The invention of semiconductors and from them integrated circuits (IC's - chip's) has revolutionised the way we the human race exists. This section of our shop is dedicated to the growing interest in collecting nice examples of early, interesting and genuinely rare pieces.
People have been collecting these technological marvels for years already, only lately has it become truly evident that it is a real investment opportunity that offers great growth potential; doubtless in 10 - 15 years time as these collectable parts become more and more sought after, prices will have increased 10 fold.
Examples by the technology manufacturing pioneers of our time will be the treasure of the future.
Manufactured by AMI in the USA this is a beautiful and rare example of an early PGA package, AMI 7405KDT.
New and unused, white ceramic 51 pin PGA package, with the die of the processor housed beneath a purple ceramic disc. The pins of the device are 'thru hole' and the thick gold track connections from the processor die to pins make this item almost a work of art.
We have never seen one quite like this before, and wouldn't expect to again. The crude method of manufacture really shows the start of Pin Grid Array (PGA) technology, from which todays most advanced processors have evolved.
A kind and knowledgeable ebayer sent us this information relevant to this chip:
"This format of IC's were used in the Burroughs [now Unisys] minicomputers in the early 1970's. The 74xx is probably the datecode.
The B80 (original) used 9 of these devices on the processor board, but this was reduced to 3 chips in later production (the B90 series)
The three corner pins were power pins - +5v, 0v and either -5v or -12v for RS232 interfacing.
Built in Cumbernauld, Nr Glasgow, Scotland. I know, I was there"....
The device measures 35mm square (thats 1 5/8ths in inches).
Definatly one for the connoiseur of technology collectors !
