Rajan Parrikar Photo Blog

Legends of Silicon Valley: Ted Hoff

Inventor of the microprocessor.

In 1971, Intel Corporation introduced the world’s first microprocessor, the Intel 4004, a technological feat that (understatement alert) changed the world. What the fractional horsepower motor did to the Industrial Revolution, the microprocessor did to the ongoing digital revolution.

The original architecture of the microprocessor was conceived by Marcian “Ted” Hoff, the brilliant engineer and employee number 12 at Intel. His two colleagues, Stanley Mazor and Federico Faggin, helped bring the idea to fruition. The trio was honored by President Obama (link to video) with the 2009 National Medal of Technology in a ceremony held at the White House.

I met Dr. Hoff yesterday at his home in Los Altos Hills in California. A warm, unassuming man, he carries with him a rich fund of stories and personal recollections of the early days of Silicon Valley and the pioneers who made it, men such as Frederick E. Terman, Dave Packard, Robert Noyce, Gordon Moore, Bill Shockley, Sherman Fairchild and others. Dr. Hoff‘s affection for Robert Noyce was especially palpable when he remembered Noyce’s depth in semiconductor electronics and his inspiring presence.

 
Ted Hoff

Marcian “Ted” Hoff
5D Mark III, 85L II

 
The world's first microprocessor - Intel 4004

With his invention, Intel 4004, the world’s first microprocessor
5D Mark III, 24-105L

 
Outside his home in Los Altos Hills, California

At home in Los Altos Hills, California
5D Mark III, 24-105L

 
 
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