Look Who it Was Random video

Oral History of Don Faria

495 views · Published 7 December 2018 · 1:31:11 · Indexed 12 November 2026

Channel: Computer History Museum · 2018 · Science & Technology

Watch on YouTube

Interviewed by Jesse Jenkins on 2017-10-16 in Mountain View, CA X8369.2018
© Computer History Museum

Don Faria was born and raised in Massachussetts.  He developed an early interest in math and science in grade school, and was influenced by two of his brothers and his father along those lines.  Don attended University of Massachussets majoring in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis on device physics.  He always wanted to go to Silicon Valley, so focused his hiring efforts there, getting a job with Hewlett-Packard.  Don worked as a process engineer on NMOS ROMS and ASIC design with HP.  After 2.5 years, he went with a new PLD startup named Altera.

Don's career at Altera was lengthy, spanning all their PLD, CPLD and FPGA product lines for the next 25+ years through the acquisition of of Altera by Intel.  His contributions were primarily in Applications, product definition, marketing, business unit management, business planning and acquisitions, as well as venture capital.  Don also discusses his personal involvement as coach and supporter for his son's wheelchair soccer team.  At the time of this interview, Don remains with Intel.

* Note:  Transcripts represent what was said in the interview. However, to enhance meaning or add clarification, interviewees have the opportunity to modify this text afterward. This may result in discrepancies between the transcript and the video. Please refer to the transcript for further information - http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102740227 (The document contain the transcript of both sessions)

Visit computerhistory.org/collections/oralhistories/ for more information about the Computer History Museum's Oral History Collection.

Lot number: X8369.2018
Catalog number: 102740228

More from this channel