Bernard M. Oliver

Bernard More Oliver
Bernard More Oliver
Born	Bernard More Oliver; 17 May 1916 (age 110); Soquel Valley near Santa Cruz, California, U.S.
Died	23 November 1995 (aged 79)
Other names	Barney Oliver
Occupation(s)	Engineer, computer scientist
Years active	1940–1981
Known for	Pioneering work in radar, television, computer technologies; founding HP Labs; SETI program involvement
Notable work	Co-development of pulse-code modulation (PCM), leadership in creation of HP-35 calculator

Bernard More Oliver (May 17, 1916 – November 23, 1995), commonly referred to as Barney Oliver, was an American engineer renowned for his pioneering work in areas such as radar, television, and computer technologies. He established and led the research division at Hewlett-Packard (HP) until his retirement in 1981. Additionally, Oliver played a significant role in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) program. In 1965, he held the position of president at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

In recognition of his achievements, Oliver was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences in 1973 and received the National Medal of Science for contributions to Engineering Science in 1986. His legacy was further honored with his induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2004. The asteroid designated 2177 Oliver carries his name as a tribute.

Early life and education

Born to Margaret (née More) and William Oliver, Bernard (Barney) More Oliver grew up on a ranch located in Soquel Valley near Santa Cruz, California. He completed his bachelor's degree at Stanford University in 1935 and followed it with a master's degree in 1936. After spending a year studying in Germany on a scholarship, he earned his Ph.D. magna cum laude from Caltech in 1940.

Early career

From 1940 until 1952, Oliver was part of the technical team at Bell Labs.

HP Labs

Oliver took on the role of Hewlett-Packard's Director of Research in 1952 and was instrumental in founding HP Labs. By 1957, he advanced to Vice President of R&D and secured a seat on HP’s Board of Directors, positions he maintained until 1981.

In May 1972, the Barney Oliver Amplifier became available to nearly all HP product and sales staff at a price of $325, with orders reaching 400 by February 1973. This amplifier originated as an after-hours "G" project—a company policy permitting engineers to develop personal innovations using HP’s resources—spearheaded by Oliver alongside contributions from electrical, mechanical, industrial design, and layout teams. By May 1973, HP had manufactured 400 units exclusively for employees; earlier versions were distributed as kits.

Bill Hewlett’s Barney Oliver Amplifier carried serial number 554.

"An old friend of mine who was one of the chief engineers at Hewlett-Packard, Barney Oliver, decided to make a power amplifier... It was a terrible amplifier, and Barney... was one of the smartest engineers going. The notion that audio is simple and easy to do is a big fantasy." - Richard Sequerra, Stereophile, April 26, 2009

Works

Scientific contributions

Co-developed pulse-code modulation (PCM) alongside John R. Pierce and Claude Shannon
Directed the team responsible for creating the HP-35 (HP calculators)

Chairs, foundations, and awards

Honored with induction into The National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2004
The SETI Institute established the Bernard M. Oliver Chair in 1997
The Bernard Oliver Memorial Fund supports associated research efforts
Recipient of the National Medal of Science in Engineering in 1986
Namesake for the Oliver Observing Station at the Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy
Awarded the prestigious IEEE Lamme Medal in 1977

Personal life

In 1945, he wed Priscilla Newton, and together they raised three children: Karen, Gretchen, and William.

External links

Oliver, Bernard M., 1916-. (1986). Oral history interview with Bernard More Oliver. Charles Babbage Institute. Accessed via the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy, http://hdl.handle.net/11299/107590. PDF
Biography of Bernard More Oliver at the SETI Institute