Nothing is more fundamental to the creation of a globally networked society than semiconductors.
As the world becomes more connected and enabling technology becomes more complex, form factors scale downward and silicon-based technologies are adapted for production of increasingly advanced devices and products. Texas Instruments worldwide leadership in silicon technology was established more than 40 years ago with introduction of the first commercial silicon transistor. Kilby's invention utterly changed the world and continues to be hailed as one of the most significant developments of the 20th Century. Today integrated circuits remain a core technology that propels a significant part of TI's businesses. Hailed as one of the most significant achievements in the history of humankind, Jack Kilby's invention of the first integrated circuit began out of his frustration with the complexity of connecting thousands of discrete components in the manufacture of a single electronics product.