What was the significance of the MOS 6502 processor?

It revolutionized the microprocessor market with its simplicity and affordability.

How did Chuck Peddle contribute to the development of microprocessors?

He envisioned and created the LowSpec MOS 6502 processor.

By offering their microprocessors at a secondary booth.

Struggling after the calculator industry shift.

Marked the beginning of the home computer era.

Chuck Peddle's innovative vision for a decentralized computing model led to the creation of the affordable and successful MOS 6502 microprocessor, challenging established competitors like Motorola and Intel.
The strategic moves by MOS Technology, including a marketing plan at Wescon 1975 and a partnership with Atari for their console, ultimately led to the acquisition by Commodore and the release of the Commodore PET, marking the start of the home computer era driven by the MOS 6502 processor.

What was the significance of the MOS 6502 processor?
It revolutionized the microprocessor market with its simplicity and affordability.
How did Chuck Peddle contribute to the development of microprocessors?
He envisioned and created the LowSpec MOS 6502 processor.
How did MOS Technology market their microprocessors at Wescon 1975?
By offering their microprocessors at a secondary booth.
What led to the acquisition of MOS Technology by Commodore?
Struggling after the calculator industry shift.
How did the release of the Commodore PET and Apple II impact the home computer era?
Marked the beginning of the home computer era.

00:00

In 1975, a revolutionary electronic show in San Francisco caused chaos due to a new, affordable processor promising a technological shift.
Chuck, an engineer at General Electric in 1960, was drawn into electronics through missile and space vehicle design.
Chuck envisioned a decentralized computing model, leading him to pursue creating a microprocessor for his own company.
Motorola and Intel were also racing to develop microprocessors, with Motorola's 6800 and Intel's 4004 being key contenders.
Chuck joined Motorola to work on the 6800 but realized its high cost and complexity hindered its marketability.
Chuck identified the need for a simpler, more affordable microprocessor, leading to the creation of the LowSpec MOS 6502.
MOS Technology, struggling after the calculator industry shift, embraced Chuck's team and their $25 processor project.
The MOS 6502, designed based on essential instructions and constraints, was a success and aimed to compete with Motorola's 6800.
MOS employed a strategic marketing plan at Wescon 1975, attracting attention by offering their microprocessors at a secondary booth.
Atari, impressed by MOS's affordable microprocessor, chose it for their new console project, leading to Motorola suing MOS for patent infringement.

14:23

Chuck Peddle instructed his team to discard all materials from Motorola, but one engineer kept drawings related to the 6800 chip, leading to legal trouble.
Despite facing legal fees and damages, MOS managed to keep producing the 6502 microprocessor due to a strategic move against Motorola.
Commodore, led by Jack Tramiel, acquired MOS for a low price, enabling them to manufacture their own calculator chips and compete in the market.
Chuck Peddle envisioned a personal computer using the 6502 chip, but had to leave MOS after the acquisition by Commodore.
Chuck proposed the idea of a home computer to Jack Tramiel, who initially favored calculators, leading to a disagreement.
The deal with Apple to use the Apple II for a secret project fell through, prompting the search for an alternative device for RadioShack.
RadioShack sought a partnership with Commodore for a mass-produced computer, but the deal fell apart due to disagreements over calculator orders.
Despite setbacks, Commodore leaked information about the computer project, generating high demand and allowing the project to move forward.
The release of the Commodore PET and Apple II at the West Coast Computer Faire marked the beginning of the home computer era, powered by the MOS 6502 processor.