Electronic Specifier Design Magazine, March 2024: Robotics & Security
The electronics industry, renowned for its rapid innovation and technological advancements, has been significantly shaped by the contributions of pioneering women. Despite facing considerable challenges, these women have made groundbreaking achievements that have left an indelible mark on the field.
In light of International Women’s Day, taking place on 8th March, I wanted to take a look into the history of women's involvement in electronics, spotlighting key figures whose innovations and perseverance have paved the way for future generations.
One of the earliest trailblazers was Edith Clarke, the first woman to earn a master’s degree in electrical engineering from MIT in 1919. Clarke's most notable contribution was the invention of the Clarke Calculator, a graphical device that solved electrical engineering problems involving current, voltage, and impedance in power transmission lines. Her work not only demonstrated the vital contributions women could make in the field but also laid the groundwork for future developments in electrical engineering and electronics.
Another prominent figure was Hedy Lamarr, an Austrian-American actress and inventor who co-developed a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology during World War II. Initially designed to prevent enemy forces from jamming torpedoes, the principles of her invention have since become foundational to modern wireless communications technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Lamarr's work exemplifies the often-overlooked contributions of women to the technological innovations that shape our daily lives.
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Thank you for visiting the Electronic Specifier Design magazine. We hope you find the content useful in your endeavours.
Paige West, Managing Editor
