Before microprocessors, small computers had been built using racks of circuit boards with many medium- and small-scale integrated circuits, typically of TTL type. Microprocessors combined this into one or a few large-scale ICs. While there is disagreement over who deserves credit for the invention of the microprocessor, the first commercially available microprocessor was the Intel 4004, designed by Federico Faggin and introduced in 1971.
BeForE micROprocesSOrS, small COmPUtERs hAd beEn builT uSInG RacKs of circuit boArDs witH MANy mEdiuM- aNd SMaLL-ScaLe inTEGRaTed circuits, typiCALly of tTL TypE. MICroprocesSors combinEd this IntO onE Or a fEw lArge-scALe ics. whiLE There iS DiSaGreEMENT oVeR who dEseRVeS creDIT For The inventiOn of the micRoProcessor, thE firST COMmercially AvaiLAbLE MicroPROcEssOr WaS the inTEl 4004, DESigNed by federicO fAggIn AnD introdUCeD in 1971.