Joseph Weisbecker

Joseph A. Weisbecker (Sept. 4, 1932 - Nov. 15, 1990) was an early microprocessor and microcomputer researcher, as well as a gifted writer and designer of toys and games. He was a recipient of the David Sarnoff award for outstanding technical achievement, recipient of IEEE Computer magazine's "Best Paper" award, as well as several RCA lab awards for his work.

His designs include the RCA 1800 and 1802 processors, the 1861 PIXIE graphics chip, the RCA Microtutor, the COSMAC ELF, RCA Studio II, and COSMAC VIP computers. His daughter Joyce Weisbecker took to programming his prototypes, becoming the first female video game designer in the process.

Professionally, Weisbecker began working with digital logic and computer systems in 1951. It was also his hobby, however, and his even his early work is marked by designs that are intended for educational or hobbyist use. These include a hobby tic-tac-toe computer built from relays in 1951, grade school educational aids built using lights and switches in 1955, and an inexpensive game to teach basic computer concepts in 1964. As a staff engineer at RCA, he performed advanced development research on LSI circuits as well as development of new product lines based on those circuits and other RCA products.

In 1970 and 1971, Weisbecker developed a new 8 bit architecture computer system. This work preceded the release of the 4004 by competitor Intel. Subsequent to the success of the 4004, RCA released Weisbecker's work as the COSMAC 1801R and 1801U using its CMOS process in 1975. In 1976 the two 1801 ICs were integrated into a single chip, the 1802.

In the time between 1971 and the production release of the 1800 series processor, Weisbecker developed a range of inexpensive application circuits for use with the 1800s, including light guns, card readers, and cassette interfaces. Several of these circuits were used in a demonstration model microprocessor-based electronic game system which anticipated home video games. The commercial promise of this system gave RCA the motivation they required to produce the 1800 series processors.

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