Motorola is one of the first to use the epitaxial method to mass produce semiconductors. As the company develops various low cost techniques to make the silicon rectifiers used in automobile alternators, the alternator becomes an economical replacement for the less durable auto generator. The Automotive Products Division begins producing alternators, inaugurating the company's role as a supplier of "under the hood" electronics.
On its flight to Venus, Mariner II carries a Motorola transponder which provides a radio link spanning 54 million miles. Images of Mars are relayed back to Earth by similar equipment aboard Mariner IV in 1964. Motorola also supplies transponders for the Gemini manned-space program.
Motorola introduces the fully transistorized "Handie-Talkie" HT-200 FM portable two-way radio Weighing 33 ounces, the unit is nicknamed the "brick" because of its shape and durable construction.
In a joint venture with National Video, Motorola develops the first rectangular picture tube for color television. The tube quickly becomes the standard for the industry.
Robert W. Galvin is elected chairman of the board of Motorola, Inc. Elmer Waverling is named president of the company.
In a joint program with Ford and RCA, Motorola designs and manufactures the first 8-track tape players for the automotive market. They become the Automotive Product Divisions's second major product line, second only to auto radios. Several domestic and foreign auto manufacturers soon become customers for tape players.
Containing 22 transistors, the transistorized "Pageboy" radio pager is supplied to the Bell System under the name of "Bellboy". Motorola also provides the Bell System with subscriber and system equipment for the growing number of areas that offer mobile radio telephone service.
As the cost of semiconductors continues to decline, their application in consumer electronic products increases and creates a major market. Motorola responds with a full line of low cost plastic encapsulated transistors. The design of these devices eventually is adopted by the entire semiconductor industry.
A circle is added to the corporate logo.
Motorola introduces the "Quasar" line of color receivers, America's first all transistor colour television sets. They are designed to be easy to repair, the feature stressed in their "Works in a Drawer" trademark.
Motorola expands its international presence by adding plants in many countries, including Australia, England, Germany, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Joint ventures for the production of automotive and other products are established in France and Japan.
Astronaut Neil Armstrong's first words from the Moon are relayed to Earth by a transponder designed and manufactured by Motorola's Government Electronics Division.
Motorola's new portable FM two-way radio is one half the size and weight of theHT-200 radio, its predecessor. The model HT-220 "Handie-Talkie" radio uses two specially designed integrated circuits to replace a total of 51 discrete components.
History of Motorola
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A.T.Pon@cs.cf.ac.uk