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Bob Pease is dead
Bob Pease, the Analog design engineer who, while working for National Semiconductors, developed devices like the LM317 regulator amongst many others, died yesterday in a car crash in Silicon Valley.
Bob was a legendary figure to any engineer working in the analog domain. He died leaving the memorial service for another legend, Jim WIlliams of Linear technology, who died of a massive stroke last week.
Bob was one of the nicest guys in the business, and mentored dozens of engineers in his long career.
Discussions
8 years ago
*Sigh*, That makes me a bit sad.
I have a number of letters somewhere from him, one where he shares a design with me on a device much more devious then the Annoyatron, but similar in effect (albeit much more annoying :-)
Troubleshooting Analog Circuits (EDN Series for Design Engineers) still sells in paperback for over $40.
I still refer to MANY of his Peese Porridge articles and the "What's all this....." entitled ones.
I never got to meet him in person, but he responded to EVERY letter I ever wrote him, and I wasn't even an engineer in any way shape nor form....he loved to help people and he loved to ponder things....he will DEFINATELY be missed.
Reply 8 years ago
EDN's article on this....
8 years ago
When the big add for the WOM by National Semi came to our eng group,
we convinced a Jr EE ( Hasmukh T. Shaw ) to write and ask for a sample.
A couple of weeks later he received a multi page Laurel & Hardy coloring book.
In memory of Bob who has been a part of my EE life as tubes were and transistors are now.
Alex....
Reply 8 years ago
The reaction to Bob's death in the electronics world has been amazing.
8 years ago
Great guy, met him once at a presentation in Stuttgart, Germany.
The irony: He wrote a book about driving: 'How to Drive into Accidents - And How Not to' (got a copy signed by him).
On page 305 he says: 'Anyhow, even for short trips, just about everybody should have their seat belt and shoulder-belt ON, before you start. No more lecturing needed. You will do it.'
Unfortunately, he didn't do it.
RIP
8 years ago
I get tons of trade journal emails at work, most of which get deleted, but I would always check out his articles in electronic design as soon as I got them.
I wish I could have seen one of his famous presentations in person, delivered using "analog power point" (an overhead projecter). But alas, no.
I have a copy of his analog troubleshooting book at work, and have refered to it from time to time when trying to figure out some vexing engineering problem.
Reply 8 years ago
He was great in person, as you would expect - I met and talked to him for 10 minutes or so when he was in the UK a couple of years ago.
He had one of the best bull detectors in the business.
Steve
8 years ago
He was a fun EE who climbed mountains with a phone charged by sunlight.
"What's All This Stuff ?"
He originated the WOM concept and National Semi marketed it to the military.
At least he didn't suffer.
Alex.........
8 years ago
Bowed head. RIP.
8 years ago
RIP