Computer History Museum

Originally referred to as "My MIT Notebook," this graph paper computation notebook contains Samson's notes from December 1961 on how to program the computer to play musical tones for specific durations and some rhythms. Some pages include sets of code, or program flowcharts.

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102665149
converted_cover_pdf

This volume contains a mix of brief notes on the status of experimental wafers together with extended disclosures of process and design ideas that were used as the basis for patent filings. Specific entries include: "Method of protecting exposed p-n junctions at the surface of silicon transistors by oxide masking techniques" (pp. 3-4) this was his first expression of the planar process – U.S. patent 3025589; "Effect of gold-doping on lifetimes in transistors" (pp. 7-11) – U.S. patent 3108914; “Use of selective control on electron and hole lifetimes in semiconductor devices” (pp. 12-15) – U.S. patent 3184347; “PNP planar transistors” (pp. 17-18); “On the application of the Merck growing technique to device structures;” “Observations on the impact and applications of epitaxial films” (pp. 23-24); “Logic using unipolar transistors” proposes a practical method of implementing the ideas of Walmark at RCA (pp. 26–28).

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102722910
converted_cover_pdf

This volume contains Noyce’s ideas for semiconductor devices and processes generated during his service as Research Director and subsequently Vice President and General Manager of the Fairchild Semiconductor Division of Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corporation. Key entries are: PNIN Switches - Thyratron design (p. 2); 100 Mcps oscillator design (p. 5); power oscillator - calculations and fringing issues (p. 8); indexing problem – etching (p. 18); parametric amplifier discussion with Watkins & Johnson (p. 19); problem of emitter capacitance – calculations (p. 21); possible HF transistors – negative resistance diodes (p. 34); transit time diode (p. 43); punch through diode – interconnected array of many devices on a single wafer (p. 46); parametric amplifier diode – structure and calculations (p. 49); high-efficiency photovoltaic cell (p. 57); semiconductor scanning device – led to U.S. patent 2959681 (p. 62); methods of isolating multiple devices – his first conception of the ideas that led to U.S. patent 2981877 (p.70); method of device isolation – using Pyrex glass (p.76) Constant current source applied to DVM (p. 78); adaptive machines – led to U.S. patent 3325787 (p. 80); three handwritten pages of calculations headed “Ionization Resistor – Gunn Effect?” are inserted into the rear of the book.

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102722911
converted_cover_pdf

This notebook contains an almost day-by-day account of the challenges and issues associated with developing the company’s early process technology and first mesa transistors. Some example entries include: “Noyce suggestion for a pnip structure” (p. 1); “Built a sputterer” (p.2); “First transistors mounted” (p. 9); “First PNP mounted” (p.10); “Return of ‘mistreated’ IBM transistors” (p. 33); “Tapping tests and presence of flecks of slivery metal, possibly Al and ‘translucent crud’” (pp. 39-44); “seeking source of metal with photos” (pp. 45-49); “Ability to alloy Al to Si” (p. 56); “Analog memory” (p. 56); “Resistors for Micrologic” (p. 62); “…life is not simple” (p. 66). This is one of 5 notebooks by Moore in the collection. The other 4 are designated LN#1, LN#2, LN#3, and LN#4. Note that volumes LN#1 and LN#2 are labeled in reverse chronological order; LN#2 covers an earlier period than LN#1. Also there is a gap of 2 years between LN#3 (ends 1963) and LN#4 (begins 1965).

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102722912
converted_cover_pdf

This volume contains notes made in preparation for and during routine meetings (staff, new product planning, R&D project status, etc) and meetings to discuss customer opportunities and specific production and research problems. Most meetings include an attendee list. Many internal memos and reports related to the topics under discussion are stapled or loosely inserted into the appropriate meeting pages. Some of the notable subjects covered in this volume include the challenges associated with developing epitaxial silicon films; project ROBE (Resistive Oxidative Backside Etched) mask-making technology; GaAs processes; thin films (particularly nichrome resistors), thin film memory; “evaporated” structure FETs (TFTs); and extensive discussions regarding selection of the next generation of ICs. He notes that “We have more business than we can handle. We can see more that we can build up to handle – at present yields.”

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102722998
converted_cover_pdf

This volume contains notes relating to R&D product reviews and miscellaneous meetings to discuss customer opportunities (Autonetics, NSA, etc.), Step & repeat ramera issues, and specific production and research problems. Most meetings include an attendee list. Many internal memos and reports related to the topics under discussion are stapled or loosely inserted into the appropriate meeting pages. A complete typed R&D project review “Table of Contents” listing is inserted into the front of the volume. Page 142 has a useful cross-reference guide to the Job Numbers assigned to each product area. Approximately 26 unique product categories are grouped under the following headings: “Transistors & Diodes” (12), “Peizo resistor” (1), “Misc. Devices” (10) – includes “Data Storage”, “Microwave”, “SCT”, “Tunnel Diode”, “Phototransistor”, “FET”, “Ferromagnetics” and “Microcircuitry” (3).

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102722999
converted_cover_pdf

This volume continues work on a consistent theme throughout Rice’s career of investigating redundancy and error correction schemes that enable the reliable use of defective components in production systems. Proposes a Remote and Local Electronic Power Control System (RLECPS). Includes a listing of attempts to interest Fairchild management in investing in a business to exploit RLECPS. Multiples pages and figures describe a Fairchild Central Memory system design.

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102723007
Rice patent notebook (#1378)

Describes the design and testing of a discrete transistor sense amplifier (p. 1) for use with a thin film memory; fabrication of wire memories (p.33); testing of P-MOS devices for use in a memory array (p. 65); design of MOS memory decoders (p. 74); memory element power considerations (p. 80); MOS counter designs (p.84); breadboard testing of a bipolar semiconductor memory cell (p. 121); and testing of SC (semiconductor) memory (p. 132).

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102723020
converted_cover_pdf

Describes the circuit and operation for “A new output stage for micropower operational amplifier.”

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102723940
converted_cover_pdf

As with earlier books, this volume contains notes made in preparation for and during routine meetings (staff, R&D project status, etc.) and meetings to discuss customer opportunities and specific production and research problems. Most meetings include an attendee list. Many internal memos and reports related to the topics under discussion are stapled or loosely inserted into the appropriate meeting pages. Key topics covered include epitaxial process status, project ROBE (Resistive Oxidative Backside Etched), mask making technology, and thin film resistors. Pages 138-139 records the first discussions of work by Deal, Grove, and Sah on the silicon to silicon dioxide interface “channel phenomena” that dominated the MOS business in later years. He notes frustration with the lack of direction concerning future IC products – “As far as I can see this whole area of digital integrated circuitry is badly up in the air.” This is one of 5 notebooks by Moore in the collection. The other 4 books by Moore are designated 6, LN#1, LN#2, and LN#4. Note that volumes LN#1 and LN#2 are labeled in reverse chronological order; LN#2 covers an earlier period than LN#1. Also there is gap of 2 years between LN#3 (ends 1963) and LN#4 (begins 1965).

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102723965
converted_cover_pdf

This book is in the same format as earlier volumes, comprising notes made in preparation for and during routine meetings and meetings to discuss customer opportunities and specific production and research problems. Most meetings include an attendee list. Many internal memos and reports related to the topics under discussion are stapled or loosely inserted into the appropriate meeting pages. Compared to prior volumes the tone of these entries show frustration with ongoing technical and organizational problems between R&D and the Mountain View production groups, MOS technology issues, the structuring of groups to serve the nascent memory business, lack of direction in linear ICs and disappointing progress in developing a profitable microwave product business. Page 1 year says 1967. It should be 1965. This is one of 5 notebooks by Moore in the collection. The other 4 are designated 6, LN#1, LN#2, and LN#3. Note that volumes LN#1 and LN#2 are labeled in reverse chronological order; LN#2 covers an earlier period than LN#1. Also there is gap of 2 years between LN#3 (ends 1963) and LN#4 (begins 1965).

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102723966
converted_cover_pdf

This volume contains brief notes on process variations performed on photodiode array wafers to develop a high voltage (600v) breakdown device with low leakage characteristics (pp. 6); attempt to fabricate an annular ring light source on the walls of a conical hole in the silicon (p. 7); and experiment to measure efficiency of FLP-1 light pulser (p.10). This is one of 2 books issued to the author. The other book is Wheeler (Lab).

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102723978
converted_cover_pdf

This volume contains notes on an experiment to calibrate Dumont and RCA photomultiplier tubes. This is one of 2 books issued to the author. The other book is Wheeler 168.

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102723979
converted_cover_pdf

Includes several pages of hand-written calculations.

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102725734
converted_cover_pdf

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102725735
converted_cover_pdf

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102725873
converted_cover_pdf

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102725874
converted_cover_pdf

Multiple items in folder including: Power Transformer Department: Core Steel Slitting Problem Analysis - July 1, 1955 General Proceedings of Power Transformer Lamination Steel Slitting Problem - June 20, 1955 Steel Slitting Problem - June 14, 1955 Grid: Table of 30" Combinations Grid: Reel Combination Selection Table Memo to E.C. Throndsen: Transformer Slitting Problem - June 2, 1955 Memo with outline from E.C. Throndsen re: Power Transformer Department/Problem of Slitting Lamination Steel - January, 1955

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102726494
converted_cover_pdf

Folder includes multiple items: Model of Industrial System - February, 1958 Technical Report : Flow Characteristics of a Manufacturing Shop Report : An Experimental Multi-Stage Assembly Simulator - June, 1958

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102726505
converted_cover_pdf

Includes correspondence from Department of the Navy, Ford Motor Company's Aeronutronic Division, Hunt Foods and Industries, Inc. Also includes internal communication to C.W. Bryant of General Electric's Materials Service from Burt Grad.

Type
Document
Catalogue number
102726518
converted_cover_pdf