Custom designed chipset extending network coverage through Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity, helping to enable the first space-based network for smartphones

November 30, 2020

London, United Kingdom and Midland, Texas – Dialog Semiconductor plc (XETRA:DLG), a leading provider of battery and power management, Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) and Industrial edge computing solutions today announced that AST & Science, LLC (“AST SpaceMobile”) a satellite company that is disruptively transforming satellite broadband access, has selected Dialog to develop four custom mixed-signal & RF ASICs for their SpaceMobile network.

AST SpaceMobile is the first and only space-based cellular broadband network that will be accessible by a standard smartphone and deliver connectivity from urban areas to the most remote global locations. Within Dialog’s recently established Industrial IoT Business Group, Dialog will develop four custom advanced RF chips that are part of the satellite electronics payload for SpaceMobile and this chipset enables a secure radio communications link. Dialog currently is the leading supplier of custom RF ICs for advanced satellite communication systems.

“We deliver measurable business benefits to customers like AST SpaceMobile by providing an advanced RF ASIC chipset that satisfies the most challenging technical and commercial requirements. Custom ASICs are part of Dialog’s DNA, with customers benefiting from our high-performance mixed-signal and advanced RF IP portfolio specifically in this case helping to provide the first space-based cellular broadband network for smartphones,” said Dermot Barry, VP Industrial ASIC Business Unit at Dialog Semiconductor.

“AST SpaceMobile’s decision to select Dialog was based on Dialog’s successful track record in servicing the satellite communications market. They have been key suppliers to satellite communications customers and have the range of IP across both mixed-signal and RF needed to meet the requirements of the AST SpaceMobile program,” said Tom Severson, COO and CFO at AST SpaceMobile. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with Dialog as they join our network of suppliers and support us through the design, development and lifetime supply of these mission-critical chips, filling cellular coverage gaps for over 5 billion people to enable AST SpaceMobile to bring seamless Internet connectivity to the world.


The content in the press release, including, but not limited to, product prices and specifications, is based on the information as of the date indicated on the document, but may be subject to change without prior notice.

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