First Commercially Practicable Integrated Circuit

At this site in 1959, Dr. Robert Noyce of Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation invented the first integrated circuit that could be produced commercially. Based on “planar” technology, an earlier Fairchild breakthrough, Noyce’s invention consisted of a complete electronic circuit inside a small silicon chip. His innovation helped revolutionize “Silicon Valley’s” semiconductor electronics industry, and brought profound change to the lives of people everywhere.