Swanson had made a bold move by walking away from National Semiconductor, in 1981, to focus on analog technology.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The company was the first to manufacture integrated circuits, which made millions for Sherman Fairchild and became the breeding ground for companies ranging from National Semiconductor to Sequoia Capital.

FORBES: The gentle giant

Everyone from Intel to National Semiconductor to Applied Materials has announced weaker earnings, soft sales and layoffs.

FORBES: Beyond the sunset

In chips, National Semiconductor (68, NSM) is up 800% from its low a year ago.

FORBES: Tech Value Buys

In chips, National Semiconductor (68, NSM) is up 800% from its year-earlier low.

FORBES: Tech Value Buys

Whether there are obvious bidders for any of the other companies is far from clear at this point, but the TI bid for National raises the possibility of some long overdue consolidation in the semiconductor sector.

FORBES: Chip Stocks Soar On Texas Instruments Bid For National