Les Besser

Les Besser (born 1936

Besser began working on simulators during his employment at Hewlett-Packard (1966–1969), using the BASIC computer language and time-sharing computers. After leaving HP, he joined the newly formed microwave division of Fairchild Semiconductor, where he authored his first-generation program, SPEEDY, Besser later converted another program, originally written for his graduate thesis work, to run on a commercial time-share system and launched a part-time business, Compact Engineering (later renamed Compact Software). Besser submitted the description of COMPACT to IEEE Transactions on Circuit Theory in 1972, but it was initially rejected, and was not accepted until after the addition of a large amount of mathematics into it.

He has been a member of the American Hungarian Federation. In 2018, Besser and his wife Susan were living in Carlsbad, California.

Awards and recognition IEEE Life Fellow 1983: IEEE MTT "Microwave Applications Award" 1987: IEEE RFTG "Career Award" 2000: IEEE "Third Centennial Medal" 2006: IEEE Educational Activities Board's "Meritorious Achievement Award in Continuing Education" 2007: IEEE MTT "Distinguished Educator" award 2024: IEEE MTT "Career Award"