A day in the life at the University of Pretoria. 30 August 1974

30 August 1974:  UP engineering experts produce SA’s first MOS transistor.  On this "Day in the life of the University of Pretoria" the student newspaper, Die Perdeby (featured below), highlighted the accomplishments of the lecturers and students at the Carl and Emily Fuchs Institute of Microelectronics and the Department of Physics. 

Die Perdeby, 30 August 1974 © University of Pretoria Archives

This Metal Oxide Semiconductor transistor was designed by Mr P. Rademeyer, a senior lecturer at the Department of Microelectronics, and postgraduate students at the Faculty. The design of these transistors was one of the most sophisticated of its time. MOS technology is the key to the integration density required by modern digital devices. They are also faster than their bipolar predecessors, allowing for much higher switching speeds.

Carl and Emily Fuchs Institute © University of Pretoria Archives

The UPA preserves the history of the University of Pretoria. We have a complete print collection of Die Perdeby and an extensive photo collection. Please contact us  on [email protected] to share your memories of Tukkies or access our collection virtually.