Bill Mensch

Mensch graduated with an associate degree (A.S.) from Temple University in 1966 where he was a member of Sigma Pi fraternity. He received his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in electrical engineering from the University of Arizona in Tucson in 1971. He has taught classes at Arizona State University, including courses on system on chip (SoC) integrated circuit (IC) design. Mensch is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). In 2004, he was inducted in the Computer Hall of Fame (hosted by the San Diego Computer Museum, part of the San Diego State University Library), and in 2005 was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Arizona's College of Engineering. ==Engineering achievements==

Based on his participation in the basic circuit design, definition, and system design of the Motorola 6800 microprocessor and supporting computer chips, Mensch is a co-holder of several 6800 family patents, including the 6800 central processing unit (CPU), 6820/21 Peripheral Interface Adapter (PIA), 6850 Asynchronous Communications Interface Adapter (ACIA), and 6860 modem chip. He was the sole IC design engineer of the 6820/21 PIA, which was the first peripheral IC to have bit-programmable input/output (I/O).''«He built seven different chips without ever having an error, almost all done by hand. When I tell people that, they don't believe me, but it's true. This guy is a unique person. He is the best layout guy in the world.»''Before leaving MOS Technology in 1977, Mensch became their microprocessor design manager. ==Western Design Center==

Shortly after Mensch founded the Western Design Center (WDC) in 1978, Commodore International contracted the company to develop what they called a "macro-micro", a macro-programmed complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) processor that could be used in a small and powerful calculator. However, WDC was unable to complete the project, and Commodore ended their relationship with the new company. ==Personal life==

Mensch has five children and resides with his wife, Dianne, in Superstition Mountain, Arizona. ==References==