We're available Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Pacific (Reno, Nevada) · +1 (775) 345-2411

EM Research — Full Spectrum Innovation

Miniaturization

Small Size, Low Weight, Big Impact.

EM Research tackles the biggest SWaP challenges by creating smaller, lighter, and more power-efficient solutions for modern communications. Leveraging state-of-the-art design and materials, these systems deliver higher performance and reliability even in demanding environments and EM Research is leading the charge.

Miniaturization Techniques

  • Extensive use of small, discrete components, 0402, 0201 resistors, capacitors, and inductors
  • 01005 components in development
  • Automated placement capability of QFN, fine-pitch packages, and packaged MMICs
  • Chip and wire, die-attach assembly
  • Multi-chip module and mixed SMT/chip and wire
  • Complex mixed substrates for optimized size and cost
  • Tight tolerance, multi-layer PCB geometries for compact high-frequency designs
  • Double-sided component placement for high-density circut card assemblies
  • Epoxy assembly process utilized as needed to eliminate space-consuming mechanical fasteners
  • Extensive use of miniature hardware and connectors for RF and I/O
  • Internal electric and magnetic shielding enabling close proximity of varying circuit functions
  • Design ability to combine complementary functions into integrated microwave assemblies
  • Extensive in-house library of high-frequency designs, including filters, VCOs, and amplifiers

Example Real-World Solutions

SLX Series: Ultra-Miniature, Surface-Mount Design

U.S. military forces depend on a broad variety of portable, reliable communications equipment. Many of these systems rely on batteries, so power consumption is a critical factor. EM Research designed the SLX Series to deliver ultra-low power consumption and excellent performance. In just a 0.5" square package, the SLX is capable of full octave bandwidths. It's ideal for high-volume applications, and is currently in use in a wide array of military and civilian applications.

View Series

ZFR Series: Broadband Synthesizer, Instrument Substitute

Size isn't the only requirement that's shrinking. Research budgets are too. We designed our ZFR Series to deliver the versatility and performance that lab and field systems demand, all at a fraction of the size and cost of legacy technologies. The ZFR's unique design architecture is capable of accommodating any configuration from 1.25 to 20 GHz in a single unit. Plus, we offer custom ruggedized configurations designed to operate in airborne radar and electronic countermeasure systems.

View Series

BUC Series: Custom Ka Band BUC for 80-Watt Spaceborne Applications

EM Research recently delivered a custom-designed, compact Ka Band Block Upconverter (BUC) optimized for integration with an 80-watt power amplifier. Engineered to meet stringent SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) requirements, the unit delivers superior low phase noise performance and exceptional reliability in a space-constrained footprint. Its efficient design maintained uncompromised signal integrity and robustness, playing a critical role in the successful deployment of next-generation satellite systems.

View Series

Smaller, Lighter, More Powerful: EM Research Leads the SWaP Revolution

Communications engineers know all too well that "SWaP" is today's biggest challenge. Size, weight and power consumption are becoming increasingly demanding requirements as communications equipment becomes more portable and more powerful. In remote and challenging environments, operators need to maximize efficiency of every piece of gear. The goal is to do more with less, and that takes genuine innovation. At EM Research, innovation is what we do best.

We're developing new ways to improve performance and reliability while consuming less power in a smaller footprint. By using enabling technologies, our systems can enhance current or legacy platforms to help you increase capabilities all while reducing size and weight. We leverage state-of-the art design techniques to increase signal source bandwidths, reduce current consumption, provide higher power, and improve overall performance. We use more efficient, durable and lightweight materials to create packages that can withstand the rigors of use at a lower weight than legacy products.

Start Strong with a Trusted Partner.

With decades of RF engineering expertise and a commitment to manufacturing precision, we’ve earned the trust of industry leaders. Partner with us for high-performance, high-quality solutions.