Over the years, countless engineers and hobbyists have worked with various chips, and some of them stand out as game-changers in the tech world. Among the most influential chips are the 80C51, 430, 8086, STM32, TMS320CXX, 555, and 74LS74. To honor these groundbreaking inventions and share the stories behind them, IEEE Spectrum created the "Chip Hall of Fame," featuring 27 chips across seven categories that have significantly impacted the computing landscape.
The first entries in this list largely draw from IEEE Spectrum's 2009 feature, "25 Microchips That Shook The World," written by Brian Santo. Since then, the list has been expanded to include pivotal chips that emerged after that time. While this list is undoubtedly controversial—some may question why Intel's 8088 was chosen over the 4004 or 8080—the selection reflects the collective judgment of the authors and IEEE Spectrum editors, who debated for weeks. These chips aren't just celebrated for their commercial success or technological advancements but for their uniqueness, fascination, and awe-inspiring impact. Above all, they represent the essence of technology that has profoundly influenced countless lives, serving as integral parts of world-changing electronic devices.
The categories include Audio Amplifiers (Amplifiers & Audio), Interface (Interfacing), Logic, Memory & Storage (Memory & Storage), MEM & Sensors (MEMs & Sensors), Processors, and Wireless.
One of the earliest and most impactful chips in the Amplifier & Audio category is the Fairchild Semiconductor μA741 Operational Amplifier (1968). This chip became the de facto standard for analog amplifier ICs and remains in production today, found in countless electronic devices.
The journey of the μA741 began in 1963 when Robert Widlar, a 26-year-old engineer at Fairchild Semiconductor, designed the μA702, the first monolithic integrated operational amplifier circuit. Despite its high price tag of $300 at the time, it marked a breakthrough in analog design. Widlar later improved the design, creating the μA709, which gained significant commercial success. His demands for a raise, however, were not met, prompting him to leave Fairchild Semiconductor. National Semiconductor quickly recruited Widlar, who established their analog IC design department. In 1967, Widlar developed the LM101 for National Semiconductor, a better operational amplifier that remains in production today.
Meanwhile, David Fullagar at Fairchild analyzed the LM101 and identified its flaws, particularly its sensitivity to noise at the input stage. Fullagar's solution was simple yet effective: adding a pair of extra transistors to smooth the amplification. This design was approved by Gordon Moore and subsequently named μA741. The chip became the standard for operational amplifiers, with millions sold globally.
Another notable chip in the Amplifiers & Audio category is the Intersil ICL8038 Waveform Generator (1983). Initially criticized for its limited performance and erratic behavior, the 8038 proved reliable in practice. It became immensely popular, finding applications in everything from "blue boxes" used by phreakers in the 1980s to homemade function Generators and modular analog synthesizers. Though Intersil discontinued the 8038 in 2002, enthusiasts continue to use it today.
These examples illustrate how certain chips have transcended their original purposes to become cornerstones of modern technology, shaping industries and influencing countless lives.
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