Faggin's Educational Background and Early Projects
Faggin's experimental computer, built at Olivetti, was a notable achievement, featuring a magnetic core memory and approximately 1000 logic gates for the CPU.
He then pursued his education, graduating summa cum laude with a Laurea in Physics from the University of Padua in 1965.
His thesis on Flying Spot Scanners showcased his expertise in experimental physics, and he also gained teaching experience by instructing Electronics Laboratory to 3rd-year physics students.
This combination of hands-on project experience and academic excellence laid a strong foundation for Faggin's future career in electronics and computer design.
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1969 - 1970: Developed N-channel MOS SGT and feasibility of CMOS SGT.
Faggin's Work on MOS and CMOS Technology
In 1969-1970, Faggin made significant contributions to the development of N-channel MOS (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) Silicon Gate Technology (SGT) and explored the feasibility of CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) SGT.
This work was crucial in advancing semiconductor technology, enabling the creation of more efficient and powerful microprocessors.
Faggin's research and development in this area laid the groundwork for his later work on the Intel 4004, the first commercially successful microprocessor.
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Faggin's Work on MOS and CMOS Technology
In 1969-1970, Faggin made significant contributions to the development of N-channel MOS (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) Silicon Gate Technology (SGT) and explored the feasibility of CMOS (Complementary MOS) SGT.
This work was crucial in advancing semiconductor technology, enabling the creation of smaller, faster, and more efficient microelectronic devices.
Faggin's research and development in this area laid the groundwork for the design of more complex integrated circuits, including the microprocessor.
His expertise in MOS and CMOS technology would later play a key role in the development of the Intel 4004, the first commercially successful microprocessor.
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1967-1968 - SGS-Fairchild (Agrate Brianza, Italy): Core Experience in MOS Process Technology at SGS-Fairchild, now called STMicroelectronics. Federico developed the first metal-gate MOS process technology of SGS-Fairchild. He also designed SGS’ first two commercial MOS Integrated circuits.
1968 - 1970 - Fairchild Semiconductor R&D Laboratory (Palo Alto, CA):
1968: Creation of the new P-channel MOS silicon gate technology (SGT) at Fairchild Semiconductor.
See Federico’s testimonial on the development of the technology that made the microprocessor possible.
1968: Designed the Fairchild 3708, the world's first commercial integrated circuit using the SGT.
Faggin's Experience with MOS Technology
Faggin's career took a significant turn when he worked at SGS-Fairchild (now STMicroelectronics) from 1967-1968, where he developed the company's first metal-gate MOS process technology and designed their first two commercial MOS integrated circuits.
He then moved to Fairchild Semiconductor's R&D Laboratory in Palo Alto, CA, where he created the new P-channel MOS silicon gate technology (SGT) in 1968.
This technology was a crucial milestone, as it enabled the development of the microprocessor. Faggin also designed the Fairchild 3708, the world's first commercial integrated circuit using SGT.
His work on MOS technology and SGT laid the groundwork for his future achievements, including the design of the Intel 4004.
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Computers Still No Match for Human Intelligence
Quantum Computing Could Define the Future and Extend the Reach of Human Brainpower to Unimaginable Limits, but One Silicon Valley Legend Gives the Edge to Our Gray Matter
If you could ask only one person about the limits of computers past, present and future, the right person might be Federico Faggin. Forty years ago Faggin meticulously sketched the blueprint that brought to life the world's first microprocessor, which later sparked the personal computer revolution.
The Limits of Computers: Faggin's Perspective
Federico Faggin, the creator of the world's first microprocessor, offers a unique perspective on the limits of computers.
Despite the rapid advancements in computing technology, including the emergence of quantum computing, Faggin believes that human intelligence still surpasses that of computers.
He suggests that while computers can process vast amounts of information, they lack the creativity, intuition, and emotional intelligence that humans take for granted.
Faggin's insights are particularly valuable, given his role in shaping the modern computing landscape with the development of the Intel 4004 microprocessor.
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After a career dedicated to creating evermore intelligent computer chips, he has turned his attention to what a computer, even quantum computers, may never be able to do: reach the potential of human conciousness. Quantum computers, which handle information radically different and theoretically much faster than today's mechanical, transistor-powered computers, have largely remained science fiction until recently when Lockheed Martin and University of Southern California researchers introduced their quantum computing center in California. Even so, Faggin believes computers, in their current and future quantum states, are the key that will unlock a true understanding of how human consciousness works.
Faggin spoke about his role designing the 4004 microprocessor, a single integrated chip conceived by Intel's Ted Hoff and Stan Mazur.. It was considered the world's first microprocessor when it hit the market in 1971, and for four decades Faggin has witnessed its immense impact on society.
Faggin's Shift in Focus: Understanding Human Consciousness
After a career spent advancing computer chip technology, Federico Faggin has turned his attention to the potential of human consciousness, believing that computers, even quantum computers, may never fully replicate it.
However, he thinks that computers, including quantum computers, can help unlock a deeper understanding of human consciousness.
Faggin reflects on his role in designing the 4004 microprocessor, which revolutionized the computing industry when it was released in 1971.
He acknowledges the significant impact of the 4004 on society over the past four decades, and now seeks to apply his knowledge to the study of human consciousness.
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The 4004, which was about the size of a small fingernail, delivered the same computing power as the ENIAC, the first electronic computer built in 1946 that filled an entire room.
Just as engines powered the industrial revolution, Faggin sees the microprocessor as the core element that continues to drive the information age.
"The engine extended the muscular power of human beings, thus enabling the industrial revolution," said Faggin. "The microprocessor extends the intellectual capacities, the brain power of human beings, thus extending the human reach into areas that an engine cannot."