Merrimac Granted Patent For Multi-Mix(TM) Waveguide Filter

WEST CALDWELL, NJ (November 14, 2000) - Merrimac Industries, Inc. (AMEX: MRM), a leader in the design and manufacture of RF Microwave components, assemblies and Micro-Multifunction Modules (MMFM^TM) announced today that it has been granted a patent for its Multi-Mix^TM Waveguide Filter from the United States Patent and Trademark Office entitled "Multilayer Dielectric Evanescent Mode Waveguide Filter Utilizing Via Holes." These filters are typically found in wireless applications such as, basestations, mobile radios, pagers, point to point and point to multipoint radios, local multipoint distribution service, (LMDS), global positioning system (GPS), and microwave TV/wireless cable (signal channelization for line of sight communications systems from supplier transmitter to subscriber rooftop and set top box).

Merrimac Chairman and CEO, Mason N. Carter commented, "This patent provides us with protection for key aspects of our filter designs as it is applied to the design and manufacture of MMFM^TM."

Carter further noted, "This patent is another in a series of multiple Multi-Mix^TM new product patents that we anticipate, further establishing Merrimac as the clear leader in multilayer multifunction module technology. These filter designs can easily be integrated into Multi-Mix ^TM assemblies and MMFM^TM, which will increase value to our customers by providing better performance while reducing size, weight and cost."

A multilayer dielectric evanescent mode waveguide bandpass filter with resonators utilizing via hole technology is capable of achieving very narrow bandwidths with minimal insertion loss and high selectivity at microwave frequencies. A typical implementation of this filter is fabricated with soft substrate multilayer dielectrics and with high dielectric constant ceramics. This filter typically takes up less space than other filters presently available and requires no tuning. A typical implementation operates at a center of frequency of 1GHz, although other center frequencies, such as approximately 0.5 GHz to approximately 60 GHz, are achievable.

Carter also noted, "We are proud of our Multi-Mix^TM product development and process team for their innovative and creative approach to enhancing our core filter competencies." Multi-Mix^TM Microtechnology is a new innovative and proprietary solution for microwave, multilayer integrated circuits and MMFM^TM. This process is based on fluoropolymer composite substrates, which are bonded together into a multilayer structure using a fusion bonding process. The fusion process provides a homogeneous dielectric medium for superior electrical performance at microwave frequencies. The bonded layers may incorporate embedded semiconductor devices, MMICs, etched resistors, active and passive circuit elements and plated-through via holes to form a three-dimensional subsystem enclosure that requires no further packaging.

About Merrimac

Merrimac Industries, Inc. is a leader in the design and manufacture of RF Microwave components, assemblies and Micro-Multifunction (MMFM®) Modules serving the wireless telecommunications industry worldwide with enabling technologies for commercial applications. Merrimac is focused on providing Total Integrated Packaging Solutions^TM with Multi-Mix Microtechnology®, a leading edge competency providing value to our customers through miniaturization and integration. The Multi-Mix® process for microwave, multilayer integrated MMFM® circuits is a patented method developed at Merrimac Industries based on fluoropolymer composite substrates. The fusion bonding of multilayer structures provides a homogeneous dielectric medium for superior electrical performance at microwave frequencies. The bonded layers may incorporate embedded semiconductor devices, MMICs, etched resistors, passive circuit elements and plated-through via holes to form a three-dimensional subsystem enclosure that requires no further packaging. Merrimac Industries, Inc. is ISO 9001 certified.

Merrimac Industries, Inc. and its subsidiary Filtran Microcircuits Inc., with locations in West Caldwell, NJ, San Jose, Costa Rica, and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, have approximately 200 co-workers in the design and manufacture of signal processing components, gold plating of high-frequency microstrip, bonded stripline and thick metal-backed Teflon (PTFE) micro-circuitry, MMFM™ and subsystems. Merrimac (MRM) is listed on the American Stock Exchange. For more information about Merrimac Industries, visit its home page at www.merrimacind.com.

This press release contains statements relating to future results of Merrimac (including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general economic and industry conditions; slower than anticipated penetration into the satellite communications, defense and wireless markets; the risk that the benefits expected from the acquisition of Filtran Microcircuits Inc. are not realized; the ability to protect proprietary information and technology; competitive products and pricing pressures; risks relating to governmental regulatory actions in communications and defense programs; and inventory risks due to technological innovation, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in Merrimac's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and Merrimac undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Contacts

Mason N. Carter, Chairman and CEO,
Tel: 973.575.1300, Ext. 1202; Fax: 973.882.5989
E-mail: mnc@merrimacind.com