Microchip pioneer, Nobel laureate Jack Kilby dies

Nobel laureate Jack Kilby known as the “father of the microchip” died on Monday in Dallas after a brief battle with cancer, his former employee Texas Instruments announced. He was 81.

Kilby, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000, was lauded for his invention of the integrated circuit, which ushered in the electronics age. The owner of 60 patents, he was also involved in the development of the pocket calculator.

Shortly after arriving at Texas Instruments in 1958 Kilby presented the first microchip, as small as a staple. Microchips are used today in everyday appliances from washing machines to high performance computers.

During his 25 years with Texas Instruments Kilby developed applications of chips for military and industry. From 1978 to 1984 he was the American Professor at Texas A&M University.

In his last years inventor Kilby worked on developments to improving solar power production.