1. Amazing mentor
2. EECS professor emeritus Robert Brodersen.
Remembering Robert Brodersen: A Pioneer in Wireless Communication Technologies
Robert Brodersen, a respected innovator, mentor, and professor emeritus of electrical engineering and computer science, passed away at the age of 78 on February 1. His death was a tragic loss for the academic community and his contributions to the field of wireless communication technologies will be remembered for years to come.
An Iconic Career and Legacy
Brodersen was the founder of the Berkeley Wireless Research Center (BWRC), an interdisciplinary research center at Berkeley that aimed to foster collaboration between faculty, students, industry partners, and government agencies. His vision for the BWRC paved the way for how research centers and labs operate on campus, leaving a lasting impact on the academic community.
Throughout his career, Brodersen designed numerous groundbreaking technologies that revolutionized the wireless industry. His contributions include the development of low-power chip design, switch capacitor filters, and silicone compilers. His work was instrumental in the creation of modern wireless devices, with the InfoPad, a low-power wireless terminal he co-designed, serving as a precursor to the iPad and other wireless devices we use today.
Brodersen’s achievements did not go unnoticed. He received prestigious accolades from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and was a member of the National Academy of Engineering. His most notable invention, the switched capacitor filter, played a critical role in the development of digital communication systems in the late 1970s.
A Mentor and Friend
While Brodersen’s professional accomplishments were remarkable, he will be remembered most for his mentorship and genuine care for his students. Colleagues and former students speak highly of his kind and caring spirit, emphasizing the profound impact he had on their lives.
Anantha Chandrakasan, now the dean of engineering at MIT, was one of Brodersen’s former students who experienced his mentorship firsthand. Chandrakasan credits Brodersen with shaping his professional career and inspiring him to establish similar mentorship programs at MIT.
Dozens of former students reached out to Brodersen after learning of his leukemia diagnosis, and some even visited him in his home just a week before his passing. The fact that his students remained connected with him throughout the years is a testament to his exceptional mentorship skills and the lasting impact he had on their lives.
Remembering a Visionary
Robert Brodersen leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his numerous awards and inventions. His true legacy lies in the students he mentored and educated throughout his career. His vision, kindness, and willingness to share his knowledge will continue to inspire future generations of engineers and innovators.
As we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, let us remember Robert Brodersen as a pioneering force in wireless communication technologies and a mentor who touched the lives of many. His contributions will forever be etched in the annals of engineering history, and his spirit will continue to guide and inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
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1. “EECS professor emeritus Robert Brodersen”
2. “An amazing mentor”.
