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Microelectronics

Intel 4004: distinguishing the package from the silicon

The adopted reference is about 2 cm.

package body length ≈ 20 mm

2 cm = 0.02 m. A centimeter is one hundredth of a meter.

1971Commercial launch of the 4004

The small piece of silicon is protected by a much larger package.

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Intel 4004 · DIP package, interpreted illustration
Interpreted illustration · dimension stated in the fact sheet.

What does this number measure?

A 16-pin ceramic DIP package in this family is around 2 cm long. The reference is rounded: package variants and tolerances change the exact dimension. The illustrated pins extend from the sides; the body length is the compared axis. Inside, the silicon die measures only a few millimetres.

Compare the stated dimensions

The comparison uses the number in each fact sheet: altitude, height, diameter, length or distance, depending on the reference. Two values in metres do not necessarily describe the same property.

Compare with IRFZ44N · TO-220 power MOSFET in the explorer →

Source and limitations

Documentary source linked; access was blocked by the proxy during this session. Approximate value not checked again online. This reference is an order of magnitude for a package, not a certified dimension of the illustrated component.

DIP16 package body length: rounded order of magnitude, with simplified lateral leads and geometry.

Commercial launch of the 4004: 1971. Proposed historical date; an existing documentary source is linked but was not consulted for this date in this session. Do not interpret this reference as the manufacturing date of the illustrated specimen. Date of the 4004 processor; the generic DIP16 package was not invented that year.