Personal computer pioneer Chuck Peddle to speak at ‘Disruptive Innovation’
University of Maine alumnus and “father of the personal computer” Chuck Peddle will deliver the keynote at “Disruptive Innovation,” a moderated panel discussion April 5 on campus.
Peddle, a Bangor native who earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics from UMaine in 1959, is best known for his creation of the concept of distributed intelligence and the 6502 microprocessor. His work on the first affordable mass-produced chip enabled companies such as Commodore and Apple to release personal computers to the public.
Joining Peddle in a discussion of how technology will advance our future will be UMaine alumni Chris Joyce, MaineFab manager at Texas Instruments, Inc. in South Portland, and Bruce Fournier, retired vice president at TriQuint Semiconductor in Hillsboro, Oregon. Alumnus Steve Swan, site quality engineering manager at Texas Instruments, will moderate the panel discussion.
The free public event begins at 2 p.m. in Hill Auditorium of the Engineering Science Research Building. Attendees may request a Professional Development Hours certificate. Space is limited. To attend, RSVP online.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Christopher Karlen, 581.2204.
Peddle also will be presented two awards while visiting his alma mater: the Edward T. Bryand Distinguished Engineering Award from the College of Engineering, and an Alumni Career Award from the University of Maine Alumni Association.
“Chuck’s work has had far-reaching implications in the computing world,” says Dana Humphrey, dean of the UMaine College of Engineering. “More people should know about what he has done for the industry and the modern world of computing technology. Every time we use our phone, tablet or laptop, we owe a large debt to the work Chuck has done over the years. It is an honor to bestow such a visionary with these awards.”
Peddle began his career at General Electric where he developed the concept of distributed intelligence. In 1973, he joined Motorola to assist with the development of the 6800 microprocessor. Seeing the potential for a cheaper microprocessor, Peddle left to form MOS Technology, where he designed the seminal 6502 microprocessor.
Through measures such as simple onboard features, standardized die sizes and an industry-leading 70 percent manufacturing success rate, Peddle was able to release the chip for $25. The low cost of the chip led to the development of the world’s first personal computer, the Commodore PET. Other companies including Apple, Atari and Nintendo also used the chip in groundbreaking products.