Co-founder of Qualcomm, a pioneer in wireless communication technology, and a key developer of CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) technology.
Irwin M. Jacobs is a name synonymous with innovation in the field of electrical engineering and telecommunications. As the co-founder and former chairman of Qualcomm, he played a pivotal role in developing the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology that revolutionized the way we communicate today.
Jacobs was born on October 18, 1933, to a Jewish family in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He earned his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Cornell University in 1956 and went on to pursue his Master of Science and Doctor of Science degrees in electrical engineering and computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1957 and 1959, respectively.
Jacobs began his academic career as an assistant and associate professor of electrical engineering at MIT from 1959 to 1966. He then moved to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he served as a professor of computer science and engineering from 1966 to 1972. During this period, he co-authored a seminal textbook, Principles of Communication Engineering, with John Wozencraft in 1965, which remains a widely used reference in the field today.
In 1968, Jacobs co-founded Linkabit Corporation with Andrew Viterbi to develop satellite encryption devices. The company merged with MACOM, Inc. in 1980, becoming MACOM Linkabit. However, Jacobs' most notable entrepreneurial venture was the co-founding of Qualcomm Inc. in 1985, along with Viterbi, Harvey White, Adelia Coffman, Andrew Cohen, Klein Gilhousen, and Franklin Antonio. Qualcomm's OmniTRACS system, which Jacobs pioneered, is considered one of the world's most technologically advanced two-way mobile satellite communications and tracking systems.
Jacobs' work on CDMA technology has had a profound impact on modern telecommunications. His innovative approach to communication bandwidth has enabled faster and more efficient data transmission, paving the way for the widespread adoption of 3G and 4G networks. Today, CDMA is one of the two digital standards used in cellular telephony, along with Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).
Jacobs has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of electrical engineering and telecommunications. He is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. In 2011, he was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the highest honor given by the United States for technological achievement.
In addition to his many professional achievements, Jacobs is also committed to philanthropy and education. He serves as the chair of the board of trustees of the Salk Institute and has made significant contributions to educational institutions, including UCSD's Jacobs School of Engineering, which was named in his honor. As of 2019, Jacobs' net worth is estimated to be over $1.2 billion, a testament to his successful entrepreneurial ventures and visionary approach to technology.
Irwin M. Jacobs' remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the world of telecommunications. His pioneering work on CDMA technology has transformed the way we communicate, and his entrepreneurial spirit has inspired generations of engineers and innovators. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern technology, Jacobs' legacy serves as a reminder of the power of innovation and collaboration to shape our collective future.
91 Years Old
Co-founder of Qualcomm Inc., a pioneer in wireless communication technology, revolutionizing mobile phone industry with CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) innovation.
