Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran is a visionary wireless pioneer and a world-renowned expert in RF CMOS and complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technologies. His groundbreaking innovations have profoundly impacted the development of wireless communication, and his work has played a pivotal role in the widespread adoption of RF CMOS chips.

Early Life and Education:

Born in Isfahan, Iran, Rofougaran immigrated to the United States in 1982 to pursue his education. He earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UCLA in 1986, 1988, and 1998, respectively.

Pioneering Work in RF CMOS:

Rofougaran’s Ph.D. research centered on RF circuit design and modeling, resulting in over 20 widely cited publications and prestigious awards, including the European Solid State Circuits Conference Best Paper Award (1995), the Jack Kilby Award (1996), and the Jack Raper Award (1997). In the early 1990s, he collaborated with Professor Asad Abidi, recognized as the father of RF CMOS, to develop the first monolithic CMOS RF front end circuits. This groundbreaking achievement enabled previously unattainable wireless integration and laid the foundation for the widespread adoption of RF CMOS chips.

Innovent Systems and Broadcom:

In 1998, Rofougaran founded Innovent Systems, leading the industrialization of RF CMOS and successfully engineering the world’s inaugural single-chip Bluetooth radio in CMOS. In 2000, Broadcom acquired Innovent Systems, where Rofougaran played a pivotal role in integrating multiple radios, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, onto single CMOS chips. This groundbreaking feat revolutionized the concept of wireless simultaneity and significantly influenced modern smartphone technology.

Accolades and Recognition:

Rofougaran’s extensive array of patents has been instrumental in driving wireless innovations across various domains, encompassing antenna design, power amplification, signal processing, and wireless charging. His visionary contributions have led to the widespread adoption of RF CMOS chips, with over 90% of global wireless connections relying on his pioneering technology.

Throughout his illustrious career, Rofougaran has received numerous awards and honors, including the Broadcom Fellow designation (2006), the IEEE Fellow designation (2010), the UCLA Alumnus of the Year Award (2018), and the IEEE Industrial Pioneer Award (2018). In 2020, he was elected to the esteemed National Academy of Engineering and was further honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Present and Future:

Currently at Movandi, Rofougaran continues to drive 5G millimeter-wave innovation, boasting an impressive h-index of over 80. His unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities solidifies his status as one of engineering’s most prominent and pioneering innovators. With an impressive portfolio comprising over 920 issued patents, Rofougaran remains a prolific inventor, continuously propelling the forefront of wireless technology. His visionary work has left a profound impact on the world, setting new standards for wireless communication and inspiring future generations in the field.