Irwin M. Jacobs earned his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Cornell University in 1956, subsequently securing Master of Science and Doctor of Science degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology by 1959. His academic trajectory established a foundation for a career that transformed mobile telecommunications and reshaped industry standards for cellular connectivity across the United States.
Academic and Research Foundations
Before transitioning to the private sector, Jacobs held faculty positions as an assistant and associate professor of electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1959 to 1966. He moved to the University of California, San Diego, where he served as a professor of computer science and engineering until 1972. During this period, he co-authored the textbook Principles of Communication Engineering with John Wozencraft in 1965, a foundational text that remains in use.
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In 1968, Jacobs co-founded Linkabit Corporation alongside Andrew Viterbi, focusing on the development of satellite encryption systems. This entity eventually merged into M/A-COM in 1980. Subsequently, in 1985, Jacobs co-founded Qualcomm Inc. with Viterbi, Harvey White, Adelia Coffman, Andrew Cohen, Klein Gilhousen, and Franklin Antonio. The firm developed the OmniTRACS system for mobile satellite communications. Jacobs played a central role in promoting Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) as a digital standard for next-generation cellular telephony in North America, enhancing bandwidth efficiency compared to existing TDMA technology.
Awards and Professional Recognition
Jacobs received extensive recognition for his contributions to communication theory and high-technology product development. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1982 and became a Fellow of the IEEE. Major honors include the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 1994, the IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal in 1995, and the IEEE Medal of Honor in 2013. He was also inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2013 and named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2009.
Fast facts
- Born: 1933, New Bedford
- Undergraduate Degree: Cornell University, 1956
- Graduate Degrees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1957 and 1959
- Co-founded Linkabit Corporation: 1968
- Co-founded Qualcomm: 1985
- National Medal of Technology and Innovation: 1994
- IEEE Medal of Honor: 2013
- National Inventors Hall of Fame induction: 2013
Questions readers ask
What core technology did Irwin M. Jacobs champion at Qualcomm?
Jacobs pioneered Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), which served as a primary digital standard for cellular networks in North America.
Did Irwin M. Jacobs maintain his role at Qualcomm throughout his career?
No, he stepped down as chairman of Qualcomm in March 2009 and was succeeded by his son, Paul E. Jacobs.
Achievements
- National Medal of Technology and Innovation — 1994
- National Inventors Hall of Fame — 2013
- Affiliated with Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of California, San Diego
- Educated at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cornell University and Cornell University College of Engineering
- Worked as academic and businessperson
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