AR began in 1969 with just two men in a cellar, moonlighting from their regular jobs. Don (“Shep”) Shepherd and his partner, Dan Roth, worked for AEL (American Electronics Laboratories), producing radio frequency design for military applications. They saw a market for their skills in designing amplifiers for test applications, but AEL was not set up for such jobs. So they decided to try and make it on their own, working out of a makeshift laboratory in Shep’s cellar.

1976 – AR introduces first 10,000 watt tube amplifier (10 kHz -100 MHz). It’s still available, and there’s still no equal.

1979 – Company passes $1 million in sales.

1987 – 75 employees now work for AR.

1988 – First 100 watt solid-state, 100-1000 MHz instantaneous bandwidth amplifier built.It weighed 215 lbs. and was 29.3" high.

1990 – Second building completed at headquarters. Sales exceed $10 million.

1992 – AR unveils first 500 watt solid-state amplifier (100 -1000 MHz).

1994 – A third building is erected at 160 School House Rd.

1996 – AR reaches $25 million in sales with 100 employees.

2001 – The company expands it capabilities into amplifier modules and customized systems with the acquisition of Kalmus in Bothell, WA, now AR Modular RF. Back in Souderton, a fourth building is completed. Sales exceed $35 million.

2002 – Carnel Labs in Canoga Park, CA joins the AR family, becoming AR Receiver Systems.

2003 – First 10,000 watt / 100 kHz - 250 MHz solid-state amplifier for automotive/military/avionics testing created. Still the only 10,000 watt solid state available.

2004 –The little company that started in a cellar now has 125 employees.

2005 – New engineering department and microelectronics lab (clean room) open. Sales pass the $45 million mark.

2006 – New 15,000 sq. ft. building is completed at corporate headquarters with expanded production facilities to meet the ever-growing demand for AR products. 150 employees now work for AR.

2007 – AR introduces first 10-20 GHz / 5 watt instantaneous bandwidth test amplifier.

2009 – AR celebrates 40 years in business. AR, which now encompasses AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation, AR Modular RF, AR Receiver Systems and AR Europe, employs over 200 people and continues to lead the industry with innovative, superior quality, technologically-advanced products and a global support system that’s second to none. We definitely have risen far from Shep’s cellar.