In pursuit of the one-month chip: The objective is to describe the functions required of an as yet nonexistent integrated circuit, then have it delivered in 31 days or less

Dramatic progress electronic engineering seems to run roughly in 12-year cycles. The transistor was invented in 1947, the integrated circuit in 1959, and the microprocessor in 1971. The next big development? Many engineers are heralding the so-called one-month chip - the design, fabrication, and testing of an IC not in the usual months or years, but in 31 days.