Advent of Computing Episode 21 - 8008: Intel's Second Shot
Jan 13, 2020
Explore the fascinating journey of Intel's 8008 microprocessor, the foundation of the x86 family. Discover how a groundbreaking terminal from 1969 inspired its creation and the challenges faced during its development. Learn about Intel's early business struggles and how they seized the opportunity with CTC’s ambitious project. The 8008's technical advantages helped fuel the early personal computer revolution, powering innovative machines that blurred the lines between terminals and PCs.
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x86 Roots Reach Back To 1969
- The x86 lineage traces back to a 1969 terminal design used by CTC.
- Intel's 8008 adopted CTC's instruction set roots, linking modern PCs to that terminal era.
CTC's Glass Teletype Surprise
- Computer Terminal Corporation (CTC) built the Datapoint 3300 as a 'glass teletype' in 1969.
- It replaced paper output with a CRT and hinted at early personal-computer ideas.
Datapoint 2200 Was A Mini Computer
- The Datapoint 2200 was designed as a programmable terminal with its own software and storage.
- CTC built it from discrete chips, using about 100 ICs to implement its processor logic.