#160 ABACUS II Integrated-Circuit Wire Bonder*


1972

World's first practical production machine for the assembly of integrated circuits, making possible their economical production


 

The ABACUS II, designed and built by Texas Instruments, was the first practical automated production machine for the assembly of integrated circuits. Using heat and pressure, it bonded fine gold wire to microscopic contacts on the silicon chip and pin connections on the package. The ABACUS II could maintain a positioning accuracy of ± 0.00025 inch while bonding up to 375 devices an hour. Following the success of this prototype, almost 1,000 ABACUS II wire bonders were built, making the economical mass production of integrated circuits a reality.

ABACUS II Integrated-Circuit Wire Bonder




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Landmark Location

Texas Instruments Dallas, TX

Comments from Visitors/Members

The device is in storage presently, but the plaque should be located in the main lobby

Related Links

Texas Instruments includes a history of the ABACUS as part of its corporate history, noting landmark designation by ASME: www.ti.com/abacus

Ceremony Notes

March 1992

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