In 1993, Intel released the powerful Pentium processor, a chip designed to distinguish the “power-hungry folks from ordinary mortals.” The Pentium line continued with models like the Pentium Pro and the Pentium II, becoming synonymous with PCs and even making its way into pop culture. The original Pentium chip, with 3.3 million transistors visible under a microscope, showcased interesting circuits like BiCMOS technology and standard-cell design. This article offers a detailed look at the Pentium’s architecture, highlighting the transition from manual transistor layout to automated standard-cell design, which remains crucial in modern processors. Intel’s innovative automated place and route techniques revolutionized chip design, paving the way for faster, more error-free layouts.
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