Communications & Power Industries

What Communications & Power Industries does

Communications & Power Industries (CPI) is a global manufacturer of advanced high-power and high-frequency electronic components and subsystems, organized into four business units: Antenna Technologies (large-aperture antennas, antenna control systems, and precision pointing/tracking receivers), Composite Structures (advanced composite radomes, reflector antennas, ISR pods, and aerospace structures), Power Electronics Amplifier Products (satellite communications amplifiers including TWTAs, SSPAs, and klystron power amplifiers using both vacuum electron device and solid-state GaAs/GaN technology), and Power Electronics Generator Products (medical X-ray generators and power grid devices). The company's core technology stack spans microwave and RF engineering — vacuum electron devices such as klystrons and traveling wave tubes, solid-state power amplifiers, large-aperture antenna systems covering 1 GHz to over 100 GHz, radomes covering frequencies up to 95 GHz, and composite structures for airborne, ground-based, naval, and submarine platforms — with proprietary technologies including LifeExtender (cathode lifespan enhancement for TWTs) and patented LifePredictor (TWT life prediction via cathode emission curve monitoring). CPI traces its technical lineage to Varian Associates (founded 1948) and has accumulated 75+ years of continuous R&D in microwave technology.

The company serves government/defense customers (Missile Defense Agency via the SHIELD program, U.S. military radar/EW/ISR programs, NASA via Peraton for the LEGS program), commercial communications customers (SES for O3b mPOWER Ka-band gateway antennas, SiriusXM for satellite broadcasting repeaters, satcom operators and broadcasters), and smaller medical imaging, scientific research, and industrial segments. CPI operates manufacturing and engineering facilities across the United States (Plano, State College, Kilgore, Irving, Hudson, Stow, Centennial), Canada (Georgetown, Ontario), Germany (Duisburg), and India (Gurugram). The company is privately held by The Jordan Company (TJC) following the October 2022 acquisition; in November 2023, CPI divested its Electron Device Business to TransDigm Group for approximately $1.385 billion, repositioning the company around antennas, composites, and power electronics.

CPI's business model is built on direct enterprise and government field sales, with division-specific sales teams and a global aftermarket service network (including 24/7/365 technical support, installation, testing, integration, and upgrading of satcom systems). Products are primarily one-time hardware sales with associated customization and integration services; pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, reflecting the custom nature of defense and government applications. The company employs approximately 1,400 people worldwide as of June 2024.

Name

Communications & Power Industries

Legal name

Communications & Power Industries LLC

Website

https://cpii.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Communications & Power Industries (CPI) is a global manufacturer of advanced high-power microwave and RF electronic components and subsystems — including large-aperture antennas, antenna control systems, composite radomes, and satellite communications amplifiers — serving government/defense, commercial communications, medical imaging, scientific, and industrial customers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

RF and Microwave Electronic Components and Subsystems

NAICS

Communications Equipment Manufacturing (3342), Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429), Electrical Equipment Manufacturing (33531)

SIC

Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Electronic Components & Accessories (3670), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

Military Power Supplies, RF/Microwave Components & Ruggedized Electronics (IMABAGAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

RF Front-End Modules (FEMs) & Integrated RF Modules (HDAHAMAA)

Keywords

• RF microwave components
• Satellite communications antennas
• Vacuum electron devices
• Composite radome structures
• Medical X-ray generators

Headquarters

HQ city

Palo Alto

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware and Subsystem Sales: CPI generates revenue through the design, manufacture, and global distribution of electronic components and subsystems, including antennas, amplifiers, radomes, and medical imaging systems. Revenue is primarily one-time hardware sales with after-market service and support, and system integration/customization services. CPI also offers installation, testing, integration and upgrading of satellite communications systems worldwide.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Communications & Power Industries (CPI) designs, manufactures, and globally distributes electronic components and subsystems that generate, amplify, transmit, and receive microwave and radio frequency signals. Its portfolio is organized into four business units: Antenna Technologies (large aperture antennas, antenna control systems, tracking receivers), Composite Structures (advanced radomes and composite structures for aerospace, defense, and naval platforms), Power Electronics Amplifier Products (satellite communications amplifiers including SSPAs, TWTAs, and klystron-based amplifiers), and Power Electronics Generator Products (medical X-ray generators and power grid devices).

Product overview

Communications & Power Industries (CPI) is a global manufacturer of advanced high-power and high-frequency technologies and systems. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio organized around four main business units: Antenna Technologies (large aperture antennas, antenna control systems, and tracking receivers), Composite Structures (advanced composite radomes, reflector antennas, and structural components), Power Electronics: Amplifier Products (satellite communications amplifiers including TWTAs, SSPAs, and klystron amplifiers using both vacuum electron device and solid-state technology), and Power Electronics: Generator Products (medical X-ray generators and power grid devices). CPI's products generate, amplify, transmit and receive microwave signals for defense, communications, scientific, industrial and medical applications. The company has acquired multiple brands over the years including TMD Technologies, ESSCO, AdamWorks, Radant Technologies, Malibu Research Associates, Codan Satcom, MCL, Orbital Systems, and the General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies antenna business. CPI serves customers worldwide through manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, and India.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) Solid-state power amplifiers using GaAs and GaN technology for satellite communications, defense, and scientific applications, extending from microwave to millimeter-wave frequencies.
• Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTAs) Vacuum electron device amplifiers providing high-power amplification for satellite uplink and various defense and communications applications.
• Klystron Power Amplifiers (KPAs) Vacuum electron device amplifiers using klystron technology for satellite uplink and troposcatter applications requiring high power and stability.
• Earth Station Antennas (ESAs) Large aperture antennas for satellite communications, including fixed, mobile, and transportable configurations supporting multiple frequency bands.
• VSAT Antennas Very Small Aperture Terminal antennas for satellite communications, supporting fixed and mobile satellite connectivity.
• Radar Antennas Antenna systems for ground-based, airborne, and shipboard radar applications including weather radar, air-traffic control, and military radar systems.
• Telemetry Antennas Antennas for telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) applications supporting satellite and aircraft communications.
• Antenna Control Systems Precision antenna control systems and tracking receivers for satellite tracking and positioning, supporting various applications including telecommunications, radar, and satellite communications.
• Aircraft Radomes Advanced composite radomes for commercial and military aircraft that protect radar and communications antennas while minimizing RF signal attenuation.
• Ground-based Radomes Large radome structures for ground-based antenna systems providing environmental protection in all weather conditions.
• Shipboard Radomes Radomes designed for naval shipboard installations, protecting antenna systems in maritime environments.
• Submarine Radomes Specialized radomes for submarine applications designed to withstand underwater pressure and harsh environments.
• ISR Pods (AdamWorks) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance pods for airborne platforms capable of housing sensors, optics and electronics for defense applications.
• Composite Reflectors and Accessories Lightweight, temperature-stable composite reflector antennas for satellite communications, available in conventional and portable configurations up to nearly 10 feet in diameter.
• Radiographic and Fluoroscopic X-ray Generators High-performance X-ray generators for medical imaging applications, including mobile units and systems with digital imaging processing capabilities.
• Radiographic Generators Medical X-ray generators for diagnostic imaging applications, supporting both film-based and digital radiology systems.
• CW Instrumentation High Power Amplifiers Continuous wave high power amplifiers for EMC/EMI testing, plasma processing, and industrial applications.
• Pulsed Instrumentation High Power Amplifiers Pulsed high power amplifiers for instrumentation, testing and non-destructive evaluation applications.
• Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) / Low Noise Block Down-converters (LNBs) Low-noise amplifiers and downconverters for satellite communications receive chains, designed to amplify weak satellite signals while adding minimal noise.
• Starfield Tactical Antenna Portable, lightweight tactical flyaway antenna designed for rapid deployment in high-pressure conflict situations, multi-orbit and frequency agnostic with integrated digital tracking receiver.
• Stardust Gateway Antenna Gateway terminals engineered for Ka- and Q/V-band frequencies, custom-made for high-volume demands of modern LEO and MEO satellite constellations with software-guided commissioning.
• MOCAT Tactical Antennas Multi-mission tactical flyaway antennas designed for rapid deployment in extreme conditions, multi-orbit and frequency agnostic with integrated digital tracking receiver and field-replaceable carbon fiber reflector panels.

Quantifiable outcome

• CPI's radome products cover frequencies up to 95 GHz.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• PeratonmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 October 2023CPI announced it would support Peraton in providing gateway antennas for NASA's LEGS (Luna Exploration Ground Services) program, contributing antenna systems and related technology to NASA's lunar exploration infrastructure.
• SESmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 September 2023CPI Vertex Antennentechnik GmbH was contracted to provide Ka-band antennas for SES's O3b mPOWER program, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite constellation. This partnership supports high-volume, quick-deployment gateway antenna needs for modern satellite constellations.
• AdamWorks, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 May 2022CPI completed the acquisition of AdamWorks, LLC, a Colorado-based company specializing in composite structures for aerospace and defense. The acquisition expands CPI's product offerings in radomes, pods, fairings, and other aerospace structures, supporting both military and commercial markets, and enhances CPI's capabilities in advanced composite materials and technologies.
• TMD Technologies LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2021CPI completed the acquisition of TMD Technologies Limited and its subsidiaries in July 2021. The acquisition expands CPI's portfolio of microwave, radio frequency, and high-voltage equipment for defense, communications, and scientific applications. The deal incorporated approximately 170 employees in the UK and US, adding products such as TWTs, amplifiers, and microwave power modules to CPI's capabilities.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a large defense prime that overlaps directly with CPI across RF/microwave components, antennas, satcom ground systems, and electronic warfare. Several CPI subsidiaries (ESSCO) were acquired from L3, evidencing the close competitive and product overlap. CEO Andrew Ivers previously led L3's Communications Systems Segment.
• Thales Group: Thales' defense and aerospace divisions produce RF/microwave subsystems, antennas, and satcom equipment that compete with CPI across European defense, aerospace, and satcom markets. Particularly relevant for CPI's Vertex Antennentechnik operations in Germany.
• RTX Corporation (Raytheon): RTX's Raytheon and Collins Aerospace segments compete with CPI in radar antennas, EW subsystems, missile defense electronics, and satcom ground equipment. As one of the largest defense primes, RTX sets pricing and supply chain dynamics across CPI's served markets and is a frequent customer/competitor on platforms.
• ViaSat: ViaSat is a major satellite communications equipment and services provider whose ground-segment terminals and gateway systems compete with CPI's antenna and amplifier offerings. Both serve U.S. government, commercial satellite operators, and broadband satcom end-markets.
• Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman's mission systems and aerospace systems segments overlap with CPI's radar antennas, EW, and ground-segment satcom offerings. The two firms compete for MDA, military radar, and large-aperture antenna programs where CPI's antenna technologies are positioned.
• BAE Systems: BAE Systems' electronic systems segment produces RF, EW, and radar subsystems that compete with CPI's amplifier and antenna products. The two compete for MDA, U.S. military, and allied defense electronics programs across radar and EW domains.

Direct peers

• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Kratos operates in unmanned systems, microwave electronics, and space products, with RF and antenna capabilities that overlap CPI's defense electronics portfolio. Both companies target defense and satellite communications end markets with specialized, often niche, high-performance products.
• Mercury Systems: Mercury Systems designs and manufactures RF and microwave components, subsystems, and embedded processing for defense and aerospace applications—directly comparable to CPI's amplifier, antenna, and signal-chain products. Both serve prime defense contractors and government end-customers with mission-critical RF electronics.
• Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions: Cobham AES (now part of Eaton/TransDigm following the 2024 acquisition by TransDigm—the same acquirer of CPI's Electron Device Business) produces RF, microwave, and antenna products for defense and aerospace markets, making it a closely comparable peer in CPI's core RF and satcom amplifier markets.
• Comtech Telecommunications: Comtech designs satellite ground station equipment, including antennas, RF amplifiers, and satcom modems, serving commercial and government customers—directly overlapping with CPI's antenna technologies and satcom amplifier portfolio, particularly in gateway and VSAT markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@cpii
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cpi

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A3 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Communications & Power Industries