Microchips are small semiconductors used to transmit information and are found in many electronic devices. The first microchip was invented in 1958 by Robert Noyce and Jack Kil and has since evolved to contain millions of transistors. They have been credited with saving lives, such as in pacemakers, and can also be inserted into pets and humans for identification and medical purposes. In the future, microchips may be used for daily activities like starting cars or unlocking doors.
A microchip is a small semiconductor used to transmit information via specific electrical characteristics. In some cases, the term may be used interchangeably with integrated circuit. The microchip is at the heart of many electronic devices, including computers, cell phones and even microwave ovens.
The first microchip is jointly credited to Robert Noyce and Jack Kil in 1958. Although both worked for different companies and came to the invention from slightly different angles, the two companies decided that they both had part of the overall answer and decided to license their inventions to find a unique piece of technology. After being demonstrated in 1958, it was first commercialized in 1961.
The technology was basic by modern standards. The first chip contained a transistor, three resistors and a capacitor; modern ones commonly contain millions of transistors in a space smaller than a US cent. The rise of ever smaller semiconductor chips has led to numerous other benefits. Besides being used in electronic gadgets, they can also be inserted into biological organisms.
The microchip has even been credited as an invention used to save lives. Pacemakers use them to keep their timing so they can manage hearts efficiently. Mechanical hearts themselves use pacemakers to fully take over the function of a biological heart.
As the cost of biologically centric microchip applications has decreased, the number of uses has increased. For example, many pet owners now have them inserted into their pets; If the pet is lost and taken to an animal shelter or veterinary clinic, one of the first things operators usually do is scan the pet to see if it has a microchip. The chip will reveal the owner’s name and contact information.
Similarly, some people have had microchips inserted. If they are ever incapacitated and have to be taken to the hospital, they are already carrying their full medical history within their body. These can be easily scanned and the information downloaded to enable medical professionals to make the most appropriate decisions possible. In the future, people are expected to be implanted with these devices that will take care of many of their daily activities. Cars can start when the owner approaches, or the doors of houses can only unlock for those who have the chips programmed with the key.
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