Interweaving Shiprock Plant, Navajo Art, and Integrated Circuits

Uncovering the Pentium Rug at the National Gallery of Art

The article begins with the author's chance encounter with a remarkable Navajo weaving at the National Gallery of Art. Upon closer inspection, the intricate design of the rug turned out to be an accurate representation of Intel's iconic Pentium microprocessor chip. Titled "Replica of a Chip", the artwork was created in 1994 by Marilou Schultz, a Navajo/Diné weaver and math teacher, commissioned by Intel as a gift for the American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES).

Examining the Pentium Weaving's Intricate Details

• The weaving meticulously captures the complex layout of the Pentium die, including:
  • The integer execution units - performing arithmetic operations on integers
  • The floating-point unit - handling more complex arithmetic on floating-point numbers
  • Instruction fetch, decode, and branch prediction logic
  • Code and data caches, enhancing performance
  • Bus interface logic, connecting the processor to the computer's bus
• The weaving accurately represents the specific Pentium variant, the P54C, with its additional "multiprocessor logic" circuitry.
• The author notes that the gallery is displaying the "wrong" side of the weaving, resulting in a mirrored image of the die.

Intel's Semiconductor Manufacturing in New Mexico

Intel's connection with New Mexico dates back to 1980 when it opened a chip fabrication plant (Fab 7) in Rio Rancho, a suburb of Albuquerque. This facility played a crucial role in Intel's growth, producing a significant portion of the company's profits. Over the years, Intel steadily expanded its presence in the region, adding Fab 9 and Fab 11, the latter opening in 1995 and dedicated to manufacturing Pentium and Pentium Pro chips.

The Shiprock Plant: Fairchild's Pioneering Venture

• In 1965, Fairchild Semiconductor, founded by the "Traitorous Eight" from Shockley Semiconductor, opened a manufacturing facility on Navajo land in Shiprock, New Mexico.
• The project aimed to improve the economic situation of the Navajo through industrial development, providing employment opportunities in a region plagued by poverty and unemployment.
• Fairchild's Shiprock plant employed over 1,200 workers, with all but 24 being Navajo, making it the nation's largest non-government employer of American Indians.

Challenges and Controversies at the Shiprock Plant

• Fairchild faced cultural challenges, adapting to traditional Navajo practices and language barriers.
• In 1975, amid the semiconductor industry's recession, Fairchild laid off 140 Navajo employees, leading to an armed takeover of the plant by a group demanding their rehiring.
• After negotiations, the occupation ended peacefully, but Fairchild permanently closed the Shiprock plant, citing concerns about future disruptions.
• The closure was met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a success story and others criticizing Fairchild's impact on the Navajo societal structure.

Marilou Schultz's Fairchild 9040 Weaving

The article then shifts focus to Marilou Schultz's current weaving project, depicting the Fairchild 9040 integrated circuit, which was manufactured at the Shiprock plant. The 9040 chip, introduced in the mid-1960s, has a striking visual design that lends itself well to the weaving medium.

• The weaving accurately captures the intricate patterns of the 9040 die, including:
  • Serpentine blue lines forming resistors
  • Transistors and diodes, the primary components of the integrated circuit
  • Metal wiring connecting the components
  • Bond pads around the edges for connecting to the integrated circuit package
• The 9040 chip was a "flip-flop" circuit, capable of storing a single bit of data, and was part of Fairchild's Micrologic family.
• Despite its obscurity, multiple 9040 chips were used in the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package, leaving a lasting legacy on the Moon.

Reflecting on the Intersection of Art, Technology, and Cultural Identity

The article concludes by highlighting the significance of Marilou Schultz's weavings in bridging the gap between traditional Navajo art and modern technology. It invites readers to explore the "Woven Histories" exhibit at the National Gallery of Art and other venues, showcasing the intersection of abstract art and woven textiles, including Schultz's remarkable works.

Semiconductor Manufacturing and the Role of Women

• The article touches on the gendered nature of electronics assembly work, with women historically forming a significant portion of the workforce in roles such as inspecting, testing, and assembling.
• It highlights the challenges and controversies surrounding the racialization of labor, as Fairchild's promotional materials emphasized Navajo women's perceived affinity for intricate detail work.
• The closure of the Shiprock plant and its impact on the Navajo community, particularly women's economic independence, are discussed from multiple perspectives.

Other Semiconductor Manufacturing Ventures in the Navajo Nation

The article briefly mentions other semiconductor and electronics manufacturing projects on Navajo land, such as General Dynamics' plants in Fort Defiance, Arizona, and Farmington, New Mexico. These facilities faced similar challenges and successes, contributing to the economic development of the Navajo Nation while grappling with cultural and economic complexities.