Iridium lined up the silicon equivalent of Biblical character David to tackle the Goliathan problem of securing GPS and GNSS-related devices on a global scale, unveiling a miniature ASIC to protect against a host of attacks.
The satellite service provider stated the PNT ASIC is a first of its kind and would help to secure devices against jamming, spoofing and timing interruptions.
It measures 8mm x 8mm and is being pitched as suitable for products used in consumer, industrial and government sectors.
Iridium explained jamming and spoofing of GNSS have become a “near constant occurrence”, pointing to an incident last month involving an aircraft conveying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as an example.
It stated research in 2024 highlighted a jump in spoofing of commercial aircraft.
“To provide this type of capability on a global basis has never been done before”, CEO Matt Desch said.
Iridium’s PNT ASIC employs a cryptographically secure time and location signal from its satellite network to help in the detection of attacks and maintain operations while it is handled.
The form factor sits well with broader industry trends towards “compact, integrated technologies,” EVP of PNT Mike O’Connor explained.
He said the PNT ASIC will take Iridium’s existing work in the area “to the next level”.
Iridium is seeking applicants for beta testing of the silicon and is working to launch it in 2026.
