Motorola Monolithic IC Amplifiers
September 19, 1966 Electronics Magazine

September 19, 1966 Electronics [Table of Contents] Wax nostalgic about and learn from the history of early electronics. See articles from Electronics, published 1930 - 1988. All copyrights hereby acknowledged.

Integrated circuits were just entering the mainstream of electronics in 1966 when this two-page Motorola spread appeared to promote some new monolithic IC amplifier products. Monolithic means everything is contained on a single substrate (silicon die), as opposed to a hybrid circuit with an IC die and one or more discrete components contained inside a can. You'd have to be an old guy (like me) to realize that High-Speed Core Memory Sense Amplifier refers to one of four wires (x-axis, y-axis, sense, inhibit) that were threaded through magnetic core (toroid) memories in use before monolithic memory was available. As reported in this same issue, computer-aided design (CAD) played a huge part in enabling the efficient and profitable manufacturing of integrated circuits. The public - consumer, commercial, and military/aerospace - was in the process of adopting this amazing new technology... with a bit of dubiousness.

Motorola Monolithic IC Amplifiers

Motorola Announces Three New State-of-the-Art Monolithic Integrated Amplifiers

High-Speed Core Memory Sense Amplifier

TYPE MC1540

... with adjustable threshold voltage!

Typical performance:

• Fast recovery time — tr = 40 ns compatible with 0.5 microsecond cycle time memories

• Saturated logic output signal • Narrow uncertainty region — 6 mV

• High sensitivity — h = 17 mV (adjustable)

... for all applications requiring core memory signal sensing — such as, industrial control systems, data processors, and airborne computer systems.

Guaranteed Low-Noise FET for VHF Amplifiers and Mixers

Now, RF receivers, including high-quality FM sets, can be virtually free from spurious responses, if you specify Motorola's new 2N3823 state-of-the-art JFET. An extremely low 100-MHz noise figure of 2.5 dB (max) is complemented by low cross-modulation and intermodulation distortion.

General Purpose JFETs Offer Low-Noise & Low-Cost for Industrial & Consumer Uses

Tone Control for High-fidelity Audio Amplifiers

Ease of converting audio preamplifiers to FET designs with Motorola types 2N4220A-22A has excited the imaginations of engineers. The high input-resistance allows for "vacuum-tube" design principles in selection of tone control elements — permitting use of small, low-cost capacitors. The low guaranteed noise figure of 2.5 dB ( max) at 100 cycles/sec. provides a definite advantage over bipolar transistors. For additional savings, the cost is only $2.90 (100-up), even lower in larger production quantities.

N-Channel IGFET Offers High Gain for General Purpose Applications

Motorola's new MFE3001 IGFET operates in both the enhancement and depletion modes, for a broad range of applications in industrial, military, and consumer equipment. And, the 100-up price of $3.90 makes it practical for most applications. Typical uses are audio amplifiers, switches and controls. A low drain current results from its small geometry, and the n-Channel construction provides high gain indicated by the 'y specification of 1,800 mhos (typ).