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13 Aug 2024

The Gift from India: USB and Ajay Bhatt’s Game-Changing Invention

Written by

The Logical Indian

Category

Tech and Engineering

Views

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of technology, some inventions stand out not just for their utility but for the impact they have on our daily lives. One such revolutionary invention that has become a ubiquitous part of our digital existence is the Universal Serial Bus, or USB. What many might not know is that this game-changing technology has its roots in the brilliance of an Indian inventor, Ajay Bhatt.

The Birth of USB: A Eureka Moment

In the 1990s, computers were becoming household essentials. However, connecting peripherals like printers and keyboards was not as simple as it is today. This inconvenience struck close to home for Ajay Bhatt when his wife struggled to print letters for their daughter’s school project. Fuelled by the need to simplify such tasks and create a universal standard for computer hardware connectivity, Ajay Bhatt embarked on a journey that would change the face of technology.

The Ingenious Mind Behind USB

Ajay Bhatt, born on 6 September 1957 in Baroda, India, is an unsung hero in the tech world. After completing his education at Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda and pursuing a Master’s degree in New York, Bhatt joined Intel in 1990. His early days at Intel saw him working as a senior staff architect, where he became a pivotal member of the chipset architecture team.

Bhatt’s inventive spirit did not stop there; he went on to earn recognition as an Intel Fellow, contributing significantly to the development of technologies like Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), PCI Express, and Platform Power Management Architecture. However, his crowning achievement that reshaped the way we connect devices was the creation of USB.

The USB Revolution: A Standard for All

The USB invention was born out of the necessity to streamline the connectivity between computers and peripheral devices. Ajay Bhatt envisioned a world where users could seamlessly connect printers, keyboards, and other devices across different brands without compatibility issues. This vision became a reality with the Universal Serial Bus, a standard that transcended the boundaries of different computer hardware.

In the 1990s, users were restricted to using peripherals from the same brand as their computers. With USB, Ajay Bhatt eliminated this constraint, allowing users to choose devices based on their preferences. This not only enhanced user convenience but also led to a reduction in overall computer costs, as USB-connected peripherals could be produced at a lower price.

Global Recognition and Awards

The impact of Ajay Bhatt’s invention did not go unnoticed. His contributions to technology earned him a place in history, with 132 international and US patents to his name. In 2002, Bhatt received the Achievement in Excellence Award for his dedication to the development of PCI Express. However, it was the invention of USB that earned him international acclaim.

In 2013, the European Inventor Award, presented by the European Patent Office, honoured Ajay V Bhatt and his team for their groundbreaking work on USB technology. This award recognised the USB as one of the most significant advances in computing since the silicon chip. The USB, now an industry standard, connects billions of electronic devices worldwide, from webcams to mobile phones and memory sticks.

A Gift from India to the World

Ajay Bhatt’s humble demeanour and focus on problem-solving rather than seeking personal recognition embody the spirit of his invention. Despite having the opportunity to sell his groundbreaking idea for significant financial gain, Bhatt remained with Intel, ensuring that the USB became a global standard accessible to everyone.

Conclusion

In essence, the USB is a gift from India to the world, a testament to the brilliance of Ajay Bhatt. This unassuming inventor not only revolutionised connectivity but also opened the doors to a world where technology seamlessly integrates into our lives. Today, as we plug and play with the USB, let’s take a moment to appreciate the ingenuity that originated from an Indian mind, making our digital interactions smoother and more accessible than ever before.

References:

Your Tech Story, Jayshri, 4th May 2020 https://www.yourtechstory.com/2020/05/04/ajay-bhatt-the-mastermind-behind-invention-of-usb/
Economic Times, 29th May 2013
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/nris-in-news/indian-inventor-ajay-bhatt-led-team-honoured-by-eu-for-developing-popular-usb/articleshow/20315918.cms?from=mdr
TME.com
https://www.tme.com/in/en/news/library-articles/page/44153/ajay-bhatt-the-inventor-of-the-usb/
India Today - 03/01/2017
https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/co-inventor-usb-ajay-bhatt-952941-2017-01-03

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IndiaFirst Life & the logical indian

Headquartered in Mumbai, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life), is one of the country's youngest life insurance companies. The Logical Indian is an independent and public-spirited digital media platform for Indian Millennials. IndiaFirst Life and The Logical Indian have come together to showcase India’s rich history of innovation in different fields of life which have made a significant mark on humanity and globally. The information presented here is the result of a collaborative effort between The IndiaFirst Life, Dentsu Creative & The Logical Indian. All research and fact-finding is credited to Dentsu Creative in association with The Logical Indian.