Nostr notes by Ken Shirriff

In 1983, Philips produced the first FM radio receiver on a chip, ...

2025-08-02T15:44:12Z

In 1983, Philips produced the first FM radio receiver on a chip, leading to products such as the FM radio wristwatch. Let's look at the tiny silicon die inside this chip and see how it works. 1/N

We obtained a mysterious box of 1960s electronics. I ...

2025-07-21T16:37:44Z

We obtained a mysterious box of 1960s electronics. I reverse-engineered it and with much effort, we got it running. It turns out to be a test unit for testing NASA's Up-Data Link, a system from the Apollo moon landing to control the spacecraft from the ground. Let's take a look inside... 1/n

Intel launched the Pentium processor in 1993. Unfortunately, ...

2024-12-06T16:48:26Z

Intel launched the Pentium processor in 1993. Unfortunately, dividing sometimes gave a slightly wrong answer, the famous FDIV bug. Replacing the faulty chips cost Intel $475 million. I reverse-engineered the circuitry and can explain the bug. 1/9

I recently saw an amazing Navajo rug at the National Gallery of ...

2024-09-01T16:14:25Z

I recently saw an amazing Navajo rug at the National Gallery of Art. It looks abstract at first, but it is a detailed representation of the Intel Pentium processor. Called "Replica of a Chip", it was created in 1994 by Marilou Schultz, a Navajo/Diné weaver and math teacher. Intel commissioned the weaving as a gift to the American Indian Science & Engineering Society. 1/6