Graphic of the Iridium PNT ASIC. Photo: Iridium

Iridium is rolling out a dedicated chip that will allow Iridium PNT capabilities to be integrated into electronic devices for GPS and GNSS resilience. Announced Monday, the Iridium PNT application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is in a 8mm by 8mm form factor and is designed to deliver authenticated positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data as an alternative to traditional GNSS. 

It can be integrated into devices ranging from consumer products and infrastructure systems like power grids, transportation systems, and telecom networks. When embedded in a device, the Iridium PNT ASIC receives a cryptographically secure time and location data signal from the Iridium satellite network that the company says is 1,000 times more powerful than GPS and capable of working inside buildings. 

Iridium is currently organizing beta trials that will give select partners the Iridium PNT ASIC evaluation kits for early integration and testing. The Iridium PNT ASIC is planned for commercial availability in mid-2026. It can be used for a standalone Iridium PNT receiver or hybrid Iridium and GNSS solution. 

“This is a first. To provide this type of capability on a global basis has never been done before,” Iridium CEO Matt Desch said in a release. “The size, low cost, and scalability of this solution to protect GPS is a major breakthrough.”

Iridium has ramped up its PNT activities after acquiring Satelles last year and integrating its alternative PNT solution into its own offerings. Last week, Iridium announced a contract with the U.S. Department of Transportation in which T-Mobile will deploy Iridium PNT services across 5G network sites in the U.S.