Esterline Research and Design
Esterline Research and Design, LLC designs and manufactures precision frequency control components, ultra-low-G timing modules, and multi-channel frequency acquisition test systems built on its patented MSAC compensation technology, serving defense, aerospace, GPS/GNSS, telecom, and quantum research customers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersMechanicsburg, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Esterline Research and Design does
Esterline Research and Design, LLC is a privately held U.S. company headquartered in Millerstown, Pennsylvania, that designs and manufactures precision frequency control components and advanced testing systems for oscillator characterization. Its product portfolio spans RF distribution amplifiers (DA100–DA500 series), frequency dividers and multipliers (FD/FM series), embeddable reference modules (FRM100), ultra-low-G and software-compensated timing modules (LGT, LGH, SCH series), test instruments (FMS100-32, DFS100, RCM100, SPS200, PVG100), and integrated Frequency Acquisition Systems (FAS100, FAS200, FAS1000-TC, FAS2000-TC, FAS300-H). The company's technical differentiator is its patented MSAC (Multi-Stage Advanced Compensation) technology, which enables faster environmental compensation of crystal oscillators and supports stability objectives at parts-per-trillion levels, complemented by simultaneous multi-channel frequency measurement systems with zero-dead-time readings that eliminate sequential-testing artifacts such as injection locking and thermal hysteresis.
The company monetizes through one-time hardware sales of components and integrated test systems, quote-based professional testing services (Activity Dip, Allan Deviation, Frequency vs. Temperature, Aging, Micro-Jump/Phase Jump, Thermal Hysteresis, Trim Effect testing), and engineering consulting across frequency control, test and automation, RF circuit design, ceramic substrate design, micro-controller applications, and programming. Go-to-market combines direct e-commerce via a Shopify storefront, a global distribution partnership with RFMW (Exponential Technology Group, signed May 2026), a regional sales-rep network across the Americas, and international distributors including Steliau Technology (Italy/Europe) and Nextwave Technologies (Israel). The company serves defense and aerospace, precision timing and GPS/GNSS navigation, telecommunications infrastructure, oscillator manufacturers, and quantum computing and research applications.
Esterline was founded by John Esterline, a quartz oscillator pioneer and former Penn State University professor who serves as CEO, with the company claiming 175+ years of combined team expertise. The firm operates as an independent LLC without parent-company ownership or institutional investment, employs 1-10 people, and does not disclose revenue figures. Three product launches occurred in 2025 (FAS200, FAS300-H, DFS100), and the RFMW agreement positions the company for broader commercial reach, though financial scale remains undisclosed.
Esterline Research and Design firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Esterline Research and Design
- Legal name
- Esterline Research and Design, LLC
- Website
- https://esterlineresearch.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Esterline Research and Design, LLC designs and manufactures precision frequency control components, ultra-low-G timing modules, and multi-channel frequency acquisition test systems built on its patented MSAC compensation technology, serving defense, aerospace, GPS/GNSS, telecom, and quantum research customers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Esterline Research and Design industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Precision Frequency Control Components
- NAICS
- Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Oscillators & Frequency Standards (OCXO/Rubidium/Cesium/Chip-Scale Atomic) (HDAFAKAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Frequency Control Components (Quartz Crystals/Oscillators/Resonators) (HDAHANAF), Timing, Frequency & Oscillator Components (Crystals, oscillators, resonators, clock generators) (IMAGAJAH), Ruggedized/Harsh-Environment Electronics Manufacturing (IP-rated, shock/vibration, wide-temp) (IMAGAGAF)
Keywords
Where Esterline Research and Design is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mechanicsburg
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Esterline Research and Design 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
Revenue model
- Hardware Product Sales: Sale of precision frequency control components and modules including embeddable signal sources (FRM100, oscillators), frequency dividers and multipliers, mixers and down converters, RF distribution amplifiers (DA100, DA200, DA300, DA400, DA500 series), timing modules, frequency counters, signal sources, voltage sources, and system control modules. One-time hardware purchase model.
- Testing Services: Professional oscillator testing services including Activity Dip Testing, Allan Deviation (ADEV) Testing, Frequency vs. Temperature Testing, Long Term Aging Testing, Micro-Jump/Phase Jump Screening, Thermal Hysteresis Testing, and Trim Effect Testing. Pricing varies by quantity, temperature range, and ramp rate. Quote-based pricing model.
- Engineering Consulting: Expert consulting services across frequency control, test and automation, RF circuit design/PCB layout, ceramic substrate/package design, micro-controller/processor applications, and general programming. Delivered by team with over 70 years of combined engineering experience.
- Custom Frequency Acquisition Systems: Sale of integrated test systems including FAS100, FAS200, FAS2000-TC, FAS300-H, and FAS1000-TC for OCXO, TCXO, VCXO, and XO characterization. Systems can support up to 1280 DUTs per system with configurable test cards and chambers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Frequency vs Temperature Testing - Standard Range |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Thermal Hysteresis Testing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Activity Dip Testing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Esterline Research and Design product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Esterline Research and Design manufactures and sells precision frequency control components, RF distribution amplifiers, frequency acquisition systems, and ultra-low-G timing modules (OCXO/TCXO/VCXO) for defense, aerospace, telecommunications, and GPS applications. The company also provides oscillator testing services (ADEV, thermal hysteresis, aging, frequency vs temperature) and engineering consulting around frequency control and RF circuit design. Its patented MSAC (Multi-Stage Advanced Compensation) technology enables faster, more scalable environmental compensation of oscillators down to parts-per-trillion stability levels.
Product overview
Esterline Research and Design offers a comprehensive platform-plus-modules product architecture centered on precision frequency control products and advanced testing solutions. The core portfolio includes: Components & Modules (RF Distribution Amplifiers - DA100/DA200/DA300/DA400/DA500 series, Frequency Dividers FD100/FD200, Frequency Multipliers FM200/FM300, DFM100 Mixer, FRM100 Reference Module); Test Instruments (FMS100-32 Frequency Measurement System, DFS100 Digital Frequency Synthesizer, RCM100 Relay Control Module, SPS200 Power Supply, PVG100 Programmable Voltage Generator); Frequency Acquisition Systems (FAS100/FAS200/FAS1000-TC/FAS2000-TC/FAS300-H for OCXO/TCXO/VCXO/XO characterization); and Timing Modules (LGT/LGH/SCH series ultra-low-G and software-compensated reference modules). Supporting these products are Testing Services (Activity Dip, ADEV, Frequency vs Temperature, Aging, Micro-Jump, Thermal Hysteresis, Trim Effect) and Engineering Consulting. The company leverages proprietary MSAC (Multi-Stage Advanced Compensation) technology for environmental compensation of oscillators. Products serve defense, aerospace, GPS, telecommunications, and quantum computing applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- M-SAC: Multi-Stage Advanced Compensation technology - patented compensation technology for faster and more scalable correction of temperature and environmental effects
Products and services
- DA100 Series Distribution Amplifiers Fixed frequency sinewave distribution amplifiers supporting 5MHz, 10MHz, and 100MHz operation with BNC or SMA connectors, used by engineers needing precise frequency distribution.
- DA200 Series Distribution Amplifiers Low-noise fixed frequency sinewave distribution amplifiers for precision applications requiring minimal signal degradation.
- DA300 Series Distribution Amplifiers CMOS distribution amplifiers supporting frequencies up to 100MHz with AC or DC coupling options.
- DA400 Series Distribution Amplifiers High-bandwidth CMOS distribution amplifiers supporting frequencies up to 200MHz.
- DA500 Series Distribution Amplifiers Broadband input and output distribution amplifiers for wide frequency range applications.
- FRM100 Frequency Reference Module Ultra-stable embeddable frequency source with temperature stability up to ±0.25 ppb, dual-output, configurable for Fundamental, Divide-by-Two, or Divide-by-Four operation.
- FD100/FD200 Frequency Dividers and FM200/FM300 Frequency Multipliers RF frequency divider modules (divide by 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64) and frequency multiplier modules (multiply by 2 or 3) with input/output conditioning circuitry and filtering, supporting inputs from kHz to 100MHz.
- DFM100 Difference Frequency Module Digital heterodyne down-converter accepting two inputs (200KHz to 100MHz) and outputting difference frequency (10Hz to 25KHz IF output range).
- FMS100-32 Frequency Measurement System 32-channel simultaneous acquisition frequency counter with zero dead-time readings and independent counter per channel for oscillator manufacturers and test labs.
- DFS100 Digital Frequency Synthesizer Low-noise synthesizer for low-ADEV applications, virtual instrument configurable to millihertz via USB, 200MHz bandwidth with 8-channel CMOS distribution amplifier.
- RCM100 Relay Control Module Rack mount multi-circuit switching relay instrument with 8 independently controllable relays, fast switching time, 10W power switching capability for automated test systems.
- SPS200 System Power Supply and PVG100 Programmable Voltage Generator High-current, fixed-voltage, dual DC power supply with low-noise switching and internal 3-pole LC filtering, plus a six-independent-output 14-bit resolution programmable voltage generator with USB communication.
- FAS100/FAS200 Frequency Acquisition Systems OCXO aging and room-temperature ADEV systems with simultaneous frequency acquisition across many channels and zero-dead-time readings, used for oscillator characterization.
- FAS2000-TC Full-Temperature Test System XO/VCXO/TCXO full-temperature test system with simultaneous frequency acquisition and independent measurement channels for OCXO characterization.
- FAS1000-TC Frequency Acquisition System Temperature-controlled frequency acquisition system for XO/VCXO/TCXO testing with independent measurement channels.
- FAS300-H Burn-in Aging System High-throughput burn-in aging system for XO/VCXO/TCXO supporting up to 1280 DUTs per system with independent counters per position, used by oscillator manufacturers.
- LGT Series Ultra-Low-G TCXO Timing Modules Ultra-low-G temperature compensated crystal oscillator modules (LGT100, LGT300, LGT500) with G-sensitivity as good as 0.005 ppb/g per axis and frequency stability as low as ±5 ppb, used in GPS, navigation, and military applications.
- LGT900 Ultra-Low-G Timing Module Ultra-low-G timing module locking to external 1PPS input with G-sensitivity under 0.01 ppb/g, ±0.5 ppb accuracy under lock, designed for GPS/GNSS navigation and military applications.
- LGH Series Ultra-Low-G Heated OCXO Reference Modules Heated OCXO reference modules (LGH100, LGH300, LGH3000) with double-oven performance in single-oven packages, ultra-low G-sensitivity, and lock within pull range in 0.1 seconds, used in precision navigation.
- SCH Series Software-Compensated Heated OCXO Reference Modules Software-compensated heated reference modules (SCH100, SCH300) with double-oven performance in single-oven design, wide-temperature stability up to ±0.25 ppb, designed for defense and aerospace applications.
- Oscillator Evaluation Boards Evaluation boards (OEB100-1, OEB101-1, OEB102) for testing full can, half can, and surface mount oscillators, with solderless non-destructive reusable designs.
- Oscillator Testing Services Professional oscillator testing services including Activity Dip Testing, Allan Deviation (ADEV) Testing, Frequency vs. Temperature Testing, Long Term Aging Testing, Micro-Jump/Phase Jump Screening, Thermal Hysteresis Testing, and Trim Effect Testing, offered to oscillator manufacturers with quote-based pricing.
- Engineering Consulting Services Expert consulting services across frequency control, test and automation, RF circuit design and PCB layout, ceramic substrate and package design, micro-controller/processor applications, and general programming, delivered by team with over 70 years combined engineering experience.
Quantifiable outcome
- Test time reduction of up to 50% using MSAC compensation and validated test methodologies
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Esterline Research and Design
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Esterline Research and Design technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Esterline Research and Design partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and regional.
- RFMWcoreRFMW, a Division of Exponential Technology Group, Inc., serves as the global distribution partner for Esterline Research & Design. The partnership announced on May 5, 2026 expands worldwide access to patented MSAC compensation technology and validated frequency test platforms. RFMW provides localized commercial support for engineers and program teams, with offices in San Jose, CA (Corporate HQ) and part of the Exponential Technology Group (XTG) which includes TTI, Inc., Mouser Electronics, and Sager Electronics.
- O'Donnell & Associates SouthwestregionalSales representative covering Southwest U.S. region (Arizona, New Mexico, Southern Nevada) with office in Phoenix, AZ.
- Hytech Associates, IncregionalSales representative covering Southern California and Baja Mexico with office in Moorpark, CA.
- Mission Bay TechnologiesregionalSales representative covering Northern California and Northern Nevada with office in San Rafael, CA.
- RF Microwave Sales & MarketingregionalSales representative covering South Central U.S. region (Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas) with office in Denton, TX.
- Kahsar Sales & MarketingregionalSales representative covering Great Lakes region (Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, West Virginia, West Pennsylvania) with office in Cincinnati, OH.
- Parallax South Inc.regionalSales representative covering Mid-Atlantic region (Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, Delaware) with office in Berwyn, PA.
- Steliau TechnologyregionalEuropean distributor covering Italy with office in Milan, Italy.
- Nextwave Technologies LtdregionalIsraeli distributor covering Israel with office in Rishon Le Zion.
- HASCO, IncregionalU.S.-based distributor for domestic market coverage.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Esterline Research and Design competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bliley Technologies: Bliley is a US-based specialist in low-noise, high-stability OCXOs, TCXOs, and crystal oscillators serving defense, aerospace, and instrumentation customers — a closely comparable niche peer to Esterline in both product type and customer profile.
- Abracon: Abracon manufactures timing devices, crystals, oscillators (including OCXOs and TCXOs), and RF components for IoT, communications, and industrial markets — comparable in product breadth and customer overlap with Esterline's component and module offerings.
- IQD Frequency Products: IQD manufactures a broad range of quartz crystals, OCXOs, TCXOs, VCXOs, and frequency control products for industrial, aerospace, defense, and telecom applications, with comparable specifications and customer overlap to Esterline's reference and timing modules.
- TXC Corporation: TXC is a major Taiwanese manufacturer of frequency control products including crystal oscillators, TCXOs, and OCXOs serving telecom, networking, and consumer markets — a comparable oscillator manufacturer with overlapping product categories.
- Greenray Industries: Greenray Industries specializes in precision OCXOs, TCXOs, and crystal oscillators for military, aerospace, and commercial applications including GPS and instrumentation — directly comparable to Esterline's precision frequency control portfolio.
- Crystek Corporation: Crystek manufactures precision frequency control components including OCXOs, TCXOs, VCXOs, and crystal oscillators, alongside RF components such as amplifiers and frequency multipliers — closely aligned with Esterline's oscillator and RF distribution amplifier offerings.
- Vectron International (Knowles Precision Devices): Vectron International, now part of Knowles Precision Devices, is a long-established specialist in high-reliability OCXOs, TCXOs, VCXOs, and crystal oscillators serving defense, aerospace, telecom, and instrumentation — a near-direct analog to Esterline's precision timing portfolio.
- Rakon Limited: Rakon designs and manufactures high-performance OCXOs, TCXOs, and crystal oscillators for GPS, telecom, and defense applications globally — a direct competitor particularly in the TCXO and OCXO categories where Esterline's LGT/LGH/SCH series competes.
Broad incumbents
- Microchip Technology: Microchip acquired Microsemi in 2018 and is the largest pure-play precision timing and frequency control vendor, offering OCXOs, TCXOs, atomic clocks, and rubidium standards to defense, aerospace, and telecom markets — directly overlapping with Esterline's product portfolio across most oscillator categories.
- CTS Corporation: CTS Corporation provides a broad portfolio of electronic components including frequency control products (crystals, oscillators, filters) and is a larger incumbent competing in similar end markets — defense, industrial, and communications — with substantially greater scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks2 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Esterline Research and Design social profiles
Digital presenceEsterline Research and Design financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Esterline Research and Design leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Esterline Research and Design funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Esterline Research and Design 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 Esterline Research and Design
What does Esterline Research and Design do?
Esterline Research and Design manufactures and sells precision frequency control components, RF distribution amplifiers, frequency acquisition systems, and ultra-low-G timing modules (OCXO/TCXO/VCXO) for defense, aerospace, telecommunications, and GPS applications. The company also provides oscillator testing services (ADEV, thermal hysteresis, aging, frequency vs temperature) and engineering consulting around frequency control and RF circuit design. Its patented MSAC (Multi-Stage Advanced Compensation) technology enables faster, more scalable environmental compensation of oscillators down to parts-per-trillion stability levels.
Is Esterline Research and Design a public or private company?
Esterline Research and Design is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Esterline Research and Design founded?
Esterline Research and Design was founded in 2014. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Esterline Research and Design based?
Esterline Research and Design is headquartered in Mechanicsburg, United States, in the North America region.
How does Esterline Research and Design make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are testing Services, engineering Consulting and custom Frequency Acquisition Systems.
Who are Esterline Research and Design's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bliley Technologies, Abracon, IQD Frequency Products, TXC Corporation, Greenray Industries, Crystek Corporation, Vectron International (Knowles Precision Devices) and Rakon Limited. Broad incumbents are Microchip Technology and CTS Corporation.
Does Esterline Research and Design have an API?
No public API is recorded for Esterline Research and Design.
What industry is Esterline Research and Design in?
Esterline Research and Design's product category is Precision Frequency Control Components. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAFAKAG, Oscillators & Frequency Standards (OCXO/Rubidium/Cesium/Chip-Scale Atomic), with a secondary code of HDAHANAF, Frequency Control Components (Quartz Crystals/Oscillators/Resonators). Its NAICS code is 334515 and its SIC code is 3825.