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API Technologies Corp. agreed to acquire Spectrum Control, Inc. on March 28, 2011, for $20 per share in cash, in a deal announced at approximately $270 million. The acquisition closed on June 1, 2011; this is a completed historical transaction, not a current acquisition announcement or an API for managing radio spectrum.
What API announced
On March 28, 2011, API Technologies said it would acquire all outstanding Spectrum Control equity for $20.00 per share in cash. The announcement described the purchase price as approximately $270 million. The agreement remained subject to customary closing conditions, including Spectrum shareholder approval and antitrust clearance. API and Spectrum Control announcement, March 28, 2011.
API CEO Brian Kahn said at the time: “We are excited about the opportunity to combine with Spectrum to offer our customers an enhanced range of leading products and services to meet their evolving needs.” Spectrum CEO Richard Southworth said the transaction would deliver “significant, immediate value” to shareholders and expressed an intention to build on the companies’ combined strengths. These were statements made when the deal was announced, not evidence that projected benefits were later achieved.
When the acquisition closed
API announced completion on June 1, 2011. The transaction was structured as a merger: API’s wholly owned subsidiary merged into Spectrum Control, which survived as API’s wholly owned subsidiary. Spectrum shares were converted into the right to receive $20.00 per share in cash, without interest and subject to required withholding. Spectrum shares then ceased trading on Nasdaq. API completion announcement, June 1, 2011.
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#1 Best Overall
- 2026 Upgraded Tinysa Ultra+ ZS407 Spectrum Analyzer: Supports an ultra-wide frequency range of 100kHz–7.3GHz, delivering precise test data for RF system development, satellite alignment, and frequency verification. Features a 4.0-inch HD touchscreen (480×320 resolution) with up to 450 scan points for clear visualization of complex spectrum data. The intuitive interface ensures ease of use, while ESD protection and the latest V0.5.4 hardware system provide professional and stable performance
- Broad Frequency Coverage: Supports 100kHz–7.3GHz, ideal for 5G NR, Wi-Fi 6E, satellite communications, and higher wireless frequency bands. Calibrated up to 8GHz, it enables broader applications for high-frequency testing in lab environments. Standard mode covers 100kHz–800MHz, while ULTRA mode extends to 6GHz. With 200Hz–850kHz RBW, it ensures fast, efficient measurements, meeting high-precision needs like SSB two-tone intermodulation tests
- Robust Signal Generation: Functioning as both a spectrum analyzer and signal generator, it produces MF/HF/VHF sine waves from 100kHz-900MHz, UHF square waves from 800MHz-6.3GHz, and mixed signals from 4.4GHz-6.3GHz. Our spectrum analyzer antenna's versatility is perfect for RF system development, wireless communication debugging, and RF interference detection, aiding professionals in identifying and resolving frequency issues
- Convenient PC Control and Data Transfer: With USB and TinySA-APP connectivity, the device supports real-time data display and transfer, enhancing data management efficiency. This sdr spectrum analyzer includes a 32GB MicroSD card for easy data storage and sharing, catering to spectrum scanning, signal detection, and radio noise measurement needs
- 10-Hour Working Time: Powered by a 5000mAh battery, it offers up to 10 hours of continuous operation, ideal for field use by RF interference troubleshooters and satellite communication technicians. This signal analyzer's compact design makes it portable for various work environments, facilitating quick wireless signal detection and analysis for electronic and audio technicians
Purchase price, enterprise value, and proposed financing
The figures in the announcement and API’s transaction presentation describe the proposed deal in different ways. The approximately $270 million figure was labeled the purchase price in the March 2011 announcement; API’s presentation described approximately $270 million in enterprise value. The presentation also showed a proposed financing plan that included a $200 million first-lien term loan and about $103 million in equity. That was a proposed financing mix, not a separately verified final funding breakdown. API transaction presentation, 2011.
| Figure | What it described | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Approximately $270 million | Announced purchase price | API and Spectrum Control announcement, March 28, 2011 |
| $20.00 per share in cash | Consideration for Spectrum shares | API and Spectrum Control announcement, March 28, 2011 |
| Approximately $270 million | Enterprise value in API’s presentation | API transaction presentation, 2011 |
| $200 million first-lien term loan and about $103 million in equity | Proposed financing plan; not a confirmed final funding breakdown | API transaction presentation, 2011 |
What the companies did
API Technologies
At announcement, API described itself as a provider of secure communications, electronic components and subsystems, and contract manufacturing services for defense and aerospace markets.
Rank #2
- Upgraded ZS406 TinySA Ultra+:This New Version V0.4.6.1 Spectrum Analyzer is developed by Hugen, with 4.0 inch 480 x 320 large touchscreen display, 100kHz to 5.4GHz widely measure range, with the new ESD protection function, the product has a higher anti-static level and a longer service life, and built-in 32Gb micro SD card, can directly record data to the card ,which is convenient for your data sharing and storage
- Widely Frequency Range: Compared to the tinysa (100kHz to 960MHz), the upgraded tinysa ULTRA+ has 100kHz to 5.4GHz ultra-wide measuring frequency range, spectrum analyzer for 0.1-800MHz, with Ultra mode up to 0.1MHz-6GHz.Switchable resolution band pass filters for both ranges between 200Hz to 850kHz. Color display showing 450 scan points covering up to the full low or high frequency range. Faster and more accurate measurement performance, you can easily cope with measurement testes in various fields
- 2 in 1 Multifunctional Frequency Analyzer & Signal Generator:When not used as Spectrum Analyzer it can be used as Signal Generator,with sine wave output between 0.1-800MHz or square wave or dual tone output up to 4.4GHz.Built-in calibration signal generator that is used for automatic self test and low input calibration
- PC Control: Connected to a PC via USB it becomes a PC controlled Spectrum Analyzer or Signal Generator.Tinysa-APP transfers data directly to the computer.The USB interface implements CDC protocol and there is a large set of commands that can be invoked over the serial interface. These command can be used to perform measurements or update internal settings. The driver for Windows will install automatically after connecting to a Windows PC. The driver for Linux is built into the kernel
- Ultra-long Battery Life: The upgraded tinysa analyzer built-in 5000mAh battery,with type-C charging cable and LED charging indicator,it can be fully charged within 3 hours,no need to charge frequently
Spectrum Control
Spectrum Control was described as a Fairview, Pennsylvania-based designer and manufacturer of custom solutions for defense, aerospace, industrial, and medical markets. Its reported segments were Advanced Specialty Products, Microwave Components and Systems, Power Management Systems, and Sensors and Controls. The business included RF and microwave components and systems, power management, sensors and controls, and specialty products.
Why API said it wanted the acquisition
API’s stated rationale was to broaden its technical portfolio and capabilities. Its presentation said the deal would add RF and microwave systems and solutions; the completion announcement also pointed to expertise in RF, sensors and measurement, and power systems management, as well as manufacturing scale and product diversity. These are API’s descriptions of the acquisition’s strategic purpose, not independent measurements of realized performance. API transaction presentation, 2011; API completion announcement, June 1, 2011.
Rank #3
- 7.3GHz Wide Spectrum Analysis: AURSINC TinySA Ultra+ ZS407 is a handheld spectrum analyzer covering 100kHz–7.3GHz frequency measurement. It features a base frequency range of 0.1–900MHz and reaches up to 7.3GHz when Ultra mode is enabled, with level calibration up to 7.3GHz. This device helps users to quickly identify, analyze and monitor RF signals across MF, HF, VHF and UHF bands to handle diverse complex RF testing scenarios
- Clear RF Data Visualization: Equipped with a 4-inch IPS-TFT LCD (480x320) display and up to 450 scan points per sweep, this RF analyzer presents signal details and measurement results clearly for efficient signal observation and measurement analysis
- 2-in-1 Analyzer & Signal Generator: Beyond spectrum measurement, TinySA Ultra+ ZS407 delivers signal generation functions. It offers sine wave output ranging from 0.1 MHz to 900 MHz, square wave output, and RF test signal output up to 7.3 GHz, supporting RF testing workflows, signal verification, and electronic troubleshooting tasks
- Enhanced Signal Reception with Built-In LNA: The integrated LNA provides up to 20dB gain up to 7.3GHz, helping improve weak signal reception during spectrum analysis. TinySA Ultra+ ZS407 features low phase noise that delivers superior signal purity, enabling accurate analysis of signal frequency stability and spectral purity for high-precision RF measurement and communication system performance evaluation
- Long-Lasting Battery: Equipped with a 3.7V 5000mAh Li-polymer battery, the ZS407 Spectrum Analyzer offers substantially extended battery life compared with earlier models. It satisfies demands for prolonged continuous testing and outdoor operations, supports convenient field measurement, and boosts work efficiency
What the headline means today
“API to Acquire Spectrum Control” refers to a 2011 agreement that was completed in June of that year. The reviewed transaction materials establish the announcement and closing, but do not establish the companies’ present corporate status, current ownership, or present product availability. The deal figures above are historical transaction terms, not current valuations or prices.
Quick Recap
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- All-Digital IF Technology
- Frequency Range from 9 kHz up to 2.1 GHz
- -161 dBm/Hz Displayed Average Noise Level (Typ.)
- -98 dBc/Hz @10 kHz Offset Phase Noise (1 GHz, Typ.)
- 1 Hz Minimum Resolution Bandwidth (RBW)
Rank #4
- Upgraded TinySA Ultra+ ZS406: Built on the latest HW V0.4.6, the AURSINC TinySA Ultra+ ZS406 features a 4.0 inch 480*320 touchscreen display for intuitive operation. It comes with a pre-installed 32GB micro SD card for convenient on-site data storage and sharing, and a built-in 5000mAh rechargeable battery that delivers at least 3 hours of continuous operation on a full charge
- Wide Frequency Range & Adjustable RBW: Covers a measurement range of 100kHz to 5.4GHz, with Ultra mode extending up to 6GHz. Switchable resolution bandwidth from 200Hz to 850kHz enables fast and accurate measurements; the 200Hz minimum RBW clearly separates adjacent signals and supports SSB two-tone intermodulation testing. It includes a 0–31dB input step attenuator and displays up to 450 points for gapless full-band coverage
- 2-in-1 Analyzer & Signal Generator: Doubles as a signal generator when not used for spectrum analysis. It outputs MF/HF/VHF sine waves from 100kHz to 900MHz, UHF square waves from 800MHz to 4.4GHz, and mixed signals from 4.4GHz to 5.4GHz. A built-in calibration signal generator supports automatic self-test and low-input calibration for sustained measurement accuracy
- Excellent Phase Noise performance: -108dB/Hz at 100kHz offset and -115dB/Hz at 1MHz offset (at 30MHz), with a DANL as low as -166dBm/Hz. An integrated LNA provides 20dB of extra gain for low-level signals (effective only below 3.5GHz). The default 800MHz maximum frequency eliminates the need to switch between low and high ranges, enabling full-band monitoring in a single sweep
- PC Control: Connects to a PC via USB for data transfer and device control through the TinySA-APP, using Serial over USB (CDC) protocol with a full command set for measurements and internal settings. Drivers install automatically on Windows and are natively built into the Linux kernel
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