Intel Disowns Faggin
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The Intel 4004
A testimonial from Federico Faggin, its designer, on the first microprocessor's thirtieth birthday
Intel Disowns Faggin
To protect its interests, the company that has hugely benefited from the two major contributions Faggin gave to the world of technology and from his relentless dedication to work, tried to destroy his entire legacy. Intel tried to erase his name from the history of the microprocessor, (and the silicon gate), attributed his credits to Ted Hoff, did not mention his name to the press, encouraged lesser contributors to grab a bigger share of credit to take away from him, and boycotted any recognition to him. Only after many interventions by Faggin and his wife, a technology writer, did Intel give limited acknowledgment to Faggin's contributions. In its new museum it presents Ted Hoff as the inventor (click to see picture of museum display) of the microprocessor, after having agreed that he was a co-inventor in the first museum display.