S.M. Shajedul Hasan of Virginia Tech has won the first William Bazzy Fellowship. Hasan received his BS degree from Bangladesh University in 2002 and his MS degree from the University of Tennessee in 2005. He is currently a PhD candidate under the supervision of Dr. Steven Ellingson. His dissertation will be on the topic of RF front-end design for multiband/multimode radio for the public safety community. The project is funded by the US Department of Justice. Applications for next year’s Fellowship are available on our web site: www.mwjournal.com.
American Technical Ceramics Corp. (ATC), a manufacturer of high performance electronic components, including capacitors and thin film circuits for a broad range of commercial and military applications, announced that it has signed a definitive merger agreement with AVX Corp. (AVX) pursuant to which all of the outstanding equity interests of ATC will be acquired by AVX.
Auriga Measurement Systems LLC announced it has acquired the DiVA Pulsed IV Instrument series from Nanometrics Industries, Milpitas, CA, for an undisclosed amount. Previously owned by Accent Optical Technologies, DiVA is a well-known supplier to the RF microwave industry and offers moderate power, low cost pulsed IV instruments.
FCI acquired Smartag, a specialized player in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags manufacturing. This acquisition will allow the group to strengthen its RFID offer in a very dynamic market.
Interconnect Devices Inc. (IDI), a Kansas City, KS company, was acquired by Milestone Partners and IDI Management. Milestone Partners, based in St. David, PA, is a private equity firm that partners with management teams to invest in leveraged buyouts of middle market businesses. The company will remain in Kansas City at its present location at 5101 Richland Avenue. All of IDI’s assets, employees and officers will continue to operate in their present capacity.
AMI Semiconductor, a designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art mixed-signal and digital products for the automotive, medical and industrial markets, and MagnaChip Semiconductor, a designer, developer and manufacturer of mixed-signal and digital multimedia semiconductors, announced that MagnaChip will manufacture AMI Semiconductor’s 0.35-micron SmartPower technology and continue existing joint development of ULP technology. This agreement follows a November 4, 2005 announcement of a 0.18-micron development and foundry relationship between the two companies.
Walleye™ Technologies and the Harmonix Division of Terabeam Corp. have formed an alliance to develop a next-generation, hand-held, portable imaging technology capable of “seeing” into and through solid objects. The Walleye Imaging System is a patent-pending technology platform that generates high quality digital images that can be readily displayed, stored, analyzed and transmitted. The Walleye Imaging System works like a digital “camera,” but uses invisible wavelengths called millimeter-waves to see into and through objects.
SkyCross, a global wireless company providing antenna-centric RF solutions, announced a partnership with Beceem Communications to provide complete, integrated WiMAX solutions for last-mile broadband connectivity. The bundling of Beceem chipsets and SkyCross antennas provides superior performance while shortening and simplifying the design process to reduce time to market and associated costs. The convenient, one-stop RF solution is versatile, providing device manufacturers with the freedom to enable WiMAX on a wide range of mobile platforms.
Ethertronics, a provider of standard and customized embedded antenna solutions for wideband and multi-band wireless devices, announced that its design center in Taipei, Taiwan is fully operational. The company’s Taiwanese presence will enable mobile device manufacturers to capitalize on Ethertronics’ antenna expertise coupled with premier in-country design teams and logistics support.
RFMW Ltd. announced the opening of a direct sales and distribution office in Israel. RFMW is a specialized distributor that uniquely provides customers and suppliers with focused distribution of RF/microwave components as well as customer specific component engineering support. This direct sales office allows RFMW to quickly and effectively introduce products from RFMW’s suppliers into the multitude of RF/microwave design centers and OEMs currently located in Israel, and support the supply chain to contract manufacturing locations in country or worldwide.
2Wire, a provider of broadband service delivery platforms, is expanding with a new office located in Nevada City, CA at the Nevada City Tech Center. 2Wire is rapidly growing to accommodate the needs of major telecom broadband providers, and plans to hire 10 to 20 additional employees to staff the new facility.
Alereon Inc., a certified wireless USB technology leader for mobile ultrawideband (UWB) WiMedia, announced the opening of Alereon Semiconductors Pvt. Ltd., the company’s new product oriented research and development (R&D) facility in Pune, India. Alereon’s new state-of-the-art operation expands Alereon’s team to accommodate the growth in interest for the company’s certified USB solutions. The focus of the R&D center will be to continue to develop the company’s patented UWB chipsets, such as the AL4000, for the next generation of products.
Agilent Technologies Inc. announced the expansion of technologies in its Advanced Design System (ADS) and GENESYS design platforms to provide a full spectrum of software tools for microwave and RF designers. The company is increasing investments in RF/microwave design and simulation technologies to help designers of monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC), systems-in-package (SIP) and RF boards stay competitive when incorporating the latest communications standards and techniques.
Mimix Broadband Inc., a supplier of gallium arsenide (GaAs) semiconductors from DC to 50 GHz, announced that the company has joined MoCA, an open industry driven initiative promoting distribution of digital video and entertainment through existing coaxial cable in the home. MoCA technology provides the backbone for whole home entertainment networks of multiple wired and wireless products.
Andrew Corp., a global leader in communications systems and products, has been given the “Best Supplier Award” by the Brazilian division of Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., the Shenzhen, China-based provider of next-generation telecommunications networks. The award recognizes Andrew’s key role in a Huawei project to supply parts and equipment for a cellular overlay network for Vivo Participacoe, a Brazilian mobile phone joint venture of Portugal Telecom and Telefonica. The Vivo project lasted about 18 months and involved more than 2700 sites spread over five Brazilian regions.
Tyco Electronics Corp. recently obtained approval from the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC) for MIL-DTL-24308 connectors with zinc plating and chromate coating. This most recent approval from DSCC is for roughly 90 part numbers and includes printed circuit board-mount plug and receptacle connectors in vertical and right angle configurations. All of the part numbers in this approval are part of Tyco Electronics’ series 109, standard density D-sub miniature connector line. The connectors incorporate size 20 contacts and are suitable for use in a range of military, aerospace, commercial and industrial applications.
Radio Waves Inc. announced that all of its telecom antenna products will have a five-year warranty. Due to its high reliability and rigorous quality control program known as “Target Zero,” Radio Waves is able to offer this superior warranty on its microwave antennas. Terms and conditions for the Radio Waves warranty can be found in the new Radio Waves 2007/2008 microwave antenna catalog.
Contracts
Anaren Inc. has received an $8 M contract from Lockheed Martin Systems Integration – Owego in New York for a major subsystem element on a Radar Warning (RWR)/Electronic Support Measure (ESM) system. The subsystem element is intended for Lockheed Martin’s Maritime Helicopter Project (MHP) RWR/ESM system for use on Canada’s new CH-148 Cyclone Maritime Helicopter. The contract calls for the first full-rate production and deliveries starting in March 2008, expanding over a two-year period.
Cascade Microtech announced that it recently closed the single largest probe station order in its 23-year history —an order in excess of US $4 M to a prominent Asian memory manufacturer for S300 wafer probe stations. The sale continues Cascade Microtech’s strong presence in the memory characterization and test market. The company attributes its success to its close relationship with customers. Cascade Microtech’s investment in its Asia infrastructure, ongoing technology development and strong focus on customer responsiveness were the critical factors in winning the order.
Millitech Inc. has received a $3.7 M award for the design and development of a next generation Satellite Communications on the Move (SOTM) antenna system. The award is from the Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC), and includes the delivery of five prototype systems. The antenna systems are mounted on moving vehicles such as HMMWVs. The novel Active Quasioptic Array (AQA) antenna system will significantly increase currently available communication capabilities.
RF Industries’ RF Neulink Telemetry Division announced it has been awarded a second phase follow-on contract, valued at approximately $380,000, for its flagship NL6000 wireless modem from Manufacturing Technology Inc. (MTI), the successor system integrator for training systems (PM TRASYS), training products and services to the United States Marine Corps.
Tadiran Batteries, a manufacturer of lithium batteries, has been selected by BAE Systems to supply its TLM-1530HP lithium batteries for a project with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Advanced Technology Office. The high power, CR2-sized batteries from Tadiran will support a program to convert 60-millimeter (mm) mortars into a precision-guided munitions system.
Credence Systems Corp. announced that ELMOS, a developer and producer of customer-specific system solutions for the automotive sector, has selected its FALCON systems for the testing of semiconductors used in automotive devices through 2010. With the design of automotive semiconductors becoming more cost-sensitive and integral to future success, the Germany-based semiconductor manufacturer will use the FALCON GLX from Credence to achieve industry-leading scalability, cost-performance and flexibility.
Financial News
TA Associates, a private equity and buyout firm, announced that it has led a $113 M investment in FreeWave Technologies, an independent provider of high performance spread spectrum and licensed radio products and services in the industry.
SiGe Semiconductor, a supplier of RF front-end solutions for wireless systems, announced it has raised US $20 M in an expansion round of financing. Samsung Ventures, the US-based venture capital investment arm for Samsung Venture Investment Corp. (SVIC), joins as a strategic investor participating in this round. The capital will fund expansion of SiGe Semiconductor’s product lines supporting the Wi-Fi, WiMAX and GPS markets.
Provigent, a provider of System-on-a-Chip (SoC) solutions for the broadband wireless transmission market, announced that Ray Stata, a highly regarded co-founder and chairman of Analog Devices, will join its Advisory Board. In addition, Stata Venture Partners will contribute funding to Provigent’s fourth-round of financing, which will increase to $17 M. Stata Venture Partners joins Provigent’s existing technology investors: Sequoia Capital, Pitango Venture Capital, Globespan Capital Partners, Ascend Technology Ventures, Magma Venture Partners, Delta Ventures and Dr. Andrew Viterbi, co-founder of QUALCOMM.
Reactive NanoTechnologies Inc. (RNT), developer and manufacturer of its patented NanoFoil,“ announced it has secured $14.3 M in a Series C round of financing led by Siemens Venture Capital and existing investor, Sevin Rosen Funds. NanoFoil, a reactive nano-layered material that precisely controls the instantaneous release of heat energy for joining and reaction initiation applications, enables rapid joining of similar and dissimilar materials without incurring thermal damage. The company will use the funds to expand global sales, marketing and distribution, and for ongoing applications engineering and development.
Merrimac Industries Inc. reports sales of $5.4 M for the first quarter of 2007 ended March 31, 2007, compared to $6.2 M for the same period in 2006. Net loss for the first quarter was $1.3 M ($0.41/per share), compared to $441,000 ($0.14/per share) for the first quarter of last year.
Personnel
Nitronex, a developer and manufacturer of high performance RF power transistors for the commercial and broadband wireless infrastructure markets, has added Bami Bastani, president and CEO of ANADIGICS, to its board of directors. Recently honored as an inductee to the New Jersey High-Tech Business Leader 2007 Hall of Fame, Bastani brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Nitronex. He is currently a member of the board of directors for Glowpoint Inc., and is also on the Advisory Boards for Electrical Engineering at Ohio State University and the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas.
SEMX Corp., the parent company of Semiconductor Packaging Materials (SPM), announced the appointment of Paul Nikac and Vito Tanzi to the positions of executive vice president of the corporation. Their new responsibilities include management of all SEMX operational units following the retirement of Kenneth J. Huth. Nikac has been vice president-operations of SEMX/SPM since 2003 and Tanzi has served as vice president-sales of SEMX/SPM since 2005.
The IEEE has named Carl Edward Baum as the recipient of its 2007 Electromagnetics Award, recognizing his contributions to fundamental principles and techniques in electromagnetics. These contributions have led to new target-identification algorithms, various high power electromagnetic pulse radiators, and techniques for analyzing the response of complex electronic systems to electromagnetic fields. The IEEE is the world’s leading professional association for the advancement of technology. Sponsored by the IEEE Antennas and Propagation, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Microwave Theory & Techniques and Geoscience & Remote Sensing Societies, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to electromagnetics in theory, application or education.
Rep Appointments
Richardson Electronics Ltd. announced it has expanded its product distribution agreement with RF Monolithics Inc. (RFM) to include products from RFM’s subsidiary, Cirronet Inc. The agreement, which covers North America and South America, now includes distribution of Cirronet’s line of ZigBee™ WPAN modules, 802.15.4 modules, and proprietary wireless sensor networking modules and complementary products.
Channel Microwave Corp. announced the appointment of Scientific Devices as the company’s sales representative in Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware. Scientific Devices can be reached at: 1635 Clemens Road, Harleysville, PA 19438 (215) 256-8641 or www.scidev-phila.com.
Electronic component distributor Digi-Key Corp. announced the broad expansion of its Infineon Technologies product offering to include Infineon’s power semiconductors, discretes, sensors, wireless control products, communication ICs and microcontrollers.
ANADIGICS Inc., a provider of semiconductor solutions in the rapidly growing broadband wireless and wireline communications markets, announced Electronic Sales Professionals Inc. (ESP) as the manufacturer’s representative for the Eastern Canadian Region. ESP will represent ANADIGICS’ complete line of wireless and broadband products.
TRAK Microwave Corp. announced it has appointed Telepro Inc. to represent the company’s products and services in Canada. Contact information: Telepro Inc., 230 Chemin du Golf , #409, Verdun, QC H3E 2A8, phone: (514) 667-7061, e-mail: hamo@telepro-inc.com or visit: www.telepro-inc.com.
I.F. Engineering Corp., a manufacturer of high performance RF and microwave components and distribution systems, announced the appointment of Sematron UK Ltd. as its exclusive representative in the United Kingdom. Contact information for Sematron is: Sematron UK Ltd., Sandpiper House, Aviary Court, Wade Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8GX, phone: +44 (0) 1256 812222, fax: +44 (0) 1256 812666, e-mail: sales@sematron.com or visit: www.sematron.com. In related news, CrossPoint Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of high performance RF and microwave components and distribution systems, announced the appointment of Sematron UK Ltd. as its exclusive representative in the United Kingdom.