When talking about the history of when the FM radio was invented, the mention of Edwin Armstrong is inevitable. In 1933, Armstrong discovered a transmitter-to-receiver radio system, paving the way for the first coherent method of high-fidelity broadcasting.
However, it was just a grain in the sand. The 1900s saw an iconic battle between the technology behemoths, Marconi and Tesla, to patent the radio.
But why is it a matter of conjecture as to who out of the two was the inventor of the radio? Well, let’s find it out.
Who was Marconi?
Guglielmo Giovanni Maria Marconi was an Italian electrical engineer, physicist, and, more importantly, an inventor.
He received worldwide recognition for developing a practical, long-distance radio wave-based wireless telegraph system, which later broadcasted the first ever transatlantic radio signal in 1901. Thus, he is known as the father of radio technology.
Some of his other notable discoveries are as follows.
- Ionization – He discovered how the process of ionization affects radio waves being reflected off the earth in conjunction with sunlight. It was quite a breakthrough in understanding waves of different frequencies and their effects.
- Directional Antenna – He developed and patented a horizontal directional antenna that furthered the radio’s range by focusing the transmitter’s energy toward the specific location of the receiver.
What Does Marconi Stand for Now?
Marconi Technologies Inc. is now a leading organization in telecommunication, radio communication, patent licensing, and technological innovation.
Some of their unique offerings include Cellular Boosters and Bi-Directional Amplifier/ Distributive Antenna System (BDA/DAS).
Who was Tesla?
Nikola Tesla was a Serbian American electrical and mechanical engineer and inventor.
He was believed to have impeccable futuristic views and is still revered to this day for his priceless contributions to the field of transmission and supply of electricity.
Some of his notable inventions include the following.
- Tesla Coil – It is a stupefying system consisting of a primary and secondary coil, between which voltage sparks at a baffling speed due to the magnetic field. Though less relevant today, this invention propelled us in the right direction of electrical advancement.
- Magnifying Transmitter – It was based on the Tesla coil technology and called the triple coil system. It had an enormous outer structure with the capacity to generate foot-long lightning bolts and volts of electricity in millions.
What Does Tesla Stand for Now?
Elon Musk co-founded and is now the CEO of Tesla Inc. as a tribute to Nikola Tesla’s contributions.
The cars manufactured by Tesla Motors use motors that were the brainchild of this famous inventor. Thus, Tesla Inc. is now a giant electric vehicle and energy generation manufacturer.
Marconi vs. Tesla – The Tussle
Both Guglielmo Marconi and Nikola Tesla were geniuses of their times, having made life-altering contributions to the field of science and technology.
However, the million-dollar question is, who invented the radio? And this question continues to have contradictory answers.
During the 1900s, Marconi and Tesla were among many people filing patents over the radio.
Many scientists and like-minded professionals raced towards getting their hands first on the patent to become the person whose name will be etched in history as the connoisseur of radio.
Marconi made applications on more than one occasion, but they were rejected since his work depended on Tesla coils.
However, he continued to work past these obstacles and gathered financial support to enhance the leverage he could gain over other applicants.
The Outcome
A few years later, in 1904, Marconi finally celebrated a triumph over his nemesis, Nikola Tesla.
It was a shock since Marconi’s applications were rejected on multiple occasions in the past.
However, this was not long-lasting either. Marconi’s company sued the U.S. government for patent infringement during World War I in 1943.
To their dismay, the case never made it to court, and the Apex Court stripped their rights and restored Tesla as the inventor of the radio.
But in foresight, Marconi’s company already had a dominant position and a firm grip over the wireless communication industry.
What Went Wrong?
Though one cannot precisely pinpoint where things went south, it is believed that Tesla did not consider Marconi a formidable competitor in the first place.
Tesla was often preoccupied with his inventions and paid less attention to availing his rights and protecting his creations.
On the other hand, Marconi faced multiple rejections since his work was too similar to that of Tesla.
It led to a to and fro unspoken tiff between the two. And Marconi’s subsequent victories only added to the existing feud.
The Rivalry
Having lost the patent right, Tesla was defeated. A setback indeed, but he did not back down. Things took a legal turn.
The two took matters to court in 1915. Tesla sued Marconi for patent infringement.
This was the second blow when Tesla lost the case due to the lack of financial strength required to litigate against a corporate giant.
Before this, Marconi won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1909. These successive wins for Marconi did not dull the fire but intensified the rivalry between the two business titans.
The grim battle between two great minds over who will be remembered and respected for being the inventor of the radio went on for quite some time.
However, on the brighter side, this only propelled technological advancement and innovation in the field of science.
Conclusion
Conflicting opinions over who invented the radio are discussed even today, but the contributions of both Marconi and Tesla remain significant.
No matter the outcome, we will continue to reap the benefits of their prowess.
