John Robinson Pierce was born on March 27, 1910, in Des Moines, Iowa. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in engineering and technology. He attended the California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech), where he studied electrical engineering and graduated with top honors.
After completing his education, Pierce began working at Bell Labs, where he focused on perfecting vacuum tubes. It was during his time at Bell Labs that he collaborated with Rudolf Kompfner and together, they developed the concept of Pulse Code Modulation (PCM). This groundbreaking invention revolutionized the field of telecommunications and paved the way for modern digital communication.
In 1970, Pierce returned to Cal Tech, this time as a professor of electrical engineering. He was known for his innovative teaching methods and his ability to inspire students to think outside the box. Many of his former students went on to have successful careers in the field of engineering.
John Robinson Pierce was a devoted family man. He had two children with his wife, and his son John followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a science fiction editor. Despite his busy career, Pierce always made time for his family, and he was known for being a loving and supportive husband and father.
Throughout his career, John Robinson Pierce made significant contributions to the field of engineering. His work on PCM and his teachings at Cal Tech continue to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists. He was a pioneer in the field of telecommunications and his legacy lives on in the work of those who were influenced by him.