From Mary Bellis,
Your Guide to Inventors.
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Robert Dennard invented one-transistor Dynamic Random Access Memory or DRAM.

In 1968, Robert Dennard patented DRAM, a new type of computer memory chip that allowed computers to have more memory at a cheaper price.

Biography of Robert Dennard - Inventor of DRAM

Robert Dennard's invention of one-transistor dynamic RAM called DRAM was a core development in the launch of today's computer industry, setting the stage for development of increasingly dense and cost-effective memory for computers.

Robert Dennard has been honored with the National Medal of Technology, presented to him in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1997, and was named an IBM Fellow.

Dennard was born in Terrell, TX , in 1932. He received his B.S. and M.S. Degrees in electrical engineering from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, in 1954 and 1956 respectively. He received his Ph.D. Degree from Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh, PA in 1958.

Robert Dennard - Work At IBM

• Studied new devices and circuits for logic and memory applications
• Developed advanced data communication techniques
• In 1967, he invented the dynamic RAM memory cell used in most all computers today.
• With fellow IBM researchers, he developed the concept of MOSFET scaling in 1972

The Invention of the Intel 1103 - The World's First Available DRAM Chip