Empower RF Systems

What Empower RF Systems does

Empower RF Systems, Inc. is a US-based designer and manufacturer of high-power solid-state RF and microwave amplifiers, headquartered in Inglewood, California, and founded in 1999. The company's catalog spans frequencies from 1 MHz to 6 GHz at output power levels from 10 watts to 120 kilowatts, organized across air-cooled and liquid-cooled system platforms, pulse amplifiers, RF and microwave modules, and dedicated GaN on SiC product families. Core technology centers on GaN-on-SiC semiconductor devices, Class AB amplifier architectures, advanced broadband RF matching networks, and patented broadband linearization techniques, with built-in monitoring and protection (over-temperature, over-voltage, reverse polarity, over-current, VSWR up to 3:1) and digital control interfaces including RS485, TCP/IP, and front-panel touchscreens. A modular, scalable architecture allows customers to add amplifier blocks as power requirements grow without phase matching, supporting N+1 redundancy across multi-kW systems. Production is ISO 9001:2015 certified, MIL-STD-810F environmental compliance is asserted, and the entity is SAM-registered (CAGE 1N5X2, DUNS 125351929), qualifying it for US federal procurement channels.

The company sells into five primary verticals: electronic warfare and counter-UAS (force protection, manpack/vehicle/fixed-site jamming, multi-domain operations), radar (HF OTH, VHF ballistic missile early warning, UHF foliage penetration, L-band ATC/IFF, S-band weather), satcom and space (fixed and mobile uplink transmitters replacing legacy tubes), tactical communications (software-defined radios for warfighter and homeland networks), and EMC test (radiated susceptibility amplifiers exceeding 200V/m CW and 600V/m pulsed). Revenue is generated through hardware sales of amplifier systems and modules, custom design services for customer-specific configurations (integrated filters, T/R switches, DC/DC converters, forward/reverse power detectors, RCV LNAs), and a rental program for short-term deployments.

The go-to-market combines direct US and international field-sales representatives for defense and government customers, authorized distribution through Richardson RFPD and RFMW for immediate-purchase standard modules, and a website-based quote system for custom configurations and high-volume pricing. The recent December 2025 launch of the Model 1211 C-UAS module (500-2500 MHz, 100W, GaN on SiC, common digital interface shared with the 1193 and 1212 modules) extends coverage of a complete 20 MHz to 6 GHz C-UAS building-block family, indicating active product investment into the counter-drone segment. Leadership comprises Jon Jacocks as President and CEO, Larisa Stanisic as CFO, and Paulo Correa as CTO, with no disclosed outside institutional ownership beyond a 2006 investment by Summit Partners.

Name

Empower RF Systems

Legal name

Empower RF Systems, Inc.

Website

https://empowerrf.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Empower RF Systems designs and manufactures high-power solid-state RF and microwave amplifiers (1 MHz to 6 GHz, 10 W to 120 kW) using GaN on SiC technology for defense, electronic warfare, counter-UAS, radar, satellite communications, tactical communications, and EMC test customers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

High Power RF and Microwave Solid-State Amplifiers

NAICS

Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33422)

SIC

Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industry

Ruggedized/Harsh-Environment Electronics Manufacturing (IP-rated, shock/vibration, wide-temp) (IMAGAGAF)

Keywords

• High power RF amplifiers
• Solid-state microwave amplifiers
• GaN on SiC amplifiers
• Electronic warfare amplifiers
• C-UAS RF modules

Headquarters

HQ city

Inglewood

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. RF Power Amplifier Hardware Sales: Sale of solid-state RF power amplifiers ranging from modules (10W-200W) to full systems (100W-120kW) for defense, radar, satcom, and EMC test applications. Products include air-cooled and liquid-cooled systems.
2. RF and Microwave Modules: Sale of module-level building blocks for C-UAS systems and electronic warfare applications, including standard modules and customization options.
3. Amplifier Rentals: Rental program for RF amplifiers allowing customers to rent equipment for short-term projects, testing, or temporary deployments. Available for select system models.
4. Custom Design Services: Customer-specific requirements met through custom power amplifier design incorporating integrated filters, T/R switches, DC/DC converters, forward/reverse power detectors, and RCV LNAs.
5. Distribution/Resale through Channel Partners: Products sold through distributors Richardson RFPD and RFMW with immediate purchase capability for quick-turn availability and supply chain support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Empower RF Systems designs and manufactures high-power solid-state RF and microwave power amplifiers (10W to 120kW) covering 1 MHz to 6 GHz, primarily for defense, electronic warfare, counter-UAS, radar, SATCOM, tactical communications, and EMC test applications. The product portfolio spans air-cooled and liquid-cooled systems, RF/microwave modules, and GaN on SiC-based designs, complemented by custom design services and equipment rentals.

Product overview

Empower RF Systems offers a comprehensive portfolio of technologically advanced high power RF and microwave solid-state amplifiers organized into distinct product families: RF Power Amplifiers (broadband systems from 1 MHz to 6 GHz, 10W to 120kW), Pulse Amplifiers (for radar and pulsed applications), GEN2 Air Cooled systems, GEN3 Liquid Cooled scalable systems, RF and Microwave Modules (20 MHz-6 GHz, 10-100W for system integration), GaN Amplifiers (using GaN on SiC technology), and Amplifier Rentals. The Model 1211 C-UAS module specifically addresses counter-drone defense with 500-2500 MHz coverage at 100W. The modular architecture allows customers to combine modules (e.g., 1193 + 1211 + 1212) for complete 20-6000 MHz coverage. Custom design services enable customer-specific requirements including integrated filters, T/R switches, and DC/DC converters.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• RF Power Amplifiers High power RF and microwave solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) covering 1 MHz to 6 GHz with power levels from 10W to 120kW, designed for defense, communications, radar, and EMC test applications.
• Pulse Amplifiers Pulsed RF amplifiers designed for radar, jamming, and pulsed signal applications with high peak power capabilities.
• RF Systems GEN2: Air Cooled Next-generation air-cooled RF amplifier systems featuring compact design with advanced thermal management for electronic warfare, communications, and test applications.
• RF Systems GEN3: Liquid Cooled Liquid-cooled scalable RF amplifier systems providing high power output with superior thermal management for demanding mission-critical applications.
• RF and Microwave Modules Module-level building blocks including C-UAS modules (SKUs 1124, 1100, 1193, 1189, 1211, 1208, 1219, 1212, 1215) providing power outputs from 10W to 100W across 20 MHz to 6 GHz for system integration.
• GaN Amplifiers Amplifiers utilizing Gallium Nitride (GaN) on Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology offering superior power density, efficiency, and thermal conductivity for high-reliability defense applications.
• Modules - Purchase from Stock Standard catalog RF and microwave modules available for immediate purchase from stock through the website and authorized distributors (Richardson RFPD, RFMW).
• Amplifier Rentals Rental program for select RF amplifier systems enabling customers to rent equipment for short-term projects, testing, or temporary deployments.
• Custom Design Services Custom power amplifier design services for customer-specific requirements including integrated filters, T/R switches, DC/DC converters, forward/reverse power detectors, and RCV LNAs.
• Model 1211 C-UAS RF Amplifier Module High-power solid-state C-UAS amplifier module operating 500-2500 MHz with 100W minimum output power, featuring Class AB GaN on SiC technology, built-in control/monitoring, and protection functions for counter-drone and electronic warfare applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Amplifiers exceeding 200V/m CW and 600V/m pulsed for demanding radiated susceptibility testing requirements
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Richardson RFPDcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRichardson RFPD is an authorized distributor of Empower RF Systems, offering immediate purchase capability for standard amplifier modules. They provide quick-turn availability and supply chain support to complement technical engagements with customers.
• RFMWcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRFMW is an authorized distributor of Empower RF Systems, providing immediate purchase capability for standard amplifier modules with independent pricing, terms, and conditions of sale.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Communications & Power Industries (CPI): Direct competitor in high-power RF amplifiers for defense, electronic warfare, radar and SATCOM, including both tube and solid-state product families. Targets the same DoD and satcom primes as Empower and offers overlapping power/frequency bands.
• Comtech (Xicom Technology): Long-standing direct competitor in high-power SSPAs for SATCOM uplinks and EW; product line, customer base (satcom operators and defense primes) and sales motion are highly aligned with Empower's SATCOM & Space EW business.
• QuinStar Technology: Designs and manufactures solid-state power amplifiers and subsystems for defense and aerospace EW, radar and instrumentation, with comparable GaN-based offerings and similar US defense prime customer overlap.
• Aethercomm: Specialist in high-power, broadband RF amplifiers for electronic warfare, radar and comms — a near-twin competitor in the same defense nich with similar C-UAS and EW portfolio emphasis.
• AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation (Amplifier Research): Direct competitor in high-power RF amplifiers specifically for EMC radiated susceptibility test, where Empower's >200V/m CW and >600V/m pulsed amplifiers overlap with AR's well-known EMC test amplifier line.
• RFHIC: GaN-based RF power amplifier specialist serving defense, wireless infrastructure and SATCOM with comparable power/frequency bands; competes most directly on Empower's GaN-on-SiC value proposition.
• TMD Technologies: UK-based manufacturer of high-power RF amplifiers and microwave tubes/sub-systems for defense EW, radar and EMC test — directly comparable product portfolio and customer profile with Empower, with primary geographic overlap being NATO allies.

Broad incumbents

• Qorvo: Large GaN/SiC-based RF semiconductor company with broad defense and wireless infrastructure portfolio; competes with Empower at the GaN device and integrated module level and serves the same defense primes.
• MACOM Technology Solutions: Broad-line RF and microwave component supplier (including high-power amplifiers and GaN devices) serving defense and aerospace; competes with Empower across component/module levels with a much wider portfolio.
• Mercury Systems: Defense-focused mission-critical electronics integrator with significant RF/microwave amplifier and sub-system content serving EW, radar and SIGINT — overlapping customer base with Empower and increasingly competitive in high-power solid-state.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/epowerrf
• Facebookfacebook.com/empowerrf
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/empower-rf-systems

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Empower RF Systems