AFT microwave
AFT microwave GmbH is a German manufacturer of high-performance ferrite-based microwave components — circulators, isolators, phase shifters, and loads — serving science, medical LINAC, industrial, and aerospace customers worldwide with proprietary in-house ferrite production.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersBacknang, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What AFT microwave does
AFT microwave GmbH is a privately held German designer and manufacturer of high-performance microwave components and subsystems, headquartered in Backnang near Stuttgart. The company specializes in ferrite-based circulators, isolators, phase shifters, fast ferrite tuners (FFT), loads, and supporting electronic equipment such as ARC detectors, AFC modules, and temperature compensating units (TCU). Its core differentiator is in-house ferrite ceramic production since 1955 using proprietary recipes for garnets and spinels, a capability the company describes as globally unique and that anchors the entire product portfolio from 27 MHz to 40 GHz across megawatt power levels.
The business serves five primary verticals: science (particle accelerators at CERN, DESY, Brookhaven, Oak Ridge, SLAC, ESS, and fusion research facilities), medical technology (cancer radiotherapy OEMs including Varian, Elekta, Accuray, Siemens Healthineers, United Imaging, ZAP, and Reflexion), industrial LINAC systems (Varex Imaging, Mevex, Teledyne ETM), industrial microwave processing (Crescend, Sairem, Scandinova, Stellant, WAVONIQ), and aerospace & defense (Hensoldt, Leonardo, Tesat). Revenue is generated primarily through engineered-to-order hardware sales under quote-based pricing, supplemented by simulation/engineering services, commissioning and maintenance, and consultancy studies. Pricing is not publicly disclosed.
The company employs approximately 50 highly qualified engineers and reports double-digit million EUR revenue with about 90% generated internationally across North America, Europe, and Asia. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales — including a US subsidiary (AFT microwave Inc.) — with a network of nine regional channel partners/distributors covering Italy, France/Belgium, Spain, India, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Korea. AFT is 100% owned by Müller Investment Group, making it a long-standing family-run business that markets itself as a "hidden champion" and world market leader for high-power circulators, with components present in almost all cancer radiotherapy machines worldwide. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification (valid through January 2029).
AFT microwave firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AFT microwave
- Legal name
- AFT microwave GmbH
- Website
- https://aft-microwave.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- AFT microwave GmbH is a German manufacturer of high-performance ferrite-based microwave components — circulators, isolators, phase shifters, and loads — serving science, medical LINAC, industrial, and aerospace customers worldwide with proprietary in-house ferrite production.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AFT microwave industry classification
Industry- Product category
- High-Power RF and Microwave Components
- NAICS
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220), Electrical Equipment Manufacturing (33531)
- SIC
- Electronic Coils, Transformers & Other Inductors (3677), Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Transformers & Magnetics (Power/Signal) (HDAHANAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- EMI/RFI Suppression Components (Ferrite Beads/Cores/Filters) (HDAHANAE), RF & Microwave Connectors and Coaxial Assemblies (HDAHAOAD), Military Power Supplies, RF/Microwave Components & Ruggedized Electronics (IMABAGAJ)
Keywords
Where AFT microwave is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Backnang
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
AFT microwave business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- High-Power Microwave Components and Subsystems: Sale of ferrite-based circulators, isolators, ferrite loads, phase shifters, fast ferrite tuners, and subsystems for particle accelerators, medical LINAC, industrial microwave, radar, and satellite communication applications.
- Electronic Equipment: Sale of supporting electronic devices including TCU (Temperature Compensating Units), ARC detectors, and AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) modules.
- Microwave Ferrites: Sale of proprietary ferrite materials (garnets and spinels) in various shapes and dimensions for customer applications.
- Simulation and Engineering Services: Engineering services including multi-physics simulations using CST software for customer-specific solutions from prototype to series production.
- Commissioning and Maintenance Services: Worldwide on-site commissioning support, inspection, maintenance, repair, refurbishment, and upgrade services for microwave systems.
- Consultancy and Studies: Expert consultancy and technical studies for high-performance microwave applications, including well-founded analysis and research for challenging projects.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels10 records
Marketing channels5 records
AFT microwave product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AFT microwave GmbH designs, develops, and manufactures high-power ferrite-based microwave components and subsystems, including circulators, isolators, loads, phase shifters, Fast Ferrite Tuners (FFT), passive components, and electronic equipment (ARC detectors, AFC, TCU). The company also produces its own proprietary microwave ferrite materials (garnets and spinels) in-house, which form the functional heart of its products. Offerings are engineered for protection, reliability, and efficiency of RF and microwave systems in scientific, medical, industrial, and aerospace applications.
Product overview
AFT microwave GmbH is a German technology company specializing in high-performance microwave components and subsystems. Their product portfolio centers on ferrite-based passive microwave components for protection, reliability, and efficiency in microwave systems. The core offering includes: (1) Circulators & Isolators - the primary product line protecting microwave generators; (2) Loads & Absorbers including ferrite, water, and dry loads; (3) Phase Shifters & Fast Ferrite Tuners (FFT) for rapid power switching; (4) Passive Components such as E-probes and directional couplers; (5) Customer-Specific Assemblies and Subsystems combining multiple components; (6) Electronic Equipment including ARC Detectors, AFC modules, and TCU for system protection and stabilization; and (7) Microwave Ferrites - their proprietary raw materials manufactured in-house since 1955. The company operates a 5,000 m² facility in Backnang, Germany, and serves scientific institutions, medical technology, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Circulators & Isolators Low-loss ferrite-based circulators and isolators that protect microwave generators (vacuum tubes, klystrons, magnetrons, solid-state amplifiers) from damaging reflections. Available in waveguide, coaxial, and microstrip technologies from 27 MHz to 40 GHz. Used in particle accelerators, medical LINAC, industrial microwave, radar, and satellite communication systems.
- Loads & Absorbers Ferrite loads, water loads, and dry loads for terminating microwave power. Ferrite loads use liquid-cooled ceramic absorbers with broadband temperature-stable absorption. Water loads use quartz glass tubes. Dry loads use SiC inlays. For high-power RF and microwave systems.
- Phase Shifter & Fast Ferrite Tuner (FFT) Proprietary analog microwave phase shifters operating at megawatt power levels with low loss and agility. Enables rapid energy switching for LINAC-based X-ray sources and power variators, with pulse-to-pulse power switching in approximately 1 ms.
- Passive Components Waveguide-based passive components for LINACs including E-Probes, directional couplers, waveguide bends (E-bend, H-bend), phase wands, and waveguide accessories such as gas seals and water connectors.
- Customer-Specific Assemblies and Subsystems Custom assemblies combining components into optimally arranged subsystems for LINACs. Includes matched components, integral testing, and helium gas leak testing for demanding applications.
- ARC Detectors Optical arc detection systems (ARC1 2.0 and ARC4 2.0) that detect electrical arcs within microseconds. Protects high-power microwave components and systems from damage. Includes detector modules, fiber optic cables, viewports, and interconnector accessories.
- AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) Compact AFC modules for frequency control circuits in magnetron or klystron LINAC systems. Generates precision error signals for frequency tuning. Available in mechanical (mAFC) and electronic (eAFC) versions.
- TCU (Temperature Compensating Unit) Digital thermal compensation unit packaged in 19-inch industrial housing. Stabilizes ferrite operating points in high-power circulators using calorimetric measurement of ferrite heating. Optional RF sensor card for faster response times.
- Microwave Ferrites In-house manufactured ferrite materials including spinels and garnets (RG LL low-loss, RG TC temperature-compensated, RF spinels). Used as the functional heart of circulators, isolators, and FFTs. Produced from metal oxide powders through grinding, mixing, pressing, and sintering at 1200°C+.
- Circulator 915MHz WR975 New-generation waveguide circulator at 915 MHz frequency, designed for high-power applications with very low insertion loss, high isolation, and solid bandwidth, available up to 100 kW continuous wave power.
- Isolator 2450 MHz New-generation isolators at 2450 MHz frequency, available from 1 kW to 10 kW true continuous wave power ratings, designed for industrial and scientific microwave applications.
Quantifiable outcome
- Products with typical service life of well over 10 years, almost maintenance-free
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use AFT microwave
Customer profileNamed customers25 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
AFT microwave technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
AFT microwave partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- ElhytecoreSales representative for France and Belgium, including cooperation for European Microwave Week (EUMW) events. Located in Evry, France.
- AFT microwave Inc.coreUS subsidiary for direct sales and customer support in USA and Canada. Participated in IMS 2023 in San Diego representing AFT microwave at the event.
- Celte S.p.A.coreExclusive distributor for Italy covering sales, support, and customer relationships in the Italian market. Located in Cernusco sul Naviglio (Milano), Italy.
- Milexia Company IBÉRICA S.A.U.coreDistributor for Spain covering the Spanish market. Located in Madrid, Spain.
- Rosalina InstrumentscoreRepresentative for India providing sales and support in the Indian market. Contact: Mr. James Mazarello, Mumbai.
- Shoshin CorporationcoreRepresentative for Japan covering sales and customer support in the Japanese market. Located in Tokyo, Japan.
- Tangram Electronic Engineering Co. Ltd.coreRepresentative for China providing sales and technical support in the Chinese market. Located in Beijing, China.
- Systemcom Co., Ltd.coreRepresentative for Taiwan covering sales and customer relationships in the Taiwan market. Located in Taipei, Taiwan.
- VISIONPLUS Co., Ltd.coreRepresentative for Korea providing sales and support in the Korean market. Located in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea.
- European Scientific Institutions NetworkflagshipLong-standing partnerships with world-leading scientific institutions including CERN (70+ years of collaboration), DESY, and others in particle accelerator and fusion research. Development and delivery of specialized high-power components for research facilities worldwide.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
AFT microwave competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Hitachi Metals (now Proterial): Major Japanese supplier of ferrite materials and soft magnetic components, upstream of microwave component manufacturers. Comparable as a global ferrite materials producer and indirect competitor/upstream supplier in the same value chain as AFT's in-house ferrite production.
Broad incumbents
- Mercury Systems: Large US defense electronics company offering a broad portfolio of RF, microwave, and digital processing subsystems, including high-power circulators and isolators. Overlaps with AFT in defense/aerospace high-power microwave but operates at a much larger scale with diversified offerings.
- Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions: Established provider of RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave components for defense, space, and commercial applications including high-power circulators. Broad incumbent in adjacent high-reliability microwave markets.
- Ducommun (RF/Microwave Products): US electronics manufacturer offering RF/microwave components and subsystems, including ferrite-based isolators and circulators, primarily serving aerospace and defense. Comparable high-reliability high-power RF component portfolio.
- Smiths Interconnect (formerly TRAK Microwave): Major supplier of RF/microwave components and subsystems including ferrite isolators, circulators, and high-power components for defense, space, and commercial markets. Comparable technology base but much broader product portfolio and global scale.
Direct peers
- MECA Electronics: Manufacturer of RF and microwave passive components including circulators, isolators, attenuators, and loads for commercial, military, and aerospace markets. Closely comparable to AFT's circulator/isolator and load product lines.
- UTE Microwave: Manufacturer of ferrite components, circulators, isolators, and microwave subsystems for military, commercial, and scientific applications. Comparable in product mix and high-power specialization to AFT.
- Channel Microwave Corporation: Manufacturer of passive microwave components including isolators, circulators, and loads serving commercial, military, and space applications. Competes with AFT in ferrite-based high-power components for similar OEM and integrator customers.
- Raditek: Designer and manufacturer of RF and microwave components including circulators, isolators, and high-power components. Direct overlap with AFT in ferrite-based passive microwave components for similar end markets.
- Renaissance Electronics Corporation: US-based manufacturer of ferrite-based microwave components including circulators, isolators, and high-power RF components for defense and commercial markets. Directly comparable to AFT in ferrite technology and high-power circulator/isolator product lines.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
AFT microwave social profiles
Digital presenceAFT microwave compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
AFT microwave financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AFT microwave leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
AFT microwave subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
AFT microwave funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AFT microwave M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AFT microwave
What does AFT microwave do?
AFT microwave GmbH designs, develops, and manufactures high-power ferrite-based microwave components and subsystems, including circulators, isolators, loads, phase shifters, Fast Ferrite Tuners (FFT), passive components, and electronic equipment (ARC detectors, AFC, TCU). The company also produces its own proprietary microwave ferrite materials (garnets and spinels) in-house, which form the functional heart of its products. Offerings are engineered for protection, reliability, and efficiency of RF and microwave systems in scientific, medical, industrial, and aerospace applications.
Is AFT microwave a public or private company?
AFT microwave is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was AFT microwave founded?
AFT microwave was founded in 1993. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is AFT microwave based?
AFT microwave is headquartered in Backnang, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does AFT microwave make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. High-Power Microwave Components and Subsystems are the primary driver. The others are electronic Equipment, microwave Ferrites, simulation and Engineering Services, commissioning and Maintenance Services and consultancy and Studies.
Who are AFT microwave's main competitors?
Hitachi Metals (now Proterial) is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Mercury Systems, Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions, Ducommun (RF/Microwave Products) and Smiths Interconnect (formerly TRAK Microwave). Direct peers are MECA Electronics, UTE Microwave, Channel Microwave Corporation, Raditek and Renaissance Electronics Corporation.
Does AFT microwave have an API?
No public API is recorded for AFT microwave.
What industry is AFT microwave in?
AFT microwave's product category is High-Power RF and Microwave Components. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHANAD, Transformers & Magnetics (Power/Signal), with a secondary code of HDAHANAE, EMI/RFI Suppression Components (Ferrite Beads/Cores/Filters). Its NAICS code is 334220 and its SIC code is 3677.