Robert Noyce section: Chronology of Events
Note: This is not an exhaustive timeline but a curated list of key historical events depicted in the book. All events listed are factual, not fictional.
Robert Noyce is born in Burlington, Iowa
Builds a glider and jumps off a barn roof; crashes but is unharmed
Enrolls at Grinnell College, majoring in math and physics.
Gets suspended for a semester after stealing a pig as a prank
Graduates from Grinnell College; begins graduate studies at MIT
Earns a Ph.D. in physics from MIT and takes a job at Philco
Joins Shockley Lab in Mountain View, California
Leaves Shockley Lab with seven others and starts Fairchild Semi
Fairchild secures IBM order for silicon transistors and delivers on schedule
Invents monolithic IC. Prototype IC shown at Wescon trade show
Fairchild introduces world’s first commercial IC called Micrologic
Stuns industry by announcing at a conference that Fairchild will price ICs at $1 each
Noyce promoted to VP. Gordon Moore publishes “Moore’s Law” paper
Fairchild GM Charlie Sporck departs to lead National Semi
Noyce & Moore resign from Fairchild to start Intel
Ted Hoff pitches microprocessor idea to Noyce, who approves it
Intel’s breakout year, including intro of the 4004 (first microprocessor)
Intel introduces first 8-bit microprocessor, the 8008
Intel introduces the 8080, first general-purpose microprocessor
Steps down as Intel CEO and becomes chairman of the board
Intel introduces the 8086, first of its successful x86 line of processors
Ends executive role at Intel. Has near crash on flight with Steve Jobs
IBM selects Intel 8088 (lower-cost version of 8086) for its PC line
Champions US semi industry, later leading to founding of Sematech
Awarded National Medal of Technology. Becomes CEO of Sematech
Wins Charles Stark Draper Prize with Jack Kilby. Dies later that year
Jack Kilby wins Nobel Prize for IC invention (Noyce ineligible to share because of death)
