Intel 8080A Microprocessor

Intel 8080A Microprocessor

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Description
Intel introduced its 8080A 8-bit central processing unit (CPU) microprocessor in April 1974. Generally considered as the first truly usable microprocessor, the chip ran at 2 megahertz and powered the Altair 8800 and the IMSAI 8080, two of the first Personal Computers. Housed in a 40-pin DIP package that contained 6,000 transistors, the integrated circuit could receive 8-bit instructions and perform 16-bit operations. This particular example is marked "8321"indicating it was made in the 21st week of 1983. The "D8080A" means the unit has a housing of black ceramic.
Object Name
microprocessor
integrated circuit
Other Terms
microprocessor; Solid State Devices
date made
1983-05
maker
Intel Corporation
location of prior holder
United States: California, Santa Clara
Physical Description
ceramic (overall material)
metal (overall material)
silicon (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 5/16 in x 2 in x 5/8 in;.79375 cm x 5.08 cm x 1.5875 cm
ID Number
1984.0124.04
accession number
1984.0124
catalog number
1984.0124.04
maker number
8080
Credit Line
from INTEL Corporation
See more items in
Work and Industry: Electricity
Computers & Business Machines
American Enterprise
Science & Mathematics
Exhibition
American Enterprise
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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Comments

We've received an email comment regarding this object, noting that the "8321" marking is a date code, and the "D" prefix in the 8080A marking refers to a ceramic housing for the unit. Plastic would have been marked "P8080". We have corrected the date made and materials description accordingly. A chip with a white ceramic housing might or might not have the “D” designation, however, and there may be a prefix "C" for cerDip. AMD chips might have that C prefix, along with gold pins and a Kovar gold-plated lid. Chips for military might have a prefix and suffix "M" which does not indicate the material. Thanks to the commenter, and our chip expert who provided the extra information!

Hal Wallace

Tue, 2020-03-03 08:22

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