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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