What's New
Funding Cuts Delay Next-Generation Jammer
This
program, one of the most visible in the defense industry, is developing well, and prime contractor Raytheon
demonstrated the system on an airborne platform for the first time in October, reportedly with excellent results.
However, a position report from the Navy suggests that funding cuts will delay its deployment for a year – until
2021.
3G Slowly Fading
Verizon is converting its 3G network (CDMA Rev. A) to LTE on its PCS bands in 10 markets as usage of the
company's previous standard decreases with upgrades to LTE-enabled devices. A complete transition is not possible—yet—because
there is still a fair amount of 3G hardware around, but 80% of its traffic is now LTE. Verizon's 2G capacity
will fade as well, but since 2G requires only 2.5 MHz of spectrum, it not as great an issue. The company is
also testing carrier aggregation, a feature of LTE Advanced feature that combines LTE frequencies to enable
better performance and capacity.
Radar Market to Grow at 3.6% through 2023
Early warning and surveillance along with fire control radars will account for around 76% of the global military
radar market through 2023 for a total of $18.5 billion, according to a Strategy Analytics report that includes
land, air, sea and space segments. North America will continue to be the largest regional market, but the fastest
growth will be in Asia-Pacific region. Airborne radar will represent the largest market both in dollar terms
as well as in terms of total shipments, and L, S and C bands will represent the largest market followed by radars
operating at X-band reflecting the primary frequencies used by surveillance/early warning and fire control radars.
The report also says that the market for semiconductors and other components employed in these systems will
grow to $2.1 billion with gallium nitride becoming an established technology as it grows at a CAGR of 26.4%
Project Loon Looming
Google,
in an interview with Slate, says it will begin to sell LTE-based Internet service to customers via balloons
as early as 2016. Next year, the company will align a "50-mile-wide ring of Internet service around the globe",
and in 2016 will initiative its service in Oceania, South America, and South Africa. Problems to date include
tiny holes in the balloons that cause them to fail in days, for which a solution was provided. The balloons
float in the stratosphere, twice as high as airplanes and the weather, and go where they're needed by rising
or descending to a layer of wind blowing in the desired direction. Google will create partnerships with telecom
companies to share cellular spectrum to let people connect to the balloon network directly from their phones
and other LTE-enabled devices. The signal is then passed across the balloon network and back down to the global
Internet on Earth.
NASA Lets You Listen to Space
The global electronic warfare (EW) market is currently going through a period of growth, reaching $13.72
billion this year, as many countries are realizing its benefits and expand their capabilities, according to
a market research report from Visiongain. The report says there has also been a significant increase in R&D.
European and Northern American markets will keep contracting throughout the period, with the BRICS and other
Southeast Asian countries moving in to take larger shares of the market due to their commitment to modernization.
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Looking Ahead to 2015
By
Sam Benzacar
As the year closes, it's only natural to reflect on the last 12 months and peer ahead to the New Year. So
let's take a look.
If there is one activity that to me defines 2014 it was how many acquisitions there were. It haven't taken
the time to compile a complete list, but by my count there were at least a dozen, totaling more than $4 billion
– which is big number considering the industry's size. I think they represent a consolidation that will continue
in 2015, as large manufacturers combine for greater strength and smaller ones and acquire new capabilities.
This was also a year of uncertainly, stoked (as usual) by the DoD budget, which as I write this is a whole lot
more appealing thanks to a $3 billion boost in procurement funding over what the President – and even the Pentagon
– requested. Good news indeed for the RF and microwave industry.
I am going out on a limb and make some projections (which I'll be either gloating or eating crow about in
our December 2015 newsletter).
DEFENSE
My projection: A good year for those companies on existing upgrade programs, new systems, and development
contracts. A so-so year for everyone else.
We've seen no slow-down in order for filters and other products destined for defense systems, which is not
all that surprising considering that filters are used in every type of system. I think that will continue in
2015 but from which programs is difficult to say. The best news in defense is that EW is coming on strong as
DoD has awakened to the fact that years of lackluster interest are coming back to haunt us as there has been
no slowdown in threats from our adversaries. Emerging markets trying to build up their defense system may be
a bright spot as well. DOD funds a huge number of programs and an increasing number employ RF and microwave
technology.
THE WIRELESS INDUSTRY (Infrastructure, excluding Wi-Fi hotspots)
My projection: Small cells are finally being produced in large numbers and backhaul via microwave links is
growing as well. Big business potential for a broad slice of the microwave industry.
Small cells (anything smaller than a macro cell) require the same types of components as their larger macro
counterparts and wireless carriers are deploying them in increasing numbers. So if your company makes these
devices, significant potential exists. Microwave links are proving their worth for backhaul as well, another
likely growth spot. Macro cell upgrades, which in some cases requires only software and others hardware as well,
will be a smaller overall revenue contributor than in previous years.
THE WIRELESS INDUSTRY (End-user devices)
My projection: Continued growth in consumer wireless-enabled devices, currently running at 1 billion a year
(just for smartphones). A big revenue producer but for a relatively narrow swatch in the industry – primarily
semiconductors (transceivers, systems on a chip, SAW filters, and others).
The semiconductor portion of the microwave industry will continue to be the primary beneficiary of the continuing
growth of the smartphone, tablet, and other "battery-powered wireless-enabled device" market. I'm referring
to small-signal devices, RF power transistors and MMICs, as well as SAW filters, duplexers, and other components.
Whether or not this will be able to support the still relatively large number of device manufacturers (many
of which are not in the U.S.) remains to be seem. Expect more consolidation.
THE INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT)
My projection: Lots of business for semiconductor manufacturers, not much of a bounce for anyone else.
There's really nothing new here other than someone coming up with a name for it – although a bad one (I think)
since without wireless connectivity the ability to connect every person, place, or thing would be severely constrained.
What is new is that much of what was supposed to be happening years ago is actually coming to fruition thanks
to high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi. Gartner predicts 26 billion IoT-enabled devices by 2020 and ABI Research
says 30 billion. We'll see.
WI-FI HOTSPOTS
My projection: If your company makes components for Wi-Fi hotspots this ought to be great year, as they're
popping up like mushrooms after a rain.
There are hundreds of thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots in North America already and I wouldn't be surprised if
there are twice as many this time next year as they offer big benefits for wireless carriers (backhaul) and
cable MSOs (value-added), and advertising opportunities for both.
IN-BUILDING RF DISTRIBUTION AND DAS
My projection: The market for Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) is growing, even though DAS system in many
of the largest venues have already been deployed. There are, of course, a lot more that aren't. In-building
systems built around signal boosters (BDAs), coax, and passive components are still being built when a DAS architecture
is overkill. Expect DAS to move to all-digital, fiber-delivered architectures, but slowly
DAS and in-building systems require large number of RF and microwave components, and not just semiconductors
either but RF power amplifiers up to about 40 W, and many others. Next year is likely to be lucrative for these
manufacturers.
INDUSTRIAL, MEDICAL, AND AUTOMOTIVE
My projection: The healthcare industry needs more of that RF and microwave technology, from telemetry systems
to Wi-Fi enabled instruments, than ever. Good news for some in the microwave industry. Industrial applications
such as heat sealing, drying, cooking, and various forms of energy-driven processing of consumer products get
little coverage but add considerably to industry revenue. Vehicles of all types are sporting more connectivity
every year, as well as more sensors (including 77 GHz radar), and this market is growing with the slow but steady
move toward more "vehicle autonomy".
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
My projection: A good year for RF and microwave device through subsystem manufacturers thanks to upgrades
and (possibly) the first revenue from the FirstNet broadband initiative.
EVERYTHING ELSE
I would love to go on and on – but you'd probably glaze over. However, there are many, many other sectors
that generate revenue for the industry, from satcom to GPS, and assorted industrial, commercial, and other vertical
markets. They support or add to the revenues of many companies in the RF and microwave industry – including
Anatech electronics.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
From all of us here, I hope my projections, or at least the rosy ones, come true for you and we wish you
a healthy and profitable 2015!
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Why You Should Buy from Anatech Electronics, Inc. (AEI)
Unlike other Supplier/Vendors, Anatech Electronics, Inc. (AEI) is also a manufacturer that designs, and makes
those products. While most supplier, and distributors are selling their products "as is", AEI has
the flexibility, and technical knowledge to modify many of its products to better match the customer's requirements.
For example:
Changing the connectors from one type to another. Shifting the frequency to meet the exact frequency requirement.
Possibility to build the filter in a smaller package, should size is a problem. Modifying the bandwidth to closely
match the customer's requirement. Modifying the package from an indoor version to an outdoor (weatherproof)
one. Slight modifications to the design to get sharper transition from pass band to stop band. Adding brackets,
or mechanical elements for mounting requirements, such as mounting the filter on an antenna pole. Propose different
design options, based on size, cost, and performance.
and more..
AEI will typically bend over backwards to provide you with first rate customer service, and being a
manufacturer/Supplier, we cater to small quantities as well as large. After all AEI has a personal interest
in ensuring fast quote, quick custom/ new designs feedbacks, and excellent service before and after the sale
is made.
But these are just some of the reasons why you may want to use AEI for your RF filters and related RF products
requirements. Flexibility, ability for quick changes in requirements, before and after sale customer service,
quality, and cost are good reasons to buy from a manufacturer/supplier versus non-manufacturer suppliers, vendors
or distributors.
Choosing from a large database of products, and the ability to custom design almost any product, enables AEI to
recommend products and solutions that most closely meets your requirements needs, pricing, and corporate objectives.
Purchasing products from AEI can provide the customer with expertise, flexibility, cost saving,
and of utmost importance continuous professional relationship.
Proof is the redesign of our website where our customers or potential customers have the option to request
a quote for specific standard products in multiple quantity levels, or request a quotation for a custom product
with the ability to enter your own specifications.
Please visit us at www.anatechelectronics.com and
find out how easy it is to request a quote on either standard or custom products.
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