorize third party agents to express his opinions, represent his interests or conduct business on his behalf except where formally contractually designated. Thomas D. Jay opts out of requests to share personal information or unidentifiable user data. Thomas D. Jay does not agree to indemnify or hold harmless vendors, clients or third parties to related contractual agreements and reserves the right to applicable legal remedies in lieu of arbitration. Thomas D. Jay retains all copyright and moral rights to his published material, content and brand marketing, and shall in no case be represented, depicted or characterized by parties/entities other than his published "About Thomas D. Jay" descriptor. Contractual agreements are to be written and interpreted in the English language and are subject to the laws of the United States. These terms and conditions shall supersede any conflicting agreement. Clients, vendors and concerned parties should check my blog site at www.thomasdalejay.blogspot.com for periodic updates or changes to theses terms.
References and acknowledgements:
[1] YouTube, Gordon Moore, Behind the Ubiquitous Microchip”, 2006 University of California Television, UCTV.
