Shiban Kishen Koul
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Dr. James J. Komiak was born on 26 January 1949 and passed away on 20 April 2023. His interest in engineering was sparked by his father, who was a physics professor and encouraged him to explore how things work through building crystal radios, Heathkits, and computer programming. James was an exceptional electrical engineer who obtained his Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from Cornell University in 1978. His research during his dissertation led to the development of the real frequency technique, which enabled broadband matching of an arbitrary load to a resistive generator. Outside of designing monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs), James also enjoyed taking his Porsches and BMW M3 to club track days and playing his Rick 12-string and Fender “Fat Strat” guitars with a Marshall stack.
Dr. James J. Komiak.
Throughout his illustrious 37-year career, James designed systems, modules, and MMICs for electronic warfare, communications, and radar applications. He was a BAE Systems Global Engineering/Scientific Fellow at Electronic Systems in Nashua, NH, USA, where he poured his heart and soul into his work. James’ passion for electrical engineering shone through in his more than 100 publications and 13 patents, a true testament to his vast knowledge and expertise in the field.
His outstanding contributions to MMICs, high-power amplifiers, and transmit/receive modules earned him the grade of IEEE Fellow in 2005. James was a true pioneer, and his work was recognized through various accolades, including the Martin Marietta Jefferson Cup Award (1993) and the BAE Systems Chairman’s Award for Innovation. His dedication to his profession earned him the BAE Systems Engineering Fellows Legacy Award in 2007. His pioneering work led to his induction into the Association of Old Crows Electronic Warfare Technology Hall of Fame in 2008. He was an active member of the TC-12 Microwave High-Power Techniques Committee and served as an IEEE MTT-S Distinguished Microwave Lecturer from 2014 to 2016.
Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/MMM.2023.3277406