# MOS Technology

> semiconductor design and fabrication company

**Wikidata**: [Q852174](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q852174)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOS_Technology)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mos-technology

## Summary
MOS Technology is a semiconductor design and fabrication company founded in 1969, specializing in the development of integrated circuits and microprocessors. It is best known for creating the MOS 6502 microprocessor, which became a foundational component in early personal computers and gaming systems, powering iconic machines like the Apple II, Commodore 64, and Nintendo Entertainment System.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1969 in Norristown, Pennsylvania, United States
- Specializes in semiconductor design and fabrication
- Developed the MOS 6502 microprocessor, a key component in early personal computers and gaming systems
- Produced the MOS 6501, the predecessor to the MOS 6502
- Designed the MOS 6507, an 8-bit microprocessor with integrated RAM
- Created the MOS 6510, an enhanced version of the 6502 used in the Commodore 64
- Developed the MOS 6522 (VIA) and MOS 6526 (CIA) integrated circuits for input/output management
- Manufactured the MOS 6508, another 8-bit microprocessor with integrated RAM
- Produced the MOS 65816, an 8/16-bit microprocessor used in the Apple IIGS
- Designed the MOS Technology VIC and VIC-II video display controllers for Commodore computers
- Acquired by Commodore International in 1984
- Dissolved in 2001
- Headquarters located in Norristown, Pennsylvania
- Owned by Commodore International
- Part of the Commodore Semiconductor Group
- Also known as MOS Technology, Inc. and Metal Oxide Semiconductor
- Sitelink count: 25
- Wikipedia title: MOS Technology
- Wikidata description: semiconductor design and fabrication company

## FAQs
### What was MOS Technology's most significant contribution to computing?
MOS Technology is best known for developing the MOS 6502 microprocessor, which became a cornerstone of early personal computers and gaming systems. This 8-bit processor powered iconic machines like the Apple II, Commodore 64, and Nintendo Entertainment System, shaping the computing landscape of the 1970s and 1980s.

### Which companies acquired MOS Technology?
MOS Technology was acquired by Commodore International in 1984. After Commodore International dissolved in 1994, its assets were acquired by other companies, including Escom and Gateway.

### What microprocessors did MOS Technology develop?
MOS Technology developed several influential microprocessors, including the MOS 6501 (predecessor to the 6502), MOS 6502 (the foundational processor), MOS 6507 (with integrated RAM), MOS 6510 (used in the Commodore 64), MOS 6508 (another 8-bit processor with RAM), and the MOS 65816 (an 8/16-bit processor for the Apple IIGS).

### What integrated circuits did MOS Technology produce?
MOS Technology designed several integrated circuits, including the MOS 6522 (VIA) for input/output management, the MOS 6526 (CIA) for peripheral control, and the MOS Technology VIC and VIC-II video display controllers for Commodore computers.

### What was the significance of the MOS 6502 microprocessor?
The MOS 6502 microprocessor was a pivotal 8-bit processor that powered early personal computers and gaming systems. Its design influenced countless subsequent processors and enabled the development of affordable computing solutions that democratized access to technology.

## Why It Matters
MOS Technology played a crucial role in the development of early computing hardware by designing and manufacturing key microprocessors and integrated circuits that powered iconic personal computers and gaming systems. The company's most notable contribution was the MOS 6502 microprocessor, which became a foundational component in early personal computers and gaming systems, shaping the computing landscape of the 1970s and 1980s. The MOS 6502 powered machines like the Apple II, Commodore 64, and Nintendo Entertainment System, making computing more accessible and affordable for consumers. MOS Technology's innovations in semiconductor design and fabrication also influenced the development of subsequent microprocessors and integrated circuits, contributing to the rapid advancement of computing technology. The company's legacy continues to be felt in the retro computing community, where its microprocessors and integrated circuits are still used and studied today.

## Notable For
- Developing the MOS 6502 microprocessor, a key component in early personal computers and gaming systems
- Producing the MOS 6501, the predecessor to the MOS 6502
- Designing the MOS 6507, an 8-bit microprocessor with integrated RAM
- Creating the MOS 6510, an enhanced version of the 6502 used in the Commodore 64
- Manufacturing the MOS 6508, another 8-bit microprocessor with integrated RAM
- Producing the MOS 65816, an 8/16-bit microprocessor used in the Apple IIGS
- Designing the MOS 6522 (VIA) and MOS 6526 (CIA) integrated circuits for input/output management
- Developing the MOS Technology VIC and VIC-II video display controllers for Commodore computers
- Being acquired by Commodore International in 1984
- Dissolving in 2001
- Having headquarters in Norristown, Pennsylvania
- Being owned by Commodore International
- Being part of the Commodore Semiconductor Group
- Being known as MOS Technology, Inc. and Metal Oxide Semiconductor
- Having a sitelink count of 25
- Having a Wikipedia title of MOS Technology
- Having a Wikidata description of semiconductor design and fabrication company

## Body

### History and Foundation
MOS Technology was founded in 1969 in Norristown, Pennsylvania, United States. The company specialized in semiconductor design and fabrication, focusing on the development of integrated circuits and microprocessors. MOS Technology played a crucial role in the development of early computing hardware, producing key components that powered iconic personal computers and gaming systems.

### Microprocessor Development
MOS Technology developed several influential microprocessors, including the MOS 6501, MOS 6502, MOS 6507, MOS 6510, MOS 6508, and MOS 65816. These microprocessors were used in a wide range of computing devices, from personal computers to gaming consoles. The MOS 6502 microprocessor, in particular, became a foundational component in early personal computers and gaming systems, powering machines like the Apple II, Commodore 64, and Nintendo Entertainment System.

### Integrated Circuit Design
MOS Technology designed several integrated circuits, including the MOS 6522 (VIA), MOS 6526 (CIA), MOS Technology VIC, and MOS Technology VIC-II. These integrated circuits were used in a variety of computing devices, providing essential functionality for input/output management, peripheral control, and video display. The MOS Technology VIC and VIC-II video display controllers were particularly notable for their use in Commodore computers, enabling advanced graphics and video capabilities.

### Acquisition and Dissolution
MOS Technology was acquired by Commodore International in 1984. After Commodore International dissolved in 1994, its assets were acquired by other companies, including Escom and Gateway. MOS Technology dissolved in 2001, marking the end of its operations as a standalone company. Despite its dissolution, the company's legacy continues to be felt in the retro computing community, where its microprocessors and integrated circuits are still used and studied today.

### Corporate Structure and Ownership
MOS Technology was owned by Commodore International and was part of the Commodore Semiconductor Group. The company had its headquarters in Norristown, Pennsylvania. MOS Technology was also known as MOS Technology, Inc. and Metal Oxide Semiconductor. The company's sitelink count was 25, indicating its presence on Wikipedia in multiple languages.

### Related Entities and Applications
MOS Technology's microprocessors and integrated circuits were used in a wide range of computing devices, including personal computers, gaming consoles, and embedded systems. The company's most notable contributions were the MOS 6502 microprocessor and the MOS Technology VIC and VIC-II video display controllers. These components played a crucial role in the development of early computing hardware, enabling advanced functionality and capabilities in a variety of devices.

### Identification and Documentation
MOS Technology is documented on Wikipedia under the title "MOS Technology." The company's Wikidata description is "semiconductor design and fabrication company." The company's sitelink count of 25 indicates its presence on Wikipedia in multiple languages. MOS Technology's legacy continues to be studied and celebrated in the retro computing community, where its microprocessors and integrated circuits are still used and appreciated today.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.pcmuseum.ca/Brochures/WOCProgram.pdf)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013