This might sound like an odd question, but does anyone know what year the LM13600 came out?
I emailed Don Sauer (who designed it) but he couldn't remember, guessing that it might have been 1977. I don't suppose anyone here would have some old parts catalogue from 77/78 that they could look in for me, to help narrow it down?

 

This might sound like an odd question, but does anyone know what year the LM13600 came out?
I emailed Don Sauer (who designed it) but he couldn't remember, guessing that it might have been 1977. I don't suppose anyone here would have some old parts catalogue from 77/78 that they could look in for me, to help narrow it down?

Look at the date on the oldest spec sheet you can find on it, it's at least that old.

 

Here you go:
http://www.idea2ic.com/LM13600/LM13700.html

The LM13600 was developed in 5 minutes...good read even though I cant find a date on the IC..

Check the patent.

 

Here you go:
http://www.idea2ic.com/LM13600/LM13700.html

I've seen that page (that's where I got Don Sauer's email address!) Don suspected that it was released between his first and second patents.

I also can't find any pre-1990s data sheets, let alone pre 1980s.

 

There is at least 1 patent that uses the lm13600 that was issued around 1980.. Getting closer.

 

You could try asking Don Sauer (email is at the end of the article) about the date .

 

It was an immediate follow on to the 3080 per the link above, might see if you can get any info on the release date of the 3080 and infer/imply from there.
Bob

 

I also can't find any pre-1990s data sheets, let alone pre 1980s.

I can confirm that the LM13600 & LM13600A appears in my copy of the "National Semiconductor LINEAR data book, 1980", under the Section "Industrial/Automotive/Functional Blocks/Telecommunications".

The data sheet also include various(about 30) application of the chip.

 

Hello,

The LM13600 was udes by KORG in the MS-20 wich was produced between 1978 and 1983.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korg_MS-20
Take a look at the filter section.

So it must be released before 1978.

Bertus

 

The LM13600 was udes by KORG in the MS-20 wich was produced between 1978 and 1983.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korg_MS-20
Take a look at the filter section.
So it must be released before 1978.

Hmm...
"Originally, the filters used Korg's proprietary [KORG-35] chip. Later, the filters were redesigned to use off-the-shelf LM13600 OTAs."
It doesn't specify how long after their introduction they switched to LM13600.

 

Well, give National a call tomorrow. They will probably have that information at arms length.

They most likely have a date code list for the IC. Hopefully it starts with the date it went into production.