Tech District · VIDEO ESSAY

The Rise and Fall of National Semiconductor: From Connecticut Startup to Texas Instruments

National Semiconductor rose from a small Connecticut startup into one of America’s most important semiconductor companies, helping shape the early chip industry and powering everything from computers to consumer electronics. But rapid expansion, fierce competition, management struggles, and a changing semiconductor market eventually pushed the company into decline. This video explores National Semiconductor’s rise, its biggest breakthroughs, the mistakes that weakened it, and how the once-famous chip giant ultimately became part of Texas Instruments. A fascinating story of innovation, competition, and one of Silicon Valley’s most important forgotten semiconductor companies.