Key Insights (AI-assisted):
Ceva’s subsystem-level NTN modem IP alerts that satellite tv for pc distributors will more and more purchase standardized 5G baseband functionality quite than construct it. This lowers the abilities barrier for space-focused gamers, doubtlessly accelerating time-to-market for hybrid satellite-cellular IoT terminals and reshaping who can compete in NTN connectivity. It additionally reinforces the function of 3GPP because the dominant stack for space-based broadband and narrowband companies. Extra broadly, it underscores a development towards converged, reusable 5G-Superior platforms spanning terrestrial, NTN, and edge IoT use instances.
Constructed on Ceva’s third-generation PentaG platform, PentaG-NTN accelerates the convergence of satellite tv for pc and mobile networks
As satellite tv for pc connectivity quickly turns into essentially the most strategically vital and disruptive extension of the 5G community, Ceva, Inc., the main licensor of silicon and software program IP for the Good Edge, at the moment introduced PentaG-NTN™, a brand new 5G-NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) modem IP subsystem purpose-built for satellite tv for pc person terminals supporting LEO and MEO constellations. Designed to speed up the deployment of standards-based satellite tv for pc connectivity, PentaG-NTN allows satellite tv for pc operators, constellation builders, and terminal innovators to carry 5G-NTN companies to market sooner, with considerably diminished silicon growth danger.
PentaG-NTN is the primary product based mostly on Ceva’s newly launched third-generation PentaG modem IP platform, a production-ready 5G-Superior baseband structure that integrates baseband {hardware}, L1 PHY software program, and complete verification belongings right into a single reusable subsystem. Designed as a typical basis for a number of derivatives, together with PentaG-Edge™ for terrestrial 5G-Superior edge and IoT purposes, the platform is already being built-in into next-generation terminal designs. In contrast with the earlier era, it delivers substantial enhancements in efficiency, scalability, and integration effectivity throughout each satellite tv for pc and terrestrial deployments.
The fast proliferation of satellite tv for pc constellations – fueled by each industrial enlargement and government-backed initiatives targeted on protection and sovereignty – is accelerating the mixing of 5G into space-based networks. On the identical time, 5G-NTN introduces mobile modem complexity into an business traditionally centered on spacecraft, payloads, and constellation design quite than mobile baseband modem engineering.
Historically, Ceva’s modem IP options have been adopted by clients with deep experience in constructing mobile modems. In distinction, at the moment’s 5G-NTN market is being pushed by satellite-native organizations, whose core strengths lie in designing satellites and working space-based networks. PentaG-NTN is designed particularly to ship a completely built-in, plug-and-play modem subsystem that removes complexity, shortens growth cycles, and de-risks integration for satellite-focused groups.
Business analysts be aware that this shift is forcing satellite-focused organizations to confront mobile modem complexity for the primary time.
Jake Saunders, Vice President at ABI Analysis, mentioned:
“As 5G standards extend into non-terrestrial networks, the satellite industry is increasingly converging with the cellular ecosystem.”
“This shift is breaking down long-standing satellite silos and allowing operators and technology providers to leverage the scale, maturity, and cost efficiencies of the cellular standards ecosystem. For this convergence to succeed, solutions that reduce modem integration complexity and development cost – while still enabling differentiation – will be critical to moving 5G-NTN from early trials into commercial-scale deployment.”
On the identical time, semiconductor firms searching for to enter or broaden within the satellite tv for pc and NTN modem market face related challenges of requirements complexity, growth value, and integration danger – making a validated, subsystem-level modem IP equally beneficial for silicon distributors supporting this new wave of satellite tv for pc connectivity.
“5G-NTN is bringing cellular standards into the satellite world – but many satellite innovators shouldn’t have to become modem companies to participate,” mentioned Man Keshet, Vice President and Common Supervisor of the Cell Broadband Enterprise Unit at Ceva. “With PentaG-NTN, we deliver a proven, standards-compliant 5G-NTN modem subsystem that dramatically lowers the barrier to entry, while still allowing customers to innovate and differentiate on top of it.”
Constructed for LEO satellite tv for pc dynamics – and buyer differentiation
Not like terrestrial 5G, satellite tv for pc person terminals should function beneath harsh and quickly altering situations, together with Doppler shift, timing offsets, and lengthy propagation delays. PentaG-NTN incorporates NTN-specific options designed to handle these challenges, together with:
- LEO dynamics optimization, together with Doppler compensation and frequency-offset mitigation
- Latency-optimized L1 processing tuned for LEO and MEO channel traits
- 3GPP Launch-18 compliance for 5G-NTN, with a transparent improve path towards Launch-19
- Assist for Ka and Ku bands
- Assist for narrowband proprietary waveforms
- Scalable efficiency from 10 Mbps as much as 2 Gbps, with as much as 256-QAM modulation
Past requirements compliance, PentaG-NTN is architected to protect and allow buyer differentiation. The modem subsystem combines {hardware} acceleration with programmable DSPs and versatile software program interfaces, permitting clients to combine their very own proprietary applied sciences – akin to customized communication algorithms, waveform enhancements, or application-specific optimizations – alongside 3GPP-based 5G-NTN performance. This permits satellite tv for pc innovators to distinguish their companies whereas counting on a validated, standards-compliant modem basis.
A whole modem subsystem – not simply IP blocks
PentaG-NTN is delivered as a completely built-in modem subsystem that features:
- Optimized baseband {hardware} accelerators and management logic
- L1 PHY software program
- A complete verification atmosphere, together with Digital Platform Simulator (VPS), system-level simulation, check benches, and FPGA-based emulation
This method permits satellite-native groups to validate software program and system conduct early, nicely earlier than silicon, enhancing predictability and accelerating time-to-deployment.
Ceva estimates that its third-generation PentaG modem platform can scale back modem silicon growth time by roughly 65% and minimize program prices by tens of tens of millions of {dollars}, in contrast with conventional approaches that require constructing massive, specialised modem R&D groups in-house.
Constructed on Ceva’s third-generation PentaG platform
The production-ready 5G-Superior baseband structure integrates baseband {hardware}, L1 PHY software program, and verification belongings right into a single reusable subsystem. It.helps each FR1 (sub-7 GHz) and FR2 (24–52 GHz) operation, together with mmWave, and scales as much as 400 MHz of bandwidth per element provider, enabling a variety of satellite tv for pc and terrestrial modem configurations from a typical basis.
Constructing on the identical platform, PentaG-Edge™ extends the structure to terrestrial 5G-Superior edge and IoT purposes. Like PentaG-NTN, PentaG-Edge is delivered as a completely built-in modem subsystem, enabling licensees to keep away from the price and complexity of constructing a modem from the bottom up whereas retaining flexibility to tailor options, efficiency, and differentiation for his or her particular market necessities – akin to superior MIMO configurations and different terrestrial-focused optimizations not required in NTN deployments.
Availability
PentaG-NTN and PentaG-Edge can be found now for licensing. Ceva will showcase PentaG-NTN and the third-generation PentaG platform at Cell World Congress 2026 in Barcelona.
