Happy Birthday to Intel microprocessor 4004!- Its been 40 years now!

Updated on November 16, 2011

Years are running fast!. Intel’s first microprocess 4004 has turned 40 years on November 15th, 2011. Intel organized an event in San Francisco to celebrate the fortieth birthday of its first microprocessor. The panel of Intel executives spoke about the history of the birthday boy 4004. Also, Federico Faggin, the principal designer of the 4004 was honored for working on the 4004 project.

A little history of 4004 microprocessor

Intel 4004 Micro processor
Intel 4004 Micro processor

The little 4004 was born when the Japanese company Busicom asked Intel to help them produce calculators that are powered by microprocessor. Though the scope and ability of the microprocessor were questioned during those days, Faggin however saw a greater potential. People believed that microprocessor can be used only in calculators, but according to Faggin – “I saw that many single control applications could be done with that computer”.

Now the microprocessor rules the world!…in every computer, gadget and cell phones are breathing with the help of this innovation.

The 4004 powered calculator model 141-P built for busicom.

Intel 4004 powered busicom calculator
Intel 4004 powered busicom calculator - 141P

Say “Happy birthday” to our little 4004 !

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