Inventor Jack Kilby His Drive Helped Spur The Information Age.(A)

Byline: MR. CHIPS: Jack Kilby holds microchips. His invention of the integrated circuit began the digital revolution. Today's chips integrate millions of transistors into a single chip.

By Mike Angell

Investor's Business Daily

Even when you think you've simplified as much as possible, there's probably still a better way, says Jack Kilby.

In the 1950s, it took a large number of components to make any type of electrical equipment. The invention of the small transistor was supposed to have ended that problem. The idea of snap-on components for circuit boards was supposed to have eased assembly of electrical equipment.

But Kilby wasn't satisfied. He experimented with different materials, searching for a way to shrink the number of components needed. He pushed himself to read everything available on technology. He concentrated intently onhis goal.

His months of research paid off. Kilby invented the integrated circuit, or the microchip. His invention spurred the Information Age and revolutionized theelectronics industry.