Chuck Peddle
Charles Ingerham Peddle | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Bangor, Maine, U.S. |
| Died | December 15, 2019 (aged 82) |
| Occupation | Electrical engineer |
| Known for | Principal architect of the MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor, single-board computer, and Commodore PET personal computer |
Charles Ingerham Peddle (November 25, 1937 – December 15, 2019) was a prominent American electrical engineer renowned for his role as the principal architect behind the MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor, the single-board computer, and the Commodore PET personal computer—all of which utilized the 6502 microprocessor design.
Biography
Originating from Bangor, Maine, Peddle gained early experience working at a radio station during his high school years. In 1955, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and subsequently obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering physics from the University of Maine. His professional journey began at General Electric, where he contributed to time-sharing system projects.
In 1973, Peddle joined Motorola with the objective of developing the 6800 microprocessor. Recognizing the market's need for an affordable microprocessor, he championed the creation of a cost-effective alternative to Motorola’s $300 chip; however, his proposals encountered opposition within the company. After departing Motorola, he took a leadership position at MOS Technology, spearheading the design of the 650x series processors—a $25 alternative to the 6800. The most notable product, the 6502, launched in 1975 at roughly one-fifth the price of an Intel 8080, became foundational to numerous commercial devices such as the Apple II, Commodore PET, VIC-20, Atari 8-bit computers, and BBC Micro. Derivatives of the 6502 architecture were embedded in systems including the Atari 2600, Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Entertainment System.
In 1980, together with Commodore financier Chris Fish, Peddle left MOS Technology to establish Sirius Systems Technology, where he was responsible for designing the Victor 9000 personal computer.
Legacy
Together with co-designer Bill Mensch, Peddle is celebrated as a pioneer in personal computing. Their development of the 6502 processor and its innovative commercial strategy significantly contributed to igniting the personal computer era. Following Peddle’s death, Mensch paid tribute to his impactful legacy.
See also
Bibliography
External links
- The Legendary Chuck Peddle, Inventor of the Personal Computer
- Video: Interview with Chuck Peddle for Scene World Magazine (2014)
- Video: An Interview with Chuck Peddle (The Amp Hour #241)
- Video: Oral History of Chuck Peddle (Interviewed by Doug Fairbairn and Stephen Diamond on 2014-06-12 in Mountain View, CA)
- Video: VCF East 4.0: History of Commodore, Pt 1: Chuck Peddle (2007)