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1. Ken Shirriff (kenshirriff@oldbytes.space)'s status on Wednesday, 11-Jan-2023 05:51:34 JST Ken Shirriff

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   The 8086 processor's silicon die is a tiny square. Under the microscope, the metal wiring on top is visible. Around the edges, bond wires connect the die to the chip's 40 external pins. Dissolving the metal layer with acid shows the silicon transistors underneath in this photo.

   • Ken Shirriff (kenshirriff@oldbytes.space)'s status on Wednesday, 11-Jan-2023 05:51:36 JST Ken Shirriff

     The Intel 8086 microprocessor (1978) revolutionized the computer industry and led to the popular x86 architecture. It uses microcode, breaking machine instructions down into simpler micro-instructions. By studying the chip under a microscope, I can explain it. 🧵

     Adrian Cochrane repeated this.