11) 144-bits -- The first NMOS Memory
The chip pattern of the 144-bit NMOS memory, developed by NEC
The change from magnetic core memory to transistor memory
- the only computer maker to pull off a daring change like this would be the
“computer giant”, IBM.
In the late 1960s, IBM attempted to experimentally install their chips (bipolar
buffer memory) to their mainframes.
Under those circumstances, NEC played a part in the Agency of Industrial Science
and Technology’s large-scale project, “Ultra-high Performance Electronic Computer.”
In 1968, NEC developed 144-bit NMOS memory, and with that, the world realized
Japan’s semiconductor presence and power.
This was a static memory which was composed of six-transistor-cells, with
a cycle time of 40 nanoseconds. Shown in the picture of the chip pattern above,
it measured 4.3 by 3.0 mm.
The head of NEC’s integrated circuit division at the time, Atsuyoshi Ouchi
opened up and said, “The motive to develop the memory was when we were assigned
to be in charge of the MOS memory on this big project. Today, we use words
such as ‘kilo-’ and ‘mega-’ but in the middle of the 1960s, we did our best
just to make 1-bit and 2-bit. 144-bit was three digit memory capacity and
it was the world’s first NMOS memory. It was a product all on its own.”
This was announced at the ISSCC in February 1969, and even in snowy weather
an audience large enough to even fill the aisles at the auditorium in University
of Pennsylvania turned out to hear and see these accomplishments.
In 1973, the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation (now NTT Communications)
adopted the product in their large-scale communications computer, [DIPS-1].
(Provided by Toshio Kurosawa)
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