News & Analysis
Eric Lidow, International Rectifier founder, dies at 100
Brian Fuller
1/22/2013 1:45 AM EST
Power electronics innovation
Throught the 1950s and '60s, Lidow and IR were not only at the forefront of power electronics innovation, but were leaders in the global expansion of the semiconductor market. The company set up semiconductor joint ventures throughout Europe and Japan in the 1950s, often as the first semiconductor company in the country. He went into India in the 1960s, and China in the early 1980s.
In the late 1950s, fascinated about the potential utility of electric vehicles but more keen for some publicity, he built a solar-powered car, based on the 1912 Baker Electric (pictured nearby), with a 10,000-cell panel on the car's roof. At one point, Vice President Richard Nixon rode around in the vehicle for publicity.
"I felt that the company required some recognition, because it was totally unknown," Lidow said. "No one knew what International Rectifier was. In the early days, I mentioned to one lady that I was a rectifier engineer, and she asked me if that was legal."
Oleg Khaykin, IR's president and CEO, said, "The development and growth of International Rectifier was a great source of pride to him and as we continue to grow as a company, the legacy of Eric's leadership during his 60 years at IR will remain."
Indeed that legacy includes two of his sons, Derek and Alex, enjoying long semiconductor-industry careers--Alex for many years as IR's CEO and Derek as IR CEO and later founder and CEO of iSuppli, now IHS iSuppli. In addition, he is also survived by a third son, Alan, a daughter, Melodie and nine grandchildren. In 1952, he married the woman he called the love of his life, Elizabeth, who is an award-winning painter.
During that Italian lunch in seaside Southern California--where Eric Lidow always ordered a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne to celebrate life--he said "I don't know why me, but I'm greatly honored (by the lifetime achievement award). Moments like these also offer great opportunities to look ahead. We all must find ways to continue to innovate."
Related stories:
--IR's Lidow is '07 ACE honoree
--All-electric car in sight, ACE winner says
--Lidow returns with 'disruptive' GaN startup
Throught the 1950s and '60s, Lidow and IR were not only at the forefront of power electronics innovation, but were leaders in the global expansion of the semiconductor market. The company set up semiconductor joint ventures throughout Europe and Japan in the 1950s, often as the first semiconductor company in the country. He went into India in the 1960s, and China in the early 1980s.
In the late 1950s, fascinated about the potential utility of electric vehicles but more keen for some publicity, he built a solar-powered car, based on the 1912 Baker Electric (pictured nearby), with a 10,000-cell panel on the car's roof. At one point, Vice President Richard Nixon rode around in the vehicle for publicity.
"I felt that the company required some recognition, because it was totally unknown," Lidow said. "No one knew what International Rectifier was. In the early days, I mentioned to one lady that I was a rectifier engineer, and she asked me if that was legal."
Oleg Khaykin, IR's president and CEO, said, "The development and growth of International Rectifier was a great source of pride to him and as we continue to grow as a company, the legacy of Eric's leadership during his 60 years at IR will remain."
Indeed that legacy includes two of his sons, Derek and Alex, enjoying long semiconductor-industry careers--Alex for many years as IR's CEO and Derek as IR CEO and later founder and CEO of iSuppli, now IHS iSuppli. In addition, he is also survived by a third son, Alan, a daughter, Melodie and nine grandchildren. In 1952, he married the woman he called the love of his life, Elizabeth, who is an award-winning painter.
During that Italian lunch in seaside Southern California--where Eric Lidow always ordered a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne to celebrate life--he said "I don't know why me, but I'm greatly honored (by the lifetime achievement award). Moments like these also offer great opportunities to look ahead. We all must find ways to continue to innovate."
Related stories:
--IR's Lidow is '07 ACE honoree
--All-electric car in sight, ACE winner says
--Lidow returns with 'disruptive' GaN startup
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dylan.mcgrath
1/22/2013 2:01 AM EST
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Lidow once, very briefly. But I had no idea he'd led such an extraordinary life. Wow. Nice tribute to a true electronics pioneer.
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docdivakar
1/23/2013 1:29 PM EST
Dylan,there was an event here in the bay area years ago honoring Mr. Lidow. I missed it unfortunately.
Soon after Alex Lidow was involved with GaN-on-silicon technology, Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC), we invited him to speak at IEEE Power Electronics society:
Is it the End of the Road for Silicon in Power Management? “How Big Things” Happen In America.
http://ewh.ieee.org/r6/scv/pels/archive/2010meetings.html
MP Divakar
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William Miller
3/22/2013 8:28 AM EDT
This was a great man I can say on reading this article. And what he said about modern teens is 100% true. It bothers me too. Ignoring this issue now may influence our future greatly!
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William - http://www.carid.com/
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