Ted is no stranger to what it takes to be innovative. His biggest achievement developing TI's FRAM technology was over 10 years in the making. But by staying committed to his vision, and through persistence to drive it forward, what was once a small research project is paying off today for TI and its customers.

FRAM (pronounced EF-ram) delivers low-energy memory, and the technology is today in high-volume production, playing a significant role in medical, consumer and industrial applications. The technology allows products to work more efficiently and longer on a single battery charge. Now Ted is focused on broadening applications for the technology and investigating how to integrate nonvolatile memory with analog and digital technology to help products become smarter and more efficient.

The technology's benefits to the medical market are particularly compelling, he says, and it's extremely rewarding to play a role in bettering people's lives by improving healthcare quality. FRAM could soon help blood pressure monitors and heart monitors store more data, including critical biological information, and it could revolutionize technology such as implantable devices and hearing aids by greatly extending their battery life.

Ted sees a continuous need for innovation in both design and materials. In many ways, new materials enable new applications. There is a constant opportunity to improve functionality – beyond what can be done in design – through the use of processes and materials. Finding the right balance is the key, he says.

Innovation also takes a lot of homework. Success requires a brutally honest evaluation of today's market, where it's going and where to intercept it in a meaningful way that has a positive impact. Then everyone involved must be absolutely committed to the innovation and to surmounting all the hurdles that will be encountered along the way. Ted believes it's also crucial to have partners who understand and believe in a shared vision to help bring the result to market.