SAN JOSE, Calif., June 21, 2005 -- "The semiconductor industry has lost a true giant with the passing of Jack Kilby, co-inventor of the integrated circuit," said SIA President George Scalise. Kilby died June 20, 2005 at 81 after a brief battle with cancer.

"Jack's invention of the integrated circuit in 1958 was a great example of 'thinking outside the box.' Faced with an assignment from the U.S. Army Signal Corps to design a 'micro-module' with components of similar size and shape, Jack recognized that the complexity of the latest electronic devices meant this solution wouldn't work. His creation of the first working integrated circuit was a totally different approach that solved this problem. Jack Kilby's genius helped launch one of the world's most important industries. We will miss him greatly, and we extend our sympathies to the Kilby family," Scalise concluded.

Among Jack Kilby's numerous awards and honors was the 1995 Robert N. Noyce Award, the SIA's highest honor, presented annually to individuals for outstanding achievement and leadership. Kilby received the Nobel Prize in 2000.

About the SIA

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) is the leading voice for the semiconductor industry and has represented U.S. semiconductor companies since 1977. Collectively, the chip industry employs a domestic workforce of 225,000 people. More information about the SIA can be found at www.sia-online.org.