Two Altair IoT Chips to Integrate Iridium Satellite Communication Technology

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 14, U.S. satellite communications company Iridium Communications announced that Altair Semiconductor is integrating Iridium NTN Direct satellite connectivity into the ALT1350 and next-generation ALT1550 IoT chip platforms. The two parties plan to combine terrestrial cellular IoT communication with LEO satellite connectivity in a single-chip architecture, enabling terminal devices to transmit data via the Iridium satellite network beyond terrestrial cellular coverage without the need for a separate satellite modem. The collaboration covers LTE-M, NB-IoT, and 5G eRedCap IoT chip platforms.

Altair's ALT1350 is an ultra-low-power cellular IoT system-on-chip that supports LTE-M and NB-IoT communication and integrates edge AI processing, positioning, and sensor management functions. With the addition of satellite connectivity, the platform can provide combined terrestrial and satellite communication solutions for asset tracking, logistics and transportation, smart meters, utility infrastructure, agricultural equipment, automotive telematics, industrial monitoring, and remote infrastructure.

The next-generation ALT1550 adopts 5G eRedCap technology and focuses on low-power connected devices with AI processing capabilities. The two parties plan to extend Iridium satellite communication capabilities to smart glasses, AI assistants, and other wearable terminals, enabling device manufacturers to configure cellular and satellite network connectivity on the same chip platform.

Iridium NTN Direct operates on the existing LEO satellite constellation and globally coordinated L-band spectrum, adopting 3GPP-standard non-terrestrial network communication technology and designed to support NB-IoT and direct-to-device satellite applications. The chip integration targets communication module manufacturers, terminal device makers, and mobile network operators, which can use compatible chips to develop IoT products that do not require a separate satellite modem.

Iridium previously conducted NTN Direct air interface demonstrations in 2026, testing standards-based satellite connectivity with mobile network operators, semiconductor companies, and partners. In September, Iridium also completed a satellite voice messaging demonstration based on NTN Direct with Deutsche Telekom IoT and Toyota, and announced roaming cooperation arrangements between cellular IoT and satellite networks. This integration partnership with Altair further incorporates satellite connectivity technology into the product design of two cellular chip platforms.