AR prepares for a high-power future

June 12, 2014. AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation has taken a leap in preparation for what chairman Donald “Shep” Shepherd sees as the future of power amplifiers: The company has expanded its Souderton, PA, headquarters with new facilities and capabilities that enable AR to design, manufacture, and test high-power amplifiers in excess of 100 kW. The company said the move strengthens its position as a leader in the pursuit of higher power as new and varied electronic devices have emerged over the years, following a trend that Shepherd identified when he founded the company more than 45 years ago.

“We’ve pushed the power envelope,” Shepherd said, “because emerging technologies are creating a greater need for more powerful amplifiers and systems to test new products. With our new space and increased capabilities, AR is uniquely positioned to respond to the future power needs of its customers. And, yes, with these capabilities now in-place, designers and engineers may well be inspired to push their own power envelopes with new, higher-powered designs.”

With the expansion, overall power provided to the AR plant is now 2 MW, which enables AR to build and test extremely powerful amplifiers well in excess of 100,000 W.

Microelectronics lab also expanding

In keeping with its commitment to support the need for higher-power and higher frequency amplifiers, AR also expanded its microelectronics lab by over 150%.

The company said its present hybrid power-module-based products, such as AR’s 200-W, 0.7- to 6-GHz amplifier, will have increased power capability in the near future and will require more combined modules for their manufacture. The larger microelectronics laboratory now accommodates higher volume module manufacturing to keep pace with the growth of these products.

Mobile app

The company has also introduced a mobile app for Android and iOS devices. The app describes the company's products, presenting basic descriptions and full data sheets. It also included the company's catalog as well as collection of application notes. In addition, a YouTube capability offers product demonstrations. The app can be downloaded free from Apple iTunes and Google Play.

Read more about AR's new facilities here and learn more about the app here.