Acquired Qualcomm
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Nov 15, 2022 Discover the fascinating story behind Qualcomm, a pivotal player in wireless communication technology. Delve into the groundbreaking innovations of Hedy Lamarr, who, alongside George Antheil, pioneered frequency-hopping that revolutionized telecommunications. Explore Qualcomm's rise from a small consultancy to a major force in cellular technology, including challenges faced in adopting CDMA over TDMA. The narrative takes unexpected turns, revealing legal battles, strategic shifts, and a glimpse into the future of high-performance chips in a competitive landscape.
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Hedy Lamarr's Secret
- Hedy Lamarr, a famous actress and genius, was married to a Nazi arms dealer.
- She used her intellect to develop frequency-hopping spread spectrum, vital for modern wireless communication.
Spread Spectrum Efficiency
- Spread spectrum technology, initially meant to prevent jamming, is surprisingly the most efficient way to use radio bandwidth.
- This realization is key to understanding Qualcomm's success.
From Hotels to Engineering
- Irwin Jacobs, Qualcomm's co-founder, initially studied hotel management at Cornell due to misguided career advice.
- He later switched to electrical engineering, highlighting his aptitude for technology.
