TI invented the hand-held [[calculator]] in 1967, the single-chip microcomputer in 1971, and in 1973 obtained the first patent on a single-chip microprocessor. As a pioneering company TI frequently had to develop products that made use of its electronics. Unfortunately, competitors often fared better in marketing consumer products and in the 1990s TI largely withdrew from the consumer electronics market with the notable exception of its hand-held calculator business.
Until GSI was sold to [[Halliburton]] in 1988, TI continued to manufacture geophysical equipment. TI's main focus is on semiconductor manufacturing<ref>It ranks third in the world behind [[Intel]] and [[Samsung]] and ahead of [[Toshiba]] (http://www.allbusiness.com/electronics/computer-electronics-manufacturing/11604659-1.html). {{fact}}</ref> and is a major player in making chips for Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Digital Light Processors (micro-mirrors on a chip for projectors and televisions).
==Notes & References==