KRYTAR
Redefining the RF and Microwave Arena-Since 1975

In the early 1970s, electronics engineer and mathematician Thomas J. Russell saw a need for high performance, ultra-broadband components to conduct external leveling, precise monitoring, signal mixing, and reflection measurements in wireless, RF and microwave applications. With an industry still in its infancy and puzzle pieces as yet undiscovered, he began his pursuit to develop solutions which would meet the increasing requirements of wireless capabilities. In 1975, Thomas founded KRYTAR and introduced a first-of-its-kind ultra-broadband directional coupler using an internally developed, proprietary computer-aided engineering (CAE) program, which played an integral role in the evolution of the company as well as the RF and Microwave industry. In fact, Thomas went on to be considered in the industry’s leading publication, one of the “Microwave Legends” along with such notables as James Maxwell, Guglielmo Marconi, David Sarnoff, and Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard.

“Today we continue to develop Thomas’s legacy, have patented several designs, and consistently introduce products with superior electrical performance and ruggedness,” says Doug Hagan, the President of KRYTAR. He continues, “We have successfully established ourselves as prominent designers and manufacturers of ultra-broadband mmWave, microwave, RF components and test equipment for both commercial and military applications.”

In an interview with CIO Applications, Doug Hagan, the President of KRYTAR, elucidates some exciting insights about his organization, its unique value proposition, and roadmap for the future.

How as KRYTAR evolved as an organization since its conception?

We began with a vision to design and manufacture high-performance, ultra-broadband components, which remain the same to date. Our products are used for building RF, microwave and mmWavesystems, and for testing them. Clients reach out to us when they need to do high-performance design or make sure that they are manufacturing their systems properly and to their highest capability. Back then, one of the significant drivers was undoubtedly on the defense side. Over time, the industry evolved and grew alongside an explosion in commercial wireless technology; creating a demand for information and connectivity. Since our company was founded, we have catered to several industries including commercial wireless, aerospace, defense and satellite.

What are some of the prominent challenges in the RF and Microwave space, and how is KRYTAR effectively addressing these issues?

Performance is critical and has been our focus since the beginning. We continue to deliver high-performance solutions, not just with electrical specifications, but including other key features such as bandwidth and frequencies.

What we see now in commercial wireless is a growing demand for connectivity and bandwidth; everything from downloads to streaming, as well as emerging applications such as automated vehicles. The sensational demand for bandwidth requires wireless systems to evolve and deliver wider channels which can modulate more data and information. KRYTAR products offer high directivity, good impedance, and wide operational bandwidth that enable the systems that provide lower network latency and instant connectivity. With frequencies getting higher, band channels getting broader and wider, high-performance of systems become crucial. KRYTAR is providing the tools that help design and test these systems, ensuring the highest performance possible.

Could you elaborate on your solutions portfolio?

We are always trying to keep ourselves at least one step ahead of the market. We want to enable our customers’ innovation and help them push their boundaries by pushing our own. That is the key benefit of collaborating with us, our ability to innovate and deliver solutions to match the ever-changing landscape. Our product line includes directional couplers and detectors, 3 dB hybrids, MLDD power dividers, detectors, and terminations, among others. We cover the DC to 110.0 GHz frequency range and are the ultimate solution for the emerging designs and test and measurement applications for 5G and mmWave.

KRYTAR has a modern facility that houses a completely equipped machine shop, including CNC lathes and mills. It also has access to all the electronic test equipment necessary for testing its products from DC to 110 GHz. Our Quality Assurance Program is in accordance with MIL-I-45208, including a calibration system per MIL-STD-45662. The quality assurance system controls all phases of manufacturing, including purchasing, machining, processes, assembling, testing, and shipping, to ensure reliability and performance.

How does KRYTAR engage with clients?

When we talk about high-performance, it is not just in our products but also in how we partner and work with our customers. The value introduced by our founder in terms of working closely with customers has remained strong to date. We encourage them to bring us their challenges, and our goal is to enable them to push the boundaries in their applications. Our process begins with first contact and is fueled by our responsiveness.

Another add-on is our knowledge in this space, our ability, and in-house design and manufacturing capabilities. The products we offer can be modified from time to time as per our clients’ requirements and do not have to be built from scratch. We have got the broadest catalogue within our areas of focus! And so we have got a bit of a head start in terms of understanding their needs and being able to bring in a custom solution if required.

Our focus on designing in-house and utilizing our proprietary design tools to come up with a solution is what differentiates us at the end of the day. The bandwidths we can achieve, the frequencies we can go out for, and the quality of the performance we can deliver is because of the uniqueness of our designs. We are not using the same off-the-shelf computer tools that other companies might. We have got our own system with the ability to deliver the tightest specs, and the highest bandwidths and frequencies.

What does the future look like for KRYTAR?

Along with emerging technologies like 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Quantum Computing, there will be an increase in the number of connected devices enabling an entirely new paradigm of connectivity and capability —which means that customers will require higher-performance and frequency with lower latency and wider bands. KRYTAR is fueled by our commitment to technical excellence and customer satisfaction. We will do what we do best and will continue launching new products as well as develop custom solutions based on these emerging needs and market trends.