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Dr. Don Parker |
Dr. Don Parker, one of the most respected leaders in the microwave profession, died on February 2, 2005. He was 71 years old. He was born in Ogden, UT, and graduated from Brigham Young University with a BSEE in 1956. He received his Master’s in Physics from Harvard in 1957 and his Doctor of Science from MIT in 1964. He worked at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the USAF Electronic Systems Division, Stanford Research Labs and Hughes Aircraft Co. His technical career spanned 44 years. He was a Life Fellow of IEEE and a past president of MTT-S. His volunteer service for MTT-S started in 1972 and covered almost every function of the society. He was awarded the prestigious 1989 MTT-S Distinguished Service Award. He was very active outside the microwave profession as well. He was a member of numerous professional organizations, a teacher at four separate colleges and was a lifelong volunteer for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a positive impact on everyone he met. He will be missed but not forgotten. A memorial session will be held in his honor at this year’s MTT-S Symposium in Long Beach, CA, on Tuesday afternoon at 1:20 pm.
Herley Industries Inc. announced that it has acquired Micro Systems Inc. The acquisition was an all cash transaction totaling approximately $20 M. Micro Systems specializes in the engineering, design and manufacturing of command and control systems for operation and tracking of unmanned aerial, seaborne and ground targets and missiles. Company revenues for fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 were approximately $14 M. Micro Systems will remain in its Ft. Walton Beach, FL location, and will operate as a subsidiary of Herley Industries Inc.
Mimix Broadband Inc. announced that it has acquired a majority stake in Hocom Communications Inc., a MMIC test, inspection and packaging operation based in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Mimix plans to operate Hocom as a production center. This acquisition allows Mimix to gain immediate access to nearly 8,000 square feet of production floor space in Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park, which is in close proximity to Mimix’s wafer fabrication and other production partners. The strategic location of Hocom enables Mimix to shorten its production cycle time and to expedite delivery to its customers.
Agilent Technologies Inc. and Wavics announced the completion of an agreement for Agilent to acquire Wavics, a Korean-based designer and manufacturer of power amplifier modules for the worldwide mobile handset market. Wavics’ patented technology is expected to strengthen Agilent in power amplifiers and front-end modules, and enable customers to design smaller handsets with more features and extended talk time. The acquisition is subject to closing conditions, and financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
AR Modular RF, a division of AR Worldwide, has announced that it has reached an agreement with Automated Business Power to supply private label versions of its battle-tested KMW booster amplifiers. Automated Business Power will make the amplifiers available to government customers through the GSA sales channel using its GSA contract number GS-07F-0200K. This line of amplifiers includes models KMW2050 (200 W CW, 225 to 400 MHz), KMW2030 (125 W CW, 30 to 512 MHz) and KMW1030 (20 W CW, 30 to 512 MHz), all of which work in the 30 to 512 MHz SATCOM frequency bands.
Applied Wave Research Inc. (AWR®) and Auriga Measurement Systems LLC announced an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement that provides designers and modeling engineers with a powerful new modeling and extraction solution. Under the terms of the agreement, Auriga will embed AWR’s Microwave Office® design software into the company’s soon-to-be-released measurement and model extraction system.
In separate agreements, Andrew Corp. has licensed its patented remote electrical tilt (RET) antenna technology for base station antennas to CSA Wireless Group, Kent, UK, and Newton, NC; Jaybeam Ltd., Northamptonshire, UK, and its sister company MAT Equipment SAS, Amboise, France; and Sigma Wireless Technologies Ltd., Dublin, Ireland. The agreements entitle these companies to use Andrew’s patented RET technology in the antennas they produce and distribute to customers. Financial details of the agreements are not being disclosed.
Filtronic plc and RF Micro Devices Inc. (RFMD) announced the signing of a supply agreement for the manufacture of high volume PHEMT GaAs products on the Filtronic 6 inch processing facility based in Newton Aycliffe, UK. RFMD will incorporate the PHEMT GaAs products into its own modules aimed at mobile handset and WLAN applications. Under the terms of the agreement, Filtronic has become RFMD’s Tier 1 supplier for GaAs PHEMT technology, where RFMD will use Filtronic as its preferred supplier of PHEMT integrated products for all its requirements. In related news, RFMD announced the opening of a new customer support and design center in Toulouse, France. The office was established to support collaboration between RFMD and leading wireless manufacturers located in Toulouse and other parts of Europe. The office will focus on the development of next-generation EDGE and WCDMA cellular products.
Harris Corp. announced that Sprint has named Harris as its preferred provider of point-to-point microwave technology. Sprint signed a four-year agreement to use TRuepoint,™ Harris’ next-generation microwave radio, as a transport alternative versus leasing wire line facilities in select markets. Sprint will use TRuepoint, a universal platform for point-to-point digital communications in the cellular backhaul market, as the backbone of its Sprint PCS wireless network in key US markets nationwide.
Endwave Corp. announced the formation of its Endwave Defense Systems Division. The division consists of JCA Technology, which Endwave acquired in July 2004 and subsequently transitioned to Endwave’s Diamond Springs manufacturing facility, and Endwave’s legacy defense products business. The division will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Endwave named Endwave Defense Systems Inc. The high volume commercial products of Endwave will remain unaffected, and the Endwave Corp. name and registration as a Delaware corporation also remains unchanged. The JCA brand name will be retained for RF amplifier modules. Endwave plans to build around JCA amplifier products and apply its expertise to surrounding components as a means to provide more highly integrated, value-added subsystem solutions.
Wavetronix Inc., a subsidiary of Electro Technik Industries and a manufacturer of semi-rigid cables and cable assemblies, has been certified to MIL-C-17U. Wavetronix manufactures a wide range of cables, connectors and assemblies, and draws its own cable in its facility, giving them a high level of process control.
M/A-COM, a unit of Tyco Electronics and a provider of wireless radio frequency (RF), microwave and millimeter-wave components, was recently recognized by the Toxic Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell for its technological leadership and participation in the Electronics Supply Chain Initiative and the Massachusetts Lead-free Electronics Consortium.
Contracts
Rohde & Schwarz Inc. announced its commitment to provide electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) measurement equipment, in partnership with ETS-Lindgren L.P. and MI Technologies, to fulfill a $20 M contract from the Boeing Co. to deliver a turnkey electromagnetic test center to the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) in South Korea. The comprehensive electromagnetic test center will consist of a full-size aircraft test chamber, shielded rooms, system measurement equipment, lightning/EMP simulation and training. This new test center will give ADD the multifunctional capability to perform EMC measurements, antenna characterization, and lightning, electrostatic discharge, and electromagnetic pulse simulations.
Unity Wireless Corp., a developer of integrated wireless subsystems and power amplifiers, announced that it has been awarded an $840,000 production order from a North American-based tier-one wireless network original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This order is for new CDMA base station deployment, pushing orders to more than $2.2 M scheduled for delivery in the first and second quarters of 2005.
Modelithics has been contracted by American Technical Ceramics Corp. (ATC) to develop substrate-scalable models for a wide variety of its surface-mounted capacitors, inductors and resistors. Modelithics will be distributing Global Models,™ which represent entire families of ATC components on all common substrate types and thicknesses, on its Web site: www.modelithics.com. The models will also be distributed and supported along with future releases of the Modelithics CLR Library.™
Renaissance Electronics Corp. has received a major development and production order to provide a microwave waveguide section for a windshear weather radar system. The initial order is to provide qualification units in Q1-05 and production units throughout 2005. This windshear weather radar will be installed on both commercial transport and military aircraft. Components and integrated assemblies for avionics applications continue to be a growth area for Renaissance Electronics.
Financial News
Cascade Microtech reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2004. Highlights for the fourth quarter include: revenues of $18.4 M, up 8 percent sequentially and 36 percent year-over-year. Production probe cards had revenues of $2.1 M, up 32 percent sequentially and 140 percent year-over-year. Gross margins increased to 47 percent, up from 44.8 percent in the prior quarter and from 43.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2003. EPS of $0.19 per diluted share compared to $0.17 for the prior quarter and $0.05 for the fourth quarter of 2003. The company has cash and investments of $46.5 M, and is debt-free.
Ansoft Corp. announced financial results for its third quarter of fiscal 2005 ended January 31, 2005. Net income for the third quarter was $3 M, or $0.23 per diluted share, representing a 115 percent increase when compared to net income of $1.4 M, or $0.11 per diluted share in the previous fiscal year’s third quarter. Net income for the third quarter was $2.8 M, or $0.21 per diluted share, compared to net income of $941,000, or $0.07 per diluted share in the previous fiscal year’s third quarter. Revenue for the third quarter totaled $17.4 M, an increase of 24 percent compared to $14 M reported in the previous fiscal year’s third quarter.
Innovative Micro Technology (IMT) announced that it has raised $17 M in institutional venture capital. IMT will use the investment to expand its facilities and tool set as it ramps into production on multiple customer programs. The round was led by Investor Growth Capital Ltd., with significant participation from BA Venture Partners and Miramar Venture Partners.
WJ Communications Inc. announced results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. Revenue for the year was up 22 percent to $32.3 M, up from $26.6 M for 2003. Revenue from the company’s core business for 2004 was up 47 percent to $29.8 M from $20.2 M in 2003. The company reported a net loss of $4 M for the fourth quarter of 2004 or $0.07 per common share. This compares to a $3 M loss or $0.05 per common share for the fourth quarter of 2003. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $9.1 M or $0.15 per common share. This compares to a net loss in 2003 of $14.3 M or $0.25 per common share. As of December 31, 2004, the company has cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $43.1 M with no long-term debt outstanding.
Sequoia Communications announced that Motorola Inc. is investing in the company in an extension of the series D round that closed in December 2004. Sequoia Communications’ RF systems are built on the FullSpectra architecture that will enable the company to develop multi-mode transceivers with significant advantages in cost, printed circuit board size and power consumption.
New Market Entries
Compel Electronics, a designer and manufacturer of standard and custom components, interconnect solutions and subsystems for the telecommunications market, announced that Response Microwave Inc. will become its new channel partner for servicing the North American market. Located in Framingham, MA, Response Microwave will assume customer service, sales, marketing and product distribution functions on behalf of the Compel interconnect product family. In order to insure a smooth customer transition, the existing Compel internal and field sales representative team will remain intact and will now promote the offering on behalf of Response Microwave.
Locus Microwave Inc. announced the opening of its facility in State College, PA. Locus Microwave has roots back to the original Locus Inc. that operated in State College from 1968 until 2000. Locus Microwave provides engineering services related to RF amplifiers and converters as well as providing manufacturing of LNAs and SSPAs for commercial and military markets.
Radio Waves Inc. has entered a new business segment, the design and manufacturing of microwave couplers. These hot-standby couplers have been designed for several OEM customers and include products from 6 to 38 GHz. Couplers are available for both equal and unequal coupled systems and can be designed for any specific microwave radio.
RF Opportunities LLC (RFO) provides services to RF and microwave companies who supply standard passive products to the wireless markets. RFO hopes to make a significant contribution during the market consolidation period by providing offshore low cost labor, high quality products and services to domestic manufacturers who need the assurance that their products continue to meet the form, fit and function of the present domestically produced product. For more information, visit www.rfopportunities.com or e-mail: info@rfopportunities.com.
Personnel
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| Christian Leicher | Manfred Fleischmann |
Rohde & Schwarz has two new executive board members in the role of president and COO as well as two new members of corporate management. Christian Leicher and Manfred Fleischmann have each been appointed president and COO. Moreover, the executive board named Mario Paoli and Gerolf Wonisch each as head of division. Leicher began his career at Ericsson in Düsseldorf, where he held various sales positions. In 2003, he joined Sony Ericsson in Munich as head of sales operations. Fleischmann joined the company in 1985 after completing his studies in radio and communications engineering at the University of the German Armed Forces
in Munich.
Hittite Microwave Corp., a supplier of complete MMIC-based solutions for communication and military markets, announced the appointment of Stephen Daly to CEO and president, formerly president. Dr. Yalcin Ayasli will continue to serve the company as chairman of the board of directors
Coventor Inc. announced the promotion of Joost van Kuijk to vice president of marketing and business development. After managing European technical operations for more than six years, van Kuijk will apply his expertise toward developing a new marketing vision for Coventor and the industry alike. van Kuijk has more than 13 years experience in the MEMS industry, specializing in modeling and simulation.
Jacket Micro Devices (JMD) Inc. announced that it has added two industry veterans to its management team. Chris Conlin is joining the company as vice president of marketing and Fred Pike is joining the company as vice president of operations. Prior to joining the company, Conlin was vice president of marketing and sales at Alpha Industries (now known as Skyworks Solutions Inc.). Pike has spent over 30 years in manufacturing and operations for semiconductor companies such as Texas Instruments, ITT and Mostek. He was previously director of supply chain management at Amkor.
Peregrine Semiconductor Corp. announced the promotion of Rodd Novak to vice president of marketing. In his elevated role, Novak assumes responsibility for design and execution of global product marketing strategy and will direct the company’s strategic business development activities. Novak joined Peregrine in 2002 as director of marketing.
Len St. Pierre Thunderline-Z announced that Len St. Pierre has been named national sales manager. He takes over the role from managing director, Debra Breed, who will focus her attention on positioning the company for future strategic growth. St. Pierre brings to the company over twenty years of experience and a proven track record for expanding market share. In his new position, he will be working with sales representatives and distributors worldwide to increase sales with existing customers, and to develop new relationships. Prior to joining the company, St. Pierre was president of Conti-Younger Associates, a manufacturer’s representative group. |
RLC Electronics Inc. announced the appointment of Stephen Beyel as sales manager. Beyel had previously been senior vice president of sales with American Technical Ceramics (ATC). He brings with him many years of experience in the RF and microwave industry.
Rep Appointments
Aeroflex/Weinschel Inc. announced a government marketplace services partnership agreement that gives TestMart Inc. exclusive authorization to present a special catalog of Aeroflex/Weinschel products to the US military, government and buying agencies. The special catalog includes Aeroflex/Weinschel’s wide variety of RF and microwave components. Under the terms of the agreement, TestMart will provide Aeroflex/Weinschel and its customers all content, transaction, marketing, sales support and reporting services around the catalog’s products. TestMart will also provide the presentation and order processing through the GSA’s e-commerce Web site, www.gsaadvantage.gov, and through the company’s two on-line marketplaces, www.testmart.com and www.navicpmart.com.
AR Worldwide announced that Brennan Associates is now the Florida sales organization for the company’s RF and microwave instrumentation division. Beginning May 1, 2005, Brennan will also represent the company in Georgia. Brennan Associates is a microwave, millimeter-wave and RF manufacturer’s agent that specializes in marketing components and subsystems to OEM customers. They can be reached at (727) 446-5006 or visit: www.brennanassoc.net.
Lorch Microwave has appointed three new sales representatives. Cain Technology Inc., Westlake Village, CA, will represent southern California and can be reached at (805) 496-5702 or visit: www.caintech.com. MC Microwave Inc., San Jose, CA, will cover northern California and can be contacted at (408) 446-4100 or visit: www.mcmicrowave.com. Cain Southwest Inc., Gilbert, AZ, will handle Arizona and New Mexico. Cain Southwest can be reached at (480) 558-5266 or visit: www.cainsw.com
MITEQ Inc., a supplier of RF and microwave components, has appointed Cain-Pollock, Parker, CO, as its exclusive sales representative for Utah and Colorado. Cain-Pollock can be reached at (303) 805-2515 or e-mail: s.m.pollock@att.net.
MI Technlogies announced that it has selected Burgeon Instrument Co. Ltd., Taoyuan Hsien, Taiwan, to distribute the company’s line of RF and microwave test and measurement products to customers in Taiwan. Burgeon Instrument Co. offers products and services to the microwave test and measurement industry within Taiwan. The company can be reached at 88-63-328-0531 or e-mail: em.dept@burgeon. com.tw. In related news, MI Technologies announced the appointment of Cal Info Mesure, Paris, France, to represent the company’s line of products in France. Cal Info Mesure has more than 20 years of experience servicing and providing technical support to the antenna measurement community in France. The company can be contacted at 33-148304528 or e-mail: lperaud@free.fr.
JFW Industries, an Indiana-based manufacturer of attenuators and RF switches, has appointed RF MAX to cover Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Long Island and metro New York. RF MAX can be contacted at (732) 493-6405.
Web Sites
NaF Technology introduces its exclusive distribution channel on-line for high performance semi-rigid and tin soaked, hand formable coaxial cables. The inventory includes both styles of cables in sizes that range from 0.047" through 0.250". For semi-rigid, a selection of copper, tin-plated copper and tin-plated aluminum is available. Samples can be ordered from stock and inventory is stocked in the US. Communications and transactions are via the Web site at www.newandforever-usa.com.
Praxsym Inc. has redesigned its Web site to include expanded information about the company’s products, easier ways to communicate and a more user-friendly navigation structure. The site – www.praxsym.com – now features an expansive table listing of its diverse synthesizer offering. Users have the opportunity to submit custom requirements for equipment where no off-the-shelf solution is available. The company’s service department is highlighted and customers have the capability to initiate a service request on-line.