Silicon Valley

Season 25 Episode 3 | 1h 23m 11s

Led by physicist Robert Noyce, Fairchild Semiconductor began as a start-up company whose radical innovations would help make the United States a leader in both space exploration and the personal computer revolution, changing the way the world works, plays, and communicates. Noyce's invention of the microchip ultimately re-shaped the future, launching the world into the Information Age.

Aired: 02/05/13

Expired: 12/15/15

Rating: NR

Video has closed captioning.

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Robert Noyce Goes to Silicon Valley
Robert Noyce sees the technical reports on the transistor and knew it was the future.
The Wild West in Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley scientists met at The Wagon Wheel for drinks, networking, and camaraderie.
Silicon Valley and the Digital Revolution
The digital revolution officially began in 1971 with the invention of the microprocessor.
What Does Silicon Valley Mean to You?

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Closed Captioning

For Season 25 of American Experience, exclusive corporate funding is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance, major funding by The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS stations.

Extras From This Episode

Silicon Valley Preview

Preview: S25 Ep3 | 30s

Silicon Valley Chapter 1

Clip: S25 Ep3 | 16m 45s

Silicon Valley in the 60s

Clip: S25 Ep3 | 3m 15s

Robert Noyce Goes to Silicon Valley

Clip: S25 Ep3 | 3m 3s

Silicon Valley and the Digital Revolution

Clip: S25 Ep3 | 1m 23s

The Wild West in Silicon Valley

Clip: S25 Ep3 | 2m 57s

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Retro Report

American Experience partners with Retro Report—a news organization dedicated to examining stories after their headlines fade. Together, we co-produce short, digital-first films that help explain how stories from our past continue to resonate in our world today.