FM synthesis - timeline

This is a brief list of FM synthesizers.


1973
+Yamaha first licensed John Chowning’s FM synthesis technology from Stanford University

"It should be remembered that  Don Buchla implemented FM on his instruments in the mid-1960s, prior to Yamaha's patent. His 158, 258 and 259 dual oscillator modules had a specific FM control voltage input,and the model 208 (Music Easel) had a modulation oscillator hard-wired to allow FM as well as AM of the primary oscillator. These early applications used analog oscillators" (Wikipedia).

1977
+ Synclavier I

1980
+ Synclavier II

1981
+ Yamaha GS-1
    8-operator FM synthesizer (4 Carrier/4 Modulator/8 EG)

1983
+Yamaha DX 7 Mk 1
  6 operators and 32 algorithms. 
+Yamaha DX 1
   Dual 6 operators
+ Yamaha DX 9
  4 operators, 8 algorithms

1984
+ Synclavier III

1985
+Yamaha DX 5
   Dual 6 operator
+Yamaha DX 21      
  4 operators and 8 algorithms.
+Yamaha DX 27
  4 operators
+Yamaha DX 27s
  4 operators+Yamaha DX 100
   4 operators, 8 algorithms
+ Yamaha TX 7
    6 FM operators and 32 algorithms

1986
+ Yamaha DX7 MkIID / DX7 MkIIFD
   6 operators and 32 algorithms

1995
+Expiration of the Stanford University FM patent. 
  Digital FM synthesis can now be implemented freely by other manufacturers

2001
 +Yamaha DX 200
   6 Operator FM, 32 algorithms

2005
Alesis Fusion

2011
+ Korg Kronos
   6 operator

2018
+Elektron Digitone
   4 operator 8 algorthims

This list is by no means complete.
I'll add to it over time