Iridium Started Commercial Production of PNT ASIC

The satellite-based timing chip offers a resilient backup to standard GPS systems for aviation and infrastructure.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Semiconductors

Isometric editorial illustration showing a single square semiconductor chip with detailed geometric circuitry on its surface. — Iridium has launched commercial production of its PNT ASIC, a timing chip designed to provide resilient and secure positioning signals for aviation and infrastructure systems. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust that new independent positioning technology will significantly improve the reliability of your local infrastructure?

Iridium has moved its PNT ASIC into commercial production and has begun shipping the chips. The technology provides a cryptographically protected timing and positioning signal for devices that require an independent reference.

Why it matters

By integrating with existing GPS receivers, the chip lowers development barriers for resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) hardware. This enables manufacturers to add security to critical systems during the design phase.

The ASIC leverages Iridium's 66-satellite constellation and 10 years of operational history in time and location services. It functions as a complementary component alongside standard GNSS receivers and inertial sensors.

The players

Iridium

A satellite communications company operating a 66-satellite constellation providing global voice and data services.

Solace Communications

An engineering firm focused on developing resilient multi-source PNT system architectures.

Skyband Systems

A developer specializing in the integration of navigation technologies with aviation-grade inertial sensing.

The details

The ASIC, or application-specific integrated circuit — a custom-built chip designed for a specific task — is engineered to fit seamlessly into architectures using processes familiar to GPS engineers. It processes a cryptographically protected signal, adding a layer of security against spoofing or signal interference. Companies like Solace Communications are currently using the chip for multi-source PNT architectures, while Skyband Systems is pairing it with inertial sensing for aviation.

Late 2025: Iridium first introduced the PNT ASIC.
October 2026: Iridium announced the PNT ASIC is in production.

The Tech Race

This development moves beyond the research stage to address widespread concerns regarding the vulnerability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). It positions Iridium as a critical component in the growing push for multi-source, resilient PNT hardware.

Commercial availability allows manufacturers to incorporate the chip into next-generation aviation and infrastructure systems now. Users will see the impact as these devices are validated for field use, replacing or augmenting reliance on standard GPS hardware.

The takeaway

Iridium has successfully transitioned its PNT ASIC to a commercial product, marking a major step for secure timing. Watch for integration announcements from OEMs as they incorporate these chips into new aviation and critical infrastructure designs.