Q: Last year, we asked what impact the worldwide economic crisis had on the markets you serve and on how you run your business under these conditions. One year later, what is your perspective? Are things getting better? If you sell into the aerospace and defense market, what are your projections for the coming year?

A: While celebrating our 20th anniversary, 2011 will present challenges caused by the worldwide economic crisis. However, our perspective has remained the same as last year. It is still important to respond to the specific needs of our customers. We continue to use our resources to develop innovative products to support existing and emerging technologies.

Due to the recently announced efficiencies initiative by Secretary of State Robert Gates, the aerospace and defense markets will be going through a period of transition. No longer will contracts be awarded based on the latest and greatest technology. They will be aligned to the objectives of the “efficiency initiative” and awarded to support solutions that are “relevant, competitive and agile for the next generation of conflicts.” This will require a more streamlined and cost effective approach to solving problems of today and of the future.

Q: Do you participate in social networking sites such as Facebook and/or Twitter? If not, why not? If yes, what benefit do you feel comes from being on one or both of those sites?

A: We actively participate in several social networking sites including Facebook and Twitter. We believe that these sites provide another opportunity to get our “message” out. We also foresee the potential in social media as it grows in popularity within our industry and will use it as a customer relationship management tool.

Q: There remains a serious shortage of RF engineers out there – what’s the solution? Is your company involved in programs that might promote or encourage talented engineering students to pursue a career in the microwave industry?

A: The long-term solution for all technical industries is to continually encourage our youth to get a good education and support relevant programs. The University of Nevada, Reno has a great engineering program. We are actively involved on advisory boards and have an input in the curriculum. Involvement in the community and education system by participating in career fairs, internship programs, and giving talks and demonstrations to high school and junior high school students is an ongoing emphasis.

Q: Now that the Far East is growing its own RF and microwave component and subsystem manufacturing, have you seen any “inbound” competition?

A: We continue to see competition from numerous areas. In order to stay ahead of the competition, we focus on bringing new technology to market quicker. This allows our customers to enjoy a technical competitive advantage in their markets as well.

Q: If you could list three markets or technologies that will drive the industry in the next two years, what would they be?

A: As we continue to work through the economic crisis, it is important to offer cost effective solutions, which meet the more stringent requirements of industry. Higher data rates with increased bandwidths require continued product enhancement
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Q: Has the enormous power of the FPGA had an impact on your designs?

A: Ultra-high speed GSPS FPGAs require very stable and low noise reference clocks. EM Research has significantly improved our products (ZLX, CLX, and PLXO Series). These parts offer exceptionally low phase noise that meet or exceed the requirements established for FPGA references.

www.emresearch.com