Around the Circuit
Industry News
FP-WJ Acquisition Corp. , a new company formed by certain investment funds managed by Fox Paine & Co. LLC, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Watkins-Johnson Co. (WJ) through a recapitalization merger transaction. Under the terms of the merger agreement, outstanding shares of WJ will be converted into the right to receive $41.125 per share in cash. The transaction is expected to be completed early this year. In related news, WJ’s Wireless Products Group and Sprint have signed a multiyear master purchase agreement for the use of WJ repeaters in the Sprint PCS all-digital nationwide network.
Intercept Technology Inc. , Atlanta, GA, has acquired certain intellectual property assets of software development and consulting company ESA Design Inc. , including parametric symbol and geometry generation technology. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. In related news, Intercept Technology has opened a new sales office in the UK to increase sales of printed circuit board, hybrid and multichip module software applications.
JDS Uniphase Corp. , San Jose, CA, has acquired Ramar Corp. , Northboro, MA. Under the terms of the agreement, Ramar will be integrated into the JDS Uniphase modulator business, which produces lithium niobate modulator components for the telecommunications industry. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Corning Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Oak Industries Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Corning will exchange 0.83 share of common stock for each outstanding share of Oak Industries common stock. The transaction is valued at approximately $1.8 B and is expected to close in the first quarter of this year pending regulatory and shareholder approval.
Communication Solutions Inc. has established CommEX LLC , a wholly owned subsidiary that will focus on the design and manufacture of high frequency, VHF/UHF high performance surveillance receivers, special-purpose spectrum survey tools and related products. The new company is located at 15204 Omega Dr., Rockville, MD 20850 (240) 632-0900, fax (240) 632-0810 or e-mail: sales@comsol-inc.com.
Stanford Microdevices Inc. , Sunnyvale, CA, has announced plans to implement an organizational structure with strategic business units focused on specific markets that serve wireless and wired infrastructure equipment suppliers as well as a new business unit focused on the broadband, high linearity standard product market. The reorganization is a result of the company’s ongoing strategic initiative and planning efforts to enhance growth profitability and better serve existing and new customers.
EEV Ltd. has changed its name to Marconi Applied Technologies following the restructuring of its parent company Marconi plc. The company, which supplies strategic technology components and modules to a wide customer base, will operate from facilities in Essex and Lincoln, UK with sales and distribution subsidiaries in New York, Toronto and Paris.
Microwave Test Solutions Inc. , Clarksburg, NJ, has changed its name to In-Phase Technologies Inc. to more accurately represent the company’s expanded capabilities, including the design, development and manufacture of automated test equipment and systems, and off-the-shelf products for high performance, hi-rel applications in aerospace, electronics, medical, military, PCN and transportation.
American Microsystems Inc. (AMI) has opened a new design center to increase the company’s current advanced analog and mixed-signal design capabilities and develop high precision analog functions for standard CMOS processes. The new design center is located at 677 East 7730 South, Suite 201, American Fork, UT 84003. Design center manager Don Comers can be reached at (801) 763-5436.
RFIC solution designer and manufacturer ANADIGICS Inc. , Warren, NJ, has opened a modern 5500-square-foot remote design center in Newbury Park, CA to expand its design capacity and establish a West Coast support center for western US and Asia/Pacific customers. The new facility features state-of-the-art CAD tools and a design verification/customer applications RF laboratory.
Trace Laboratories - EMC Division has opened a newly renovated 27,000-square-foot electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) facility that houses a three-meter semi-anechoic RF test chamber and a shielded control room for EMC testing to support the electronics, medical equipment, automotive, aerospace and telecommunications industries. The facility is located at 1150 West Euclid Ave., Palatine, IL 60067 (847) 934-5300, fax (847) 934-4600 or e-mail: info@tracelabs.com. In related news, Trace’s EMC Division has received ISO Guide 25 certification from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation.
RF/microwave and wireless representation and distribution firm mmWave Technologies Inc. , Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, has opened an office in Latin America. The company has undergone rapid expansion during the past two years, growing from four offices at the end of 1997 to 18 offices worldwide today.
Sophisticated electronic and communications product, system engineering solution, and aerospace engine and component provider Teledyne Technologies Inc. has become an independent, publicly held company following its spin-off from former parent company Allegheny Teledyne Inc.
TRW Inc. and RF Micro Devices Inc. (RFMD) have expanded their strategic relationship though several agreements that license RFMD to use TRW’s patented gallium arsenide heterojunction bipolar transistor technology to manufacture products for commercial coaxial and other nonfiber wire applications, including the broadband wired market.
High performance mixed-signal and digital IC manufacturer Analog Devices Inc. has entered into a strategic relationship with Karl Suss to launch a fully automated aligned substrate bonding operation at Analog Devices’ facility in Cambridge, MA. Analog Devices will utilize the Suss ABS 150 automated bonding cluster to perform key processes related to its new iMEMS line of sensor products; Karl Suss will provide on-site technical support and training.
Electronic component distributor Laube Technology , Camarillo, CA, has selected Tri Star Distribution as its stocking distributor for the San Diego marketplace. Tri Star will stock a broad line of active and passive components for Laube and provide value-added needs, JIT and kitting for original equipment manufacturers and contract manufacturers in the San Diego area.
Berkeley Varitronics Systems Inc. , Metuchen, NJ, has selected NAVAIR Inc. , Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, to distribute its standard product line of portable wireless test and measurement products throughout Canada.
RF Monolithics Inc. (RFM) , Dallas, TX, has entered into a two-year agreement with Honeywell Controls Products Group , Golden Valley, MN, whereby RFM will supply Honeywell with its new, fully integrated receiver product, a derivative of its application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)-based transceiver that was launched in February 1999. Honeywell Controls Products intends to use the receiver in an RF wireless controller that will further evolve into a complete home automation network.
BTC Electronic Components has entered into a distribution agreement with Sumitomo Electric Interconnect Products to distribute its line of environmentally sealed shield terminators. The terminators provide a completely visible connection through a transparent heat-shrinkable sleeve, allowing the connection to be easily inspected.
Elanix Inc. , Westlake Village, CA, has entered into a partnership with Texas Instruments to provide the SystemView TMS320C6000 DSP Design Suite, a comprehensive digital signal processing (DSP) development solution that will support Texas Instruments’ eXpressDSPª real-time software technology. The solution is expected to provide a highly integrated design environment that offers bit-true fixed and floating point DSP system design, C code generation and integration with Code Composer Studioª for rapid prototyping, real-time analysis and debugging.
Rambus® Inc. , Mountain View, CA, has fully qualified Agilent Technologies’ Agilent 54750 digitizing oscilloscope for measuring signal integrity on Rambus-based motherboards and Rambus Inline Memory Module (RIMM™) PCBs. The Agilent 54750 oscilloscope with time domain reflectometry provides highly accurate impedance measurements of 28 ohm Rambus-based PCBs by using a technique called normalization.
Alpha Industries Inc. , Woburn, MA, has entered into an agreement with Ericsson to develop multichip modules for leading-edge digital wireless telephone standards, including EDGE and other future highly linear applications. The modules are expected to help new third-generation standards achieve extremely high data rates while remaining compatible with today’s digital standards.
Decibel Products Inc. , an Allen Telecom company, has been selected as a preferred vendor by Sprint PCS of Kansas City, MO for the supply of a wide variety of PCS antennas and wireless equipment for its Phase III build-out.
Hewlett-Packard Co. has announced that Conexant Systems Inc. has taken delivery of a second HP 94000 automated test system for verifying high quality CMOS imaging solutions. Conexant’s CMOS imaging chips enable emerging digital image communications applications such as PC-based video cameras, personal digital assistants and cellular telephones.
Tektronix Inc.’s Measurement Business Division has launched a new lease program, Tektronix eQuip Finance,™ which will provide customers with quick and easy access to the most current measurement services available for meeting stringent time-to-market demands. The lease program will offer highly competitive leasing rates and flexible financing options to customers for all test and measurement equipment, service contracts, installation and software.
Palomar Technologies has been selected as the 1999 Grand Award Winner of the prestigious Editors’ Choice Best Product Award for Semiconductor Manufacturing Excellence presented annually by Semiconductor International magazine for its CBT 6000™ high speed large area wire bonder. The award recognizes companies that develop a product that truly makes a difference in semiconductor manufacturing.
The National Electronic Distributor’s Association has named ceramic electronic component manufacturer Murata Electronics North America Inc. 1999 Passive Components Manufacturer of the Year. The award recognizes a company that demonstrates a commitment to a distribution strategy.
Circuit Assembly Corp. , Irvine, CA, has received ISO 9001-1994 certification from TUV Essen Quality Systems.
Allgon Mobile Communications has delivered 200 million terminal antennas since 1993. Reportedly, more than 40 percent of the world’s mobile phones are equipped with an Allgon antenna.
Kyocera America Inc. ’s flip chip assembly line has passed process qualification testing, which included testing for temperature cycle, steam pressure pot, liquid-to-liquid thermal shock, high temperature storage and high humidity/temperature.
Financial News
Aeroflex Inc. reports sales of $42.1 M for the first quarter, ended September 30, 1999, compared to $31.6 M for the same period in 1998. Net income was $2.9 M (15¢/diluted share), compared to $2.3 M (12¢/diluted share) for the same quarter in 1998.
ANADIGICS Inc. reports sales of $35.5 M for the third quarter, ended October 3, 1999, compared to $22 M for the same period in 1998. Net income was $2.7 M (16¢/diluted share), compared to $5.0 M (34¢/diluted share) for the third quarter of 1998. In related news, ANADIGICS has increased its offering of common stock by 10 percent to 3.3 million shares at $34.75 per share, compared to the originally contemplated offering of three million shares. In connection with the offering, the company has granted the underwriters the right to purchase up to 495,000 additional shares to cover over-allotments.
Watkins-Johnson Co. reports sales from continuing operations of $28.8 M for the third quarter, ended September 24, 1999, compared to $19.1 M for the same period in 1998. Net income from continuing operations was $6.9 M ($1/diluted share), compared to a net loss of $8.9 M ($1.13/diluted share) for the third quarter of 1998.
American Technical Ceramics Corp. reports sales of $11.9 M for the first quarter, ended September 30, 1999, compared to $8.6 M for the same period in 1998. Net income was $830 K (21¢/diluted share), compared to a net loss of $82 K (2¢/diluted share) for the same quarter in 1998.
Ansoft Corp. reports sales of $7.4 M for the second quarter, ended October 31, 1999, compared to $5.5 M for the same period in 1998. Net loss was $26 K (0¢/diluted share), compared to a net loss of $686 K (6¢/diluted share) for the second quarter of 1998.
Wireless broadband networking solution provider Wireless Inc. , Santa Clara, CA, has completed a private placement totaling $9 M with new investments from Gemini Investors and Stratford Equity Partners LP. Original investors included Crossroads Venture Capital LLC, HMS Hawaii, Advent International and private investors. The funds will be used to continue the growth of the company.
Precision time and frequency product manufacturer TrueTime Inc. , Santa Rosa, CA, has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering of three million shares of its common stock with a par value of 1¢ per share.
Contracts
REMEC Inc. , San Diego, CA, has been awarded a $9.42 M contract by Raytheon Systems Co. for the initial production of a series of microwave multifunction modules used in defense electronic communication systems.
Honeywell Space Systems has entered into a contract with Mitsubishi Electronic Corp.-Kamakura Works to provide Space Integrated Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (SIGI) systems for NASA’s H-II transfer vehicle, an expendable re-supply vehicle for the Japanese Experiment Module of the International Space Station. The initial contract for a SIGI for one vehicle and an option for three other vehicles is valued at more than $4 M.
RF interference mitigation technology provider Electro-Radiation Inc. (ERI) has been awarded a US Army Fast Track Small Business Innovative Research Phase II contract to provide its GPS Interference Suppression Unit for the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter requirements. Under the terms of the 24-month contract, ERI is expected to perform research and development to enhance the anti-jam performance of the GPS receiver using a single antenna with associated electronics. The contract is valued at approximately $1.5 M.
Signal Technology Corp.’s Keltec Operation , Fort Walton Beach, FL, has received a $1.3 M contract for production quantities of the AN/AAQ-24 (V) directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) power supplies. The DIRCM system is slated for use aboard the USAF C-130 and AC-130U Specter gunships, and the business potential could exceed $12 M over the next five years. In related news, Signal Technology’s Arizona Operation has received a contract valued at $690 K from Ankara, Turkey-based Microwave Electronic Systems Inc. for F-16 jamming digitally tuned oscillators. Deliveries are expected to begin this year.
SCIENTECH’s Transmission and Telecom Services Group (T&T) has been awarded a contract by Motorola to provide an assessment of a proposed microwave radio system for the New York City Police Department. The scope of work includes an evaluation of the proposed design and an assessment of its capabilities to handle full radio traffic loading during emergencies. In addition, T&T has received a contract from VoiceStream Wireless to provide engineering services for the design of cell sites for VoiceStream’s PCS network build-out in Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI. Financial terms of both contracts were not disclosed.
Berkeley Varitronics Systems Inc. , Metuchen, NJ, has been awarded a contract by Hughes Network Systems of India to deliver five receiver systems comprising Champ Ultra-Lites and Champ receivers for expansion of the fixed wireless network in India. In related news, Lucent Technologies Inc., Whippany, NJ, also has awarded a contract to Berkeley Varitronics Systems for the provision of PCS Fox receivers and Panther four-band receivers for RF propagation analysis. Financial details of both contracts were not disclosed.
Larus Corp. and Lucent Technologies Inc. have renewed a contract whereby Larus will supply DS1 lightwave multiplex systems to Lucent. The systems are designed to provide lightwave extensions of TI facilities between buildings or from vaults and pedestals for campus, high rise and business park applications, and to subscriber loop carriers serving suburban areas. Financial details of the contract were not disclosed.
Personnel
Maryland MPC LLC has announced the retirement of Bob Deitz after more than 40 years in the industry. Most recently, Deitz was sales and operations manager at the company. He will be replaced by Don Shippey who has been involved in all aspects of the industry for more than 20 years.
RF Monolithics Inc. (RFM) has appointed Michael R. Bernique to the newly created position of chairman of the board. Bernique has served on the company’s board of directors since 1997 and is currently president and CEO of TelOptica Inc. In addition, David M. Kirk has been named president and CEO and appointed to the RFM board of directors. Kirk has been VP, marketing at the company since 1998.
Microwave Power Devices Inc. (MPD) has appointed Alfred Weber president and CEO to replace the retiring Edward J. Shubel . Weber is also currently the company’s chairman of the board.
Stellex Electronics Inc. has appointed David G. Wopschall VP and CFO. Previously, Wopschall was CFO for a division of the Unocal Corp.
Blake Fennell has been appointed COO at Melles Griot Photonics Group. Fennell has been with the company since 1990 and, most recently, was VP and general manger of its Laser Group.
William L. Shillito has been named executive VP of Prodelin, a TriPoint Global company. Shillito has been with Prodelin since 1992 and, most recently, was VP of operations and engineering.
David Kim has joined Nextec RF & Microwave Inc. as executive VP. Most recently, Kim was VP, engineering at CPI Inc.
Stanford Microdevices Inc. has named Gary Gianatasio general manager of wireless infrastructure products and Greg Baker general manager of its standard products business unit. Prior to these appointments, Gianatasio was manager of strategy and new business development and Baker was engineering VP at the company.
Andrew Corp. has appointed James A. Yard VP, broadband wireless systems group. Yard has more than 25 years of experience in cable TV and multichannel, multipoint distribution systems and, most recently, worked for Sprint in wireless network development.
Voltronics Corp. has named George J. Blanar senior VP, sales and marketing. Previously, Blanar was VP, sales and marketing at Giga-tronics Inc.
Quad Systems Corp. has announced several new personnel appointments, including Elmer O’Brien as VP, technical services and support, Matt Stackhouse as senior director of technical services and Edward Conson as service manager for the eastern US region. Most recently, O’Brien was director of field service, Stackhouse was director of technical services and Conson was field service engineer at the company.
The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) has honored John McDonald with the EIA Distinguished Service Award, William Peverill with the 1999 Engineering Award of Excellence and Peter M. Ildau with the Market Research Department Award of Excellence. The awards were presented during the EIA’s 75th annual fall conference in Rancho Mirage, CA.
Wayne S. Evans has been appointed director of lean manufacturing at TriPoint Global Communications. Evans has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing process technology and, most recently, was director of lean manufacturing at Pyramid Mouldings Inc.
Bruce Lenihan has been named director of European sales at Alpha Industries. Most recently, Lenihan was regional sales director for Europe and the Middle East at RF Monolithics Inc.
Kyocera America Inc. (KAI) has named Rick Sigliano national sales manager of Japan ceramic products and Fritz Johnson national sales man- ager of organic products. Most recently, Sigliano was general manager of technology development at KAI and Johnson was technical program and business development manager at Johnson Matthey Electronics.
Douglas Kremer has been named regional sales manager, north central states for Microwave Instrumentation Technologies LLC. Kremer has been with the company since 1998 as a systems integration specialist.
RLC Electronics Inc. has named Robert DeBrecht general manager. DeBrecht has more than 21 years of experience in the microwave industry and, most recently, was VP of engineering at General Microwave Corp.
K&L Microwave Inc. has appointed Jon Stafford director and general manager of its Bridlington, UK facility. Most recently, Stafford was business development director as well as a business unit manager at Nera Telecommunications.
High power microwave amplifier and system designer and manufacturer Milmega has named Dominic FitzPatrick technical director.
Rep Appointments
Tekmark Inc. , Alpharetta, GA, has named JNP Inc. to represent its high quality quartz frequency control products for the computer, telecommunications, wireless data communications, CEM and OEM markets in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.
Gabriel Electronics Inc. , Scarborough, ME, has selected K-C Marketers Inc. , Littleton, CO, to represent its wireless broadband, point-to-point and point-to-multipoint antenna products, transmission line systems and pressurization equipment in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, eastern Idaho and eastern Montana.
Web Sites
Microlab/FXR , Livingston, NJ, has launched a new Web site that includes data sheets on all of the company’s catalog products. The site, which is located at www.microlab.fxr.com, enables users to efficiently download data sheets on products such as unequal power dividers, DC blocks and lowpass filters for the wireless market.
Wavetek Corp. , San Diego, CA, has introduced a Pay-per-Procedure facility on its Web site located at www.wavetek-precision.com. The service makes its easier for users of the company’s Portocal-II or 9010 automated calibration software to access a library of more than 2000 fully tested and documented calibration procedures.