Bill Mensch : The Man That Changed The World with Microprocessors & the 6502 Legacy
In this fascinating Indian Genes EXCLUSIVE, Bill Mensch Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Western Design Center (WDC), shares his groundbreaking journey in the microprocessor industry. Recognized as one of the key figures in computer history, Mr. Mensch's inventions and patents played a foundational role in creating the modern PC and video game industries. From the iconic 6502 microprocessor used in legendary systems like the Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari, and Nintendo, to today’s W65C02S and W65C816S chips, his impact continues to drive advancements in technology, automotive, medical, and consumer electronics. Hear directly from the man whose contributions have shaped the world of microcomputing, honored at the Smithsonian Museum and recognized globally. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and technical innovations that made the 6502 a defining product of the information age. #KeyTopics: The evolution of 6502 microprocessor technologyFounding of The Western Design Center (WDC)Insights into Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari, NintendoLegacy of microprocessor innovation in tech, video games, and consumer electronicsBill holds twenty– two patents for microprocessors, microprocessor peripheral devices and microprocessor systems, and was recognized in both 1991 and 1996 at the Microprocessor Forum as a pioneer in the microprocessor industry. Mr. Mensch’s patents were used on Motorola’s original NMOS 6800 microprocessor and MOS Technology’s NMOS 6502 microprocessor families. The 6502 technology has been credited with creating the PC and video game industries. It was first used in the Commodore PET personal computer; Vic 20 consumer computer; Commodore 64 consumer computer (6510); Acorn personal computer; Apple I personal computer; Apple II personal computer; Atari video game system (6507) and personal computer (6502); and Nintendo video game system. The 6502 microprocessor is featured in a display in the Smithsonian Museum of Science and Technology in Washington DC. Mr. Mensch’s solely– owned patents are implemented in The Western Design Center’s proprietary CMOS 65xx Microprocessor family of chips and related systems. This technology is used today in an ever growing variety of products including medical life support, automotive, industrial, consumer and personal computers. The foundation for this widespread use of the technology began when two of WDC’s 65xx Microprocessor family members were used in the introduction of groundbreaking PC and video game products. The W65C02S 8–bit microprocessor was first used in the Apple IIc personal computer and the Apple IIe personal computer. The W65C816S 16–bit microprocessor was first used in the Apple IIgs personal computer and Super Nintendo video game system. In the fall of 1996, Mr. Mensch was honored for his outstanding contribution to the information technology industry at a ceremony during which the 6502 was recognized at COMDEX as the first of seven “defining” products in the twenty–five year history of the microprocessor. He has become recognized as the person most responsible for the continued success and proliferation of use of the 65xx technology which has been enhanced and expanded with the development of the WDC 65xx Microprocessor family products. Mr. Mensch was born in 1945 and grew up on a dairy farm in Bucks County, PA. He attended Pennridge High School in Perkasie, PA, and graduated in 1963. He graduated from Temple University (AEET 1966) in Philadelphia, PA, attendedVillanova (Spring/Summer 1968 & Spring 1969), graduated from the University of Arizona with High Distinction (BSEE 1971) in Tucson, AZ, and then attended Arizona State University graduate courses (1971–79). Mr. Mensch was employed at Philco Ford in Blue Bell, PA (1967–69), Motorola in Mesa, AZ (1971–74), MOS Technology in Norristown, PA (1974–77), and Integrated Circuit Engineering (ICE) in Scottsdale, AZ (1977–78), before founding The Western Design Center, Inc. in Mes
