Traitorous Eight

The traitorous eight are eight men who left Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory to form Fairchild Semiconductor in 1957. This derogatory term was used by William Shockley, director of Shockley Labs, but others referred to them as the "Fairchild Eight" or the "Fairchildren."

Related Topics:
Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory - Fairchild Semiconductor - 1957 - William Shockley

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They left because they did not agree or work well with William Shockley's managerial style. Specifically, he wanted the research done his way and expected a certain result instead of letting the research guide them. (Naively, Shockley envisioned the operation of the Laboratory as if the researchers were the Knights of the Round Table and he were King Arthur.{{fn|IEEE Spectrum}})

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The eight employees went to Arnold Beckman and asked him to replace Shockley. Beckman tried to find a new manager and left Shockley as a Director with limited powers. As the search dragged on, it became apparent that Beckman could not find a replacement so he restored Shockley's responsibilities. The eight men then resigned and signed a research contract with Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corporation to form Fairchild Semiconductor.

Related Topics:
Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corporation - Fairchild Semiconductor

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The eight were:

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• Julius Blank
• Victor Grinich
• Jean Hoerni
• Eugene Kleiner
• Jay Last
• Gordon Moore
• Robert Noyce
• Sheldon Roberts
• {{anb|IEEE Spectrum}} IEEE Spectrum