Crescend Technologies Announces Sale of Defense Solutions Division (IDSI) to Frontgrade Technologies
Glendale Heights, IL — Crescend Technologies, a pioneer in high-power, solid-state microwave energy solutions, is pleased to announce the successful sale of its Defense Solutions Division, known as IDSI, to Frontgrade Technologies, a premier provider of mission-critical electronics for aerospace and defense.
The transaction marks a strategic milestone for Crescend and reflects its continued focus on accelerating innovation and growth in Solid-State Microwave Generators & RF Amplifiers for commercial and industrial markets, particularly in energy, mining, materials, and sustainability applications.
“IDSI has been a valued part of the Crescend family since its acquisition in 2014,” said Jim Hougo, Chief Executive Officer at Crescend Technologies. “The team’s deep expertise in RF amplifier design, long-standing customer relationships, and commitment to mission-critical performance excellence made IDSI a natural fit for Frontgrade. We’re proud of what the team has achieved and excited to see them continue to grow under a company so well-aligned with their mission.”
“The acquisition of Crescend’s Defense Solutions division into Frontgrade represents a significant advancement in our mission to provide our customers with cutting-edge RF solutions,” said Mitch Stevison, Chief Executive Officer at Frontgrade Technologies. “The IDSI team’s expertise in high-power RF amplifiers – chiefly their focus on SWaP-C considerations and embedded intelligence – complements our existing portfolio of RF solid state amplifiers and strengthens our ability to deliver a broader range of reliable, innovative products to the aerospace and defense sectors.”
Hougo added, “We believe this move is a win for everyone involved. It allows Crescend to sharpen our focus on expanding industrial microwave applications using our patented solid-state generator platforms, while enabling the IDSI team to continue delivering excellence in a space where they’ve already made a significant impact.”
Crescend Technologies will continue to operate its Land Mobile Radio and RF Energy business with a focus on the development and manufacturer of high-power, solid-state microwave generators for innovations in thermal processing, mining (excavation, comminution processing/DRI), DAC Direct Air Capture (CO2), waste recycling (biomass, plastic), chemical (MAC), waste-to-energy processes, graphene production, renewable energies and plasma.
About Crescend Technologies Crescend Technologies, LLC, founded in 1979 as a leader in high-power amplifiers for the Public Safety market, has evolved into a pioneering force in solid-state microwave energy solutions. Leveraging decades of engineering expertise, Crescend empowers industrial sectors to replace outdated systems with innovative solid-state microwave technology designed to increase throughput, minimize downtime, and enhance sustainability.
From concept to implementation, Crescend supports process developers with comprehensive services, including advanced testing, precision modeling, and high-power solid-state microwave generator systems. Our solutions are transforming industries such as mining, renewable energy, waste recycling, chemical processing, and more, enabling businesses to achieve unmatched performance and reliability.
At Crescend Technologies, we are driving the future of industrial innovation with a steadfast commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and operational excellence. For more information, visit www.crescendrf.com.
About Frontgrade Technologies
Frontgrade Technologies is a leading provider of high-reliability, radiation-assured solutions for defense, intelligence, commercial, and civil applications. With over 60 years of space flight heritage, Frontgrade offers a complementary and integrated suite of mission-critical electronics, including rad-hard and rad-tolerant components, mission processing subsystems, custom ASICs, motion control systems, waveguides, antennas, and power management solutions. For more information, visit www.frontgrade.com.
