CML Micro was delighted to join industry leaders, innovators, and researchers at the CSA Catapult event, “Building a Sovereign Supply Chain for RF & Microwave Communications”, held at Orbit, NETPark on 7th October.
The day brought together organisations from across the UK’s RF and microwave community, from academia and start-ups to established players in aerospace, defence, and space sectors, to explore how we can collectively strengthen the UK’s position in these strategically vital industries.
Representing the company were Rob Smith, Product Line Director (RF and mmWave Compound Semiconductors), and Merv Haynes, our newly appointed Head of Compound Semiconductor Engineering. Together, they shared insights into CML Micro’s growing role within the UK’s sovereign supply chain infrastructure, built on deep design expertise and comprehensive test and manufacturing capabilities spanning microwave, digital radio, and compound semiconductor technologies.
CML Micros’ contribution to this valued ecosystem is underpinned by the company’s UK footprint across three dedicated sites, each focused on advancing local innovation and capability:
- Langford, Essex (HQ) – home to the company’s high-volume testing and silicon design teams. Here, automated test setups verify and qualify every part before shipment, ensuring long-term reliability. It’s also the centre of our commercial operations and strategic decision-making.
- Abbey Barns, Cambridgeshire – the company’s compound semiconductor design centre (formerly PRFI), specialising in high-frequency GaAs and GaN MMICs, advanced RF/microwave PCBs, and modules. With on-site RF labs for mmWave characterisation, we can rapidly iterate and refine designs.
- Shepton Mallet, Somerset – the company’s systems engineering centre, where integration is key. The team ensures our silicon and III-V technologies work seamlessly across all applications from TETRA and PMR to AIS (marine) and DRM.
Reflecting on the event, Merv Haynes commented: “Ensuring the UK has a robust and secure RF and microwave supply chain is of national importance. At CML Micro, we’re proud to play our part through both innovation and continued investment in our UK-based facilities.”
Caroline O'Brien, Chief Executive Officer at CSA Catapult said: "My thanks to everyone who attended the event and contributed to our insightful and meaningful discussions on how to secure a sovereign RF supply chain in the UK, which feels like a step closer as a result. It was great to hear from so many businesses working at the cutting edge of RF technologies and understanding both the challenges and opportunities they face. We look forward to building on these discussions and engaging with the community further to strengthen the UK's capabilities in RF technologies."
The discussions throughout the day underlined the depth of expertise and enthusiasm across the UK’s RF & microwave community. It was inspiring to see so many organisations aligned around the same goal. We’d like to thank CSA Catapult for hosting such a valuable and forward-looking event, and for the opportunity to contribute to the conversation.
