Robert H. Dennard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert H. Dennard
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | September 5, 1932 Terrell, Texas, U.S.
|
| Died | April 23, 2024 (aged 91) Croton on Hudson, New York, U.S.
|
| Known for | Inventing DRAM, Dennard scaling |
| Awards | Harvey Prize (1990) IEEE Edison Medal (2001) IEEE Medal of Honor (2009) Kyoto Prize (2013) Robert N. Noyce Award (2019) |
| Scientific career | |
| Thesis | Behavior of the ferroresonant series circuit containing a square-loop reactor (1958) |
| Doctoral advisor | Leo A. Finzi |
Robert Heath Dennard was an American electrical engineer and inventor. He was born on September 5, 1932, and passed away on April 23, 2024. He is most famous for inventing a key part of computer memory called dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). He also helped create the idea of Dennard scaling, which explains how computer chips can keep getting smaller and more powerful.
Contents
Robert Dennard's Early Life and Career
Robert Dennard was born in Terrell, Texas, in the United States. He studied Electrical Engineering at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He earned his first two degrees there in 1954 and 1956.
Later, he received his Ph.D. from Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1958. After finishing his education, he began his professional career. He worked as a researcher for a major technology company called International Business Machines (IBM).
How Robert Dennard Changed Computers
Inventing DRAM: Computer Memory
In 1966, Robert Dennard made a huge invention. He created a special memory cell using just one transistor and one capacitor. Think of it like a tiny switch (transistor) and a tiny battery (capacitor) working together.
This simple design was very important. A patent for his invention was given in 1968. This single-transistor cell became the basic building block for all dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) used today. DRAM is the main type of memory in computers, allowing them to quickly access information.
Understanding Chip Scaling: Dennard Scaling
Dennard also helped us understand how computer chips could keep getting smaller. In 1974, he and his team developed a theory called Dennard scaling. This theory explained that MOSFETs (a type of transistor) could keep shrinking.
As these tiny parts got smaller, they would still work well. In fact, they would become even better! They would use less power, work faster, and allow more parts to fit on a chip. This idea helped make Moore's Law possible. Moore's Law says that the number of transistors on a chip doubles about every two years.
Dennard's work showed how to make computer chips more powerful and smaller over many years. This is why our phones and computers are so small and fast today.
Recognition for His Work
In 1984, Robert Dennard was chosen to be a member of the National Academy of Engineering. This honor recognized his important work with FET technology. It specifically highlighted his invention of the one-transistor dynamic RAM and his contributions to scaling theory.
Robert Dennard passed away on April 23, 2024, at the age of 91. His inventions and theories continue to be very important in the world of technology.
Awards and Honors
Robert Dennard received many awards for his amazing contributions to technology. Some of his notable honors include:
- Robert N. Noyce Award (2019)
- Kyoto Prize (2013)
- Carnegie Mellon University Honorary Doctor of Science and Technology (2010)
- IEEE Medal of Honor (2009)
- IEEE Edison Medal (2001)
- Benjamin Franklin Medal in Electrical Engineering from The Franklin Institute (2007)
- U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Charles Stark Draper Prize (2009)
- Elected member of the American Philosophical Society (1997)
- Southern Methodist University Honorary Doctor of Science (1997)
- Harvey Prize from Technion Institute in Haifa / Israel (1990)
- Industrial Research Institute (IRI) Achievement Award (1989)
- U.S. National Medal of Technology (1988)
- National Academy of Engineering Member (1984)
- IEEE Cledo Brunetti Award (1982)
- Appointed IBM Fellow (1979)
See also
In Spanish: Robert H. Dennard para niños
- Dennard scaling
