Azimuth Systems

About Azimuth Systems

Established in 2002, Azimuth Systems became a key provider of automated mobile performance test solutions before its acquisition by Anritsu Corporation in September 2016. The firm specialized in developing systems and software for network operators, device original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), chipset vendors, and infrastructure providers. Its core business centered on creating testing equipment and channel emulators that allowed clients to measure and correlate user experience with device performance and network events. This capability was crucial for identifying and resolving technical issues quickly, thereby aiming to improve service quality and reduce time-to-market for new wireless products.

Azimuth Systems operated in the wireless test equipment market, providing solutions for a range of technologies including Wi-Fi, LTE, WiMAX, and 2G/3G cellular networks. The company’s offerings were designed to simulate real-world network conditions in a laboratory setting, a process known as channel emulation. This service was vital for research and development, as well as for conformance testing of mobile communications. Products included the ACE product line of channel emulators, the Spider platform for scalable testing of LTE in unlicensed spectrums, and DIRECTOR II, a test executive software for managing test setups. Revenue was generated through the sale of these specialized hardware and software testing systems.

A significant milestone in the company's history was its acquisition by Anritsu, a global test and measurement solutions provider. The deal aimed to integrate Azimuth's channel emulation intellectual property into Anritsu's wireless test portfolio, particularly to enhance capabilities for emerging 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) markets. Following the acquisition, Azimuth Systems was integrated into Anritsu's corporate structure and ceased to operate as an independent entity. The company had been privately held and venture-capital-backed prior to this event.