Iridium Started Commercial Production of PNT ASIC
The company has begun shipping its new satellite-based positioning and timing chip for industrial integration.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Semiconductors
Live Poll
Do you trust that new independent positioning technology will significantly improve the reliability of your local infrastructure?
Iridium has moved its Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) ASIC into commercial production and begun shipping the hardware. The chip leverages the company's 66-satellite constellation to provide a cryptographically protected signal for independent reference.
Why it matters
The ASIC is designed to lower barriers regarding antenna design, development time, and technical complexity for companies seeking resilient PNT capabilities. It allows manufacturers to build improved location and timing reliability directly into new product architectures.
The ASIC is designed to integrate alongside existing GNSS receivers and inertial sensors as a complementary component. It utilizes the Iridium 66-satellite constellation, which has an operational history spanning over 10 years of time and location services.
The players
Iridium Communications
Iridium Communications is a satellite company that operates a low-Earth orbit network providing voice and data communications across the globe.
Solace Communications
Solace Communications is a technology firm that is currently incorporating the new ASIC into its multi-source PNT architecture.
Skyband Systems
Skyband Systems is a technology provider that is integrating the ASIC with inertial sensing for use in aviation systems.
The details
Engineers can incorporate the chip into product designs using integration processes similar to those used for standard GPS components. Both Solace Communications and Skyband Systems are currently working to integrate the technology into their respective multi-source and aviation sensing architectures.
Timeline
Iridium first introduced the PNT ASIC in late 2025.
The company announced the start of commercial production in October 2026.
The Tech Race
This development marks a shift toward building signal resilience directly into hardware rather than relying solely on external GNSS corrections. By decentralizing the timing and location source, Iridium is positioning its proprietary network as a critical alternative for high-stakes navigation needs.
Manufacturers can now adopt a more familiar integration process to improve the location reliability of their next-generation systems. This reduces the development overhead for OEMs looking to harden their products against navigation signal interference.
The takeaway
The mass availability of this ASIC signals that high-security timing and location data is becoming a standardized hardware feature. Developers should evaluate how this satellite-based reference layer can strengthen the navigation robustness of their existing product roadmaps.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in the Semiconductors sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inside GNSS - Global Navigation Satellite Systems Engineering, Policy, and Design.
Live Poll
Do you trust that new independent positioning technology will significantly improve the reliability of your local infrastructure?
