Ultra Communications

What Ultra Communications does

Ultra Communications, Inc. designs, develops, and manufactures high-speed digital and RF fiber optic components engineered for harsh environments, serving avionics, space, land/terrestrial defense, and maritime end markets. The company's product portfolio centers on three Chip-Scale Package (CSP) embedded optical transceivers — the X80SC FURY (40Gbps avionic grade), X80S FURY (40Gbps space grade), and X200SC EMBER (100Gbps avionic grade) — supported by the RVCON family of ruggedized removable fiber optic cables (available with commercial MT/MTP, custom MIL-Spec, and rad-hard terminations), the MT Saver multi-fiber ferrule protection system, and emerging RF-over-Fiber and embedded OTDR product lines. All products are built on a patented planar flip-chip packaging platform (uOCSP — micro-Optical Chip-Scale Package) that the company claims delivers the industry's most compact rugged SMT reflow-solderable form factor with high shock/vibration tolerance and wide temperature range performance.

The underlying technology stack is centered on patented sub-micron planar flip-chip assembly processes, a kinematic removable multi-fiber connector (RVCON) that maintains optical alignment over wide temperature excursions, and a BGA-based chip-scale package with structural underfill for mechanical robustness. Ultra Communications is AS9100-certified, indicating aerospace-grade quality management, and offers radiation-hardened variants for space applications. The MT Saver ferrule protection technology, which uses ultra-thin polyimide film with index-matched adhesive to deliver 0.08 dB optical loss while protecting fiber end-faces, rounds out a vertically integrated harsh-environment optical interconnect ecosystem.

Ultra Communications operates a direct B2B enterprise sales motion with NDA-gated technical documentation, distributed pricing via phone (760-652-0011) and email ([email protected]). All revenue is derived from hardware sales across five streams: digital transceivers, RVCON fiber optic cables, fiber protection products, RF-over-Fiber products, and evaluation kits. The company is privately held and operates as a subsidiary of Samtec, branded as "Samtec Vista Ultra Communications," which implies corporate backing and potential global distribution synergies through the parent. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Vista, California, Ultra Communications maintains 101-250 employees and does not disclose revenue.

Name

Ultra Communications

Legal name

Ultra Communications, Inc.

Website

https://ultracomm-inc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Ultra Communications, a Samtec subsidiary based in Vista, California, designs and manufactures compact, rugged high-speed fiber optic transceivers, connectors, and ferrule protection products for harsh-environment avionics, space, defense, and maritime applications.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fiber Optic Components

NAICS

Electronic Connector Manufacturing (334417), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429), Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing (335921)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Electronic Connectors (3678), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669)

akta.pro primary industry

Fiber-Optic Interconnects (Connectors/Cables/Transceivers Interfaces) (HDAHAOAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Optical Transceivers (SFP/SFP+/SFP28/QSFP/QSFP-DD/OSFP) (HDAFAEAE), Fiber Optic Cabling (Singlemode/Multimode) (HDAFALAB), Cable Assemblies & Patch Cords (Copper/Fiber) (HDAFALAF), Optoelectronic Receivers & Transceivers (Photodetectors/Optical Modules) (HDAHALAM)

Keywords

• Fiber optic transceivers
• Harsh environment optics
• Avionics fiber components
• Space-grade optical modules
• Military fiber connectors

Headquarters

HQ city

Vista

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Digital Transceivers: Sale of high-speed embedded optical transceivers (X80SC, X80S, X200SC) operating at channel rates from 10 Mbps to 25Gbps. Products include avionic grade and space grade variants with radiation hardening capabilities
2. RVCON Fiber Optic Cables: Sale of patented ruggedized vertical connector fiber optic cables with commercial MT/MTP ferrule terminations, custom MIL-Spec terminations, and rad-hard optical fiber for space applications
3. Fiber Protection Products: Sale of MT Saver multi-fiber ferrule protection products for protecting fiber end-faces of MT-based connector systems
4. RF over Fiber Products: Compact multi-channel radio-frequency (RF) over fiber transmitters and receivers operating over single mode fiber
5. Evaluation Kits: Sale of hardware and software evaluation kits for testing, analysis, and monitoring of fiber optic links and cable plants

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Ultra Communications designs, develops, and manufactures high-speed digital and RF fiber optic components for harsh environments, including SMT reflow solderable embedded optical transceivers (X80SC, X80S, X200SC), ruggedized RVCON fiber optic cables, and MT Saver multi-fiber ferrule protection products. The company's products are used in avionics, space, terrestrial defense, and maritime applications, and are built on a patented planar flip-chip packaging platform (uOCSP).

Product overview

Ultra Communications designs, develops and manufactures high-speed embedded optical transceivers for harsh environment applications using their patented planar flip-chip packaging platform (uOCSP) and CSP (Chip-Scale Package) technology. The product portfolio centers on three digital transceiver models: the X80SC FURY (40Gbps avionic grade) and X80S FURY (40Gbps space grade) supporting up to 10 Gbps per channel, and the X200SC EMBER (100Gbps avionic grade) supporting 10 and 25 Gbps per channel. These compact transceivers feature SMT reflow solderable BGA interfaces and proprietary removable RVCON fiber cable termination. Supporting products include the RVCON fiber optic cable family (available with commercial MT/MTP ferrule terminations, custom MIL-Spec terminations including MIL-DTL-38999/83526 GFOCA/ARINC 801, and rad-hard optical fiber for space applications), and the MT Saver multi-fiber ferrule protection system. The company also offers collaborative engineering services for challenging mixed-signal circuit design, packaging, and OTDR-based monitoring solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• RVCON: Patented rugged vertical connector for harsh environment fiber optic interconnect applications
• MT Saver

Products and services

• X80SC FURY Avionic Grade Embedded Optical Transceiver 40Gbps full-duplex avionic grade embedded optical transceiver in a Chip-Scale Package with 4 TX + 4 RX channels at up to 10 Gbps per channel, SMT reflow solderable BGA interface, removable RVCON connector, designed for harsh environment avionics applications.
• X80S FURY Space Grade Embedded Optical Transceiver 40Gbps full-duplex space grade embedded optical transceiver in a Chip-Scale Package with 4 TX + 4 RX channels at up to 10 Gbps per channel, qualified for space applications with radiation hardening.
• X200SC EMBER Avionic Grade Embedded Optical Transceiver 100Gbps full-duplex avionic grade embedded optical transceiver in a Chip-Scale Package with 4 TX + 4 RX channels optimized for 10 and 25 Gbps per channel (tested up to 28 Gbps).
• RVCON Cables with Commercial MT/MTP Ferrule Terminations Rugged RVCON fiber optic cables with commercial MT ferrule connectors in standard 12-inch length and custom lengths, featuring removable connector interface with high shock and vibration tolerance for harsh environment use with X80/X200 transceivers.
• RVCON Cables with Custom MIL-Spec Terminations Rugged RVCON fiber optic cables customized with MIL-Spec connectors including MIL-DTL-38999, MIL-DTL-83526 GFOCA, MIL-PRF-28876, and ARINC 801, supporting specialty fibers and multiple RVCON connectors for higher bandwidth systems.
• RVCON Cables with Rad-hard Optical Fiber for Space Applications Rugged RVCON fiber optic cables manufactured with specialty radiation-hardened fiber for demanding space applications, available with commercial MT ferrule connectors or MIL-Spec connectors.
• MT Saver Multi-Fiber Ferrule Protection System Patented protective film system for MT-based connector systems made of ultra-thin polyimide film with silicone adhesive; protects fiber end-faces from scratches and contamination, fills air-gaps with index matched media, and provides low optical loss of 0.08 dB while remaining fully operational with film in place.

Quantifiable outcome

• Channel rates from 10 Mbps to 25Gbps supported across product line
• +4 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• SamteccoreOthersSamtec appears to be the parent company of Ultra Communications, operating as 'Samtec Vista Ultra Communications' according to the accessibility statement. The company logo references 'SAM VISTA' branding. Samtec is a well-known connector and cable assembly manufacturer. Copyright 2024 Ultra Communications under Samtec. Accessibility feedback contacts point to Samtec headquarters in New Albany, IN.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Smiths Interconnect: Smiths Interconnect manufactures ruggedized fiber optic connectors, transceivers, and cable assemblies for defense, aerospace, and space — directly competing with Ultra Communications in harsh-environment optical interconnects. Its Reflex Photonics brand sells embedded optical modules that compete head-to-head with the X80SC/X200SC.
• Glenair: Glenair specializes in MIL-Spec circular connectors and ruggedized fiber optic interconnect systems for military and aerospace. Its MIL-DTL-38999 and GFOCA-style offerings overlap directly with Ultra Communications' RVCON custom MIL-Spec cable family.
• Amphenol Fiber Systems International: Amphenol FSI manufactures ruggedized fiber optic connectors, cable assemblies, and transceivers for military, aerospace, and industrial markets. It is one of the closest direct competitors to Ultra Communications' harsh-environment product portfolio.
• Radiall: Radiall designs and manufactures ruggedized fiber optic interconnects and active optical components for defense, space, and industrial applications. Its product breadth and European footprint make it a comparable peer in MIL/Aero fiber optics.
• Source Photonics: Source Photonics manufactures optical transceivers and components for datacom, telecom, and emerging 5G/industrial markets. While its primary focus is commercial, its embedded optical module portfolio overlaps with Ultra Communications' transceiver line.

Broad incumbents

• TE Connectivity: TE Connectivity is a broad global incumbent in electronic connectors, including ruggedized fiber optic solutions for defense and aerospace. Its scale, multi-product portfolio, and deep prime-contractor relationships make it a primary competitor on large defense programs.
• Molex (Koch Industries): Molex, owned by Koch Industries, is a broad connector and cable assembly manufacturer with aerospace and defense offerings including ruggedized fiber optic interconnect solutions. It competes with Ultra Communications as part of a much larger portfolio.
• Lumentum: Lumentum is a large merchant supplier of photonic components and optical modules serving telecom, datacom, and 3D sensing. While not focused on harsh-environment defense, it represents adjacent optical-component competition and a relevant scale benchmark.
• Coherent (II-VI / Coherent Corp.): Coherent Corp. is a major vertically integrated photonics manufacturer spanning lasers, optical components, and transceivers. Its scale and packaging capabilities position it as a broad incumbent in adjacent optical-component markets.
• Broadcom: Broadcom is a leading supplier of high-speed optical components, embedded optical engines, and semiconductor packaging technologies. Its embedded optics roadmap directly intersects with Ultra Communications' CSP/transceiver business over time.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Ultra Communications