Preface: The previous article briefly described that 188 years ago, over a period of 114 years, scientists began to gradually discover, recognize and study semiconductors, and also briefly described major inventions such as the electron tube, transistor, integrated circuit, silicon planar processing technology with photolithography as the core, CMOS circuit, non-volatile memory, and single-tube DRAM. In the more than 20 years after the invention of transistor, these inventions laid the foundation for the rapid development of chip technology and paved the way for chip technology to move forward along Moore's law. This article is the middle part, introducing the history of chip technology's rapid development since 1970.

7. The world's first microprocessor chip was introduced, and the curtain of informationization of human society was opened

In 1971, Intel Corporation launched the world's first microprocessor 4004 chip. It is a 4-bit central processing unit (CPU) chip, using MOS process, integrated with 2250 transistors on the chip. This was a milestone in the history of chip technology. In the same year, Intel introduced 1kb dynamic random memory (DRAM), marking the emergence of Large Scale Integrated circuits (LSI).

Figure 25. Photomicrograph of Intel 4004 CPU chip and the appearance of the package

In 1974, RCA introduced the first CMOS microprocessor 1802 chip. The RCA 1802 was the first microprocessor to be used in aerospace applications, such as Viking, Galileo and Voyager.

Figure 26. Photomicrograph of the RCA 1802 CPU chip and the appearance after packaging

In 1976, 16kb DRAM and 4kb SRAM were introduced.

8. x86 opened a new era of PC-driven chip industry development

In 1978, Intel released the new 16-bit microprocessor 8086, the x86 generation dynasty was created. Intel 8086 integrated about 40,000 transistors, manufactured by HMOS process, +5V power supply, clock frequency of 4.77MHz ~ 10MHz, external data bus are 16-bit, address bus for 4 + 16 bits. Shortly after the introduction of the 8086, Intel also released its variant version, the 8088. The Intel 8086 ushered in the era of x86 architecture computers. x86 architecture is an ever-expanding and improving CPU instruction set, a CPU chip internal architecture, and an industry standard for personal computers (PCs).

Figure 27. Photomicrograph of Intel 8086 CPU chip and the appearance of the package

Also in 1978, 64kb dynamic random memory was created, integrating up to 150,000 transistors on a silicon chip of less than 0.5 square centimeters with a line width of 3 microns. This marked the entry of chip technology into the era of Very Large Scale Integrated circuits (VLSI).

The era of desktop computers named after x86. Intel basically launched an innovative microprocessor every 3 to 4 years. In the early days, represented by 8086, 80186, 80286, 80386, 80486, Intel CPU chips basically dominated the world of desktop computers and notebook computers, most of the PC models were named after the CPU, such as 286, 386, 486, etc. Intel CPU represents the world's most advanced chip technology, but also led the chip frontier technology development direction.

Figure 28: Photomicrographs of Intel 80286/386/486 CPU chips and their appearance after packaging

In 1980, Fujio Muoka of Toshiba invented NOR Flash Memory, or NOR Flash for short. In 1987, he invented NAND Flash Memory (NAND Flash).

Figure 29: Toshiba's Fujio Misuoka invented Flash

In 1981, IBM launched the world's first personal computer (PC) based on the 8088. The history of the PC is the history of IBM in the 80's. The director of the IBM PC development project was Don Estrich. Don Estridge, who is known as the father of the IBM PC.

Starting from the IBM PC, the PC really came into people's work and life, which marked the beginning of the era of popular computer applications, and also marked the opening of the era of PC consumer-driven chip technology innovation and industrial development. It was also in 1981 that 256kb DRAM and 64kb CMOS SRAM were introduced.

Figure 30. Estrich with the earliest IBM PC

In 1982, Intel introduced the 80286 microprocessor (Figure 28).

In 1984, Japan announced the introduction of 1MbDRAM and 256kb SRAM.

In 1985, Microsoft introduced Windows operating system. The early Windows 1.X, 2.X and 3.X could be described as the GUI shell software of MS-DOS. In 1995, Microsoft introduced Windows 95, which gradually replaced the MS-DOS underlying system adopted for the previous 15 years with Windows. Later, Microsoft Corporation and Intel Corporation joined forces to form the so-called Wintel computer architecture, which greatly promoted the popularity of desktop computers, global networking and information technology also vigorously promoted the development of the chip industry. Also in 1985, Intel launched the 80386 microprocessor (Figure 28).

In 1988, Intel saw the great potential of flash memory (Flash) and launched the first commercial flash memory chip, which successfully replaced EPROM products and was mainly used to store computer software. Also in 1988, 16M DRAM was introduced, which could integrate about 35 million transistors on a silicon chip of 1 square centimeter size, marking the entry of chip technology into the Ultra LargeScale Integrated circuits (ULSI) stage.

In 1989, Intel introduced the 80486 microprocessor (Figure 28). 1Mb DRAM entered the market.

In 1992, 64Mb random memory was introduced.

In 1993, Intel launched the Pentium CPU chip, the era of computer "Pentium" came. Four years after the launch of Intel 80486, it was predicted that 80586 CPU would be launched soon. But what Intel presented to users in 1993 was a new family of CPUs, named Pentium. The Pentium CPU could execute two instructions per clock cycle, and at the same clock speed, the Pentium CPU could execute instructions about five times faster than the 80486.

Figure 31. Micrographs of Intel Pentium CPU chips and their appearance after packaging

After four generations of Pentium CPU upgrades, Intel launched a new series of Pentium CPUs. 1997 Intel started to launch the Pentium II series CPU chips; 1999 Intel started to launch the Pentium III series CPU chips; 2000 Intel started to launch the Pentium IV series CPU chips. Each Pentium product has several generations of upgraded versions or featured styles.

Figure 32. Micrographs of Intel Pentium II/III/IV CPU chips and their appearance after packaging

In 1994, the successful development of 1G DRAM with 100 million integrated components marked the entry of chip technology into the era of Giga Scale Integrated circuits (GSI).

In 1997, IBM developed the chip copper interconnection technology. At that time, the aluminum interconnect process was no longer fast enough for 180nm CMOS. IBM's initial research, copper resistance is 40% lower than aluminum, leading to a surge in processor speed of more than 15%, copper is 100 times more reliable than aluminum. When the first PowerPC chips were produced in 1998, the copper interconnect version was 33% faster compared to the previous generation of 300MHz PowerPC chips. Also in 1997, Intel began introducing the Pentium II series of CPU chips (Figure 32).

Figure 33. IBM develops copper interconnect technology for chips

 In 1999, Prof. Zhengming Hu developed the FinFET (finned field-effect transistor) technology. He is regarded as the father of 3D transistors. When the size of transistors is less than 25nm, the traditional flat transistor size can no longer be reduced, and the advent of FinFET stereotyped the transistors so that the transistor density could be further increased, allowing Moore's Law to continue the legend today.

This invention is recognized as a major innovation in semiconductor technology for more than 50 years.FinFET is the basis for the manufacture of modern nanoelectronic semiconductor devices, and now 7nm chips use the FinFET design.On May 19, 2016, U.S. President Barack Obama presented awards to the recipients of the 2015 U.S. Top Science and Technology Awards at the White House, including the inventor of FinFET, Professor Zhengming Hu . Professor Hu also received the 2020 IEEE Medal of the Highest Honor. It was also in 1999 that Intel began introducing the Pentium III series of CPU chips (Figure 32).

Figure 34. Prof. Zhengming Hu, the inventor of FinFET technology

In 2000, Intel started to launch the Pentium IV series CPU chips (Figure 32). In the same year, 1Gb RAM was released to the market.

The era of Intel Core CPUs came, and multi-core CPUs entered the history stage. The "Pentium" processor era lasted for 12 years, and then in January 2006, Intel launched a microprocessor chip named "Core" (Core), which was mainly used for mobile computers at the beginning, and was replaced by the Core2 series soon after its launch. The Core CPU was replaced by the Core2 series, followed by the Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 and Corei9 multi-core CPU series.

In January 2006, Intel Core Solo and Core Duo were launched, and in August Intel launched the desktop and mobile version of the 2-core Core 2, model Core2 Duo, manufactured with a 65nm process.

In 2007, Apple launched the iPhone, setting the model for smartphones. Since then, smartphones have come in the form of a flat panel + touch screen. It has promoted the popularity of mobile smart terminals (including smart phones, tablet PCs, etc.) and played an important role in promoting the development of the mobile Internet industry. After that, mobile Internet gradually replaced desktop Internet and became the main force driving the development of chip industry. For more details, see [Core Talk] Science: Charting the 60+ years of chip technology development history (next part).

In 2008, Intel launched the 4-core Core 2, model Core2 Quad, manufactured with a 45nm process.

In 2010, the new Intel Core i series was launched with the leading 32nm process, including Core i3 series (2 cores), Core i5 series (2 cores, 4 cores), Core i7 series (2 cores, 4 cores and 6 cores), Core i9 (up to 12 cores) series, etc. The next generation of 22nm process versions have also been launched one after another.

Figure 35. Family photo of Intel Core series CPUs (2013 photo)

Figure 36. Examples of Intel Core series multi-core CPUs

In 2011, Intel introduced the commercial FinFET process, which is used in its 22nm process node.

AMD was founded in 1969, AMD is the younger brother of Intel, and in the development of more than 50 years, he is well compared with Intel, Intel as the world's largest CPU chip, occasionally bullying the second AMD has rarely succeeded, not to mention the idea of extinguishing the younger brother. Objectively AMD's presence makes Intel no suspicion of industry monopoly, which is what Intel values most.

Intel and AMD's chip development history can be briefly expressed in their desktop CPU ladder chart.

Figure 37. Intel and AMD desktop computer CPU ladder chart

In 2012, Samsung invented the stacked 3D NAND Flash, which ushered in the 3D era of chip technology. 2013 saw the launch of the first generation of 24-layer 3D NAND flash chips, and 2014 saw the launch of the second generation of 32-layer V-NAND chips.

Figure 38. Comparison of Samsung's first two generations of 3D NAND Flash technology

In 2018, Intel launched the server CPU chip Xeon W-3175X, manufactured with 14nm process, 28 cores and 56 threads, 3.1 to 4.3GHz, 38.5MB of tertiary cache, memory support for six channels DDR4-2666 ECC/512GB, package interface LGA3647, with chipset C621, priced up to 2999 USD (more than 20,000 RMB).

Figure 39. Example of Intel Xeon W-3175X 28-core server CPU

To be continued.

Please look forward to the next part of the 60-year history of chip technology, which focuses on the mobile Internet as a living force driving the chip industry and the accelerated chip technology innovation and industrial change in the post-Moore era.

Postscript: During the 40 years from 1970 to 2010, the chip industry chain was well globalized and well-distributed, and chip technology developed rapidly. the invention of CPU, PC and mass memory opened the curtain of global computerization and informatization, the Wintel computer architecture was formed, and the desktop Internet became the main force driving chip technology progress and industrial development. the Intel CPU became the chip technology The flag of progress, has experienced the upgrade of x86 CPU, the iteration of Pentium CPU, and now is the continuous innovation of Core CPU technology. The AMD CPU, which has developed alongside the Intel CPU, is also a god-like existence and has played a role in promoting the development of chip technology. Moore's Law predicted the law of chip development was well verified during this period.

The next article focuses on the history of chip technology progress and industry development driven by mobile Internet.