NI acquires AWR, bolsters RF test portfolio

National Instruments Corp. has completed its acquisition of AWR Corp., a designer of EDA software for RF and high-frequency components and systems for the semiconductor, aerospace and defense, communications and test equipment industries.

Now a wholly owned NI subsidiary, AWR's design tools will be integrated to NI's test software and hardware devices to suit the fast design cycles and growing complexity of RF and wireless systems. RF system designers need to validate their simulations with actual measurements, while RF test engineers need to increase test reuse and decrease test time through more design integration. By increasing the level of integration between design, test and validation, the companies believe that they can significantly improve customer productivity.

"We are excited to welcome AWR into the National Instruments family," said James Truchard, president, CEO and cofounder of NI. "The full suite of AWR design tools in combination with a complete RF testing platform from NI will give customers a solution to decrease the time to market of their RF designs."

The acquisition strengthens both companies' core software brands—NI LabVIEW and AWR Microwave Office—as it reinforces their breadth and credibility while positioning both as unique but complementary tools in RF design flow. The companies can also better service key accounts that use both companies' tools through a worldwide sales infrastructure that provides local support—a critical requirement for multinational customers. Client should continue to contact each company through their respective channels.