Key Takeaways
- Altair’s ALT1350 & ALT1550 now embed Iridium NTN Direct, merging cellular and satellite links on a single die.
- Iridium’s L‑band LEO constellation delivers true global coverage, enabling NB‑IoT and 5G eRedCap devices to stay online where terrestrial networks end.
- The integration eliminates the need for a separate satellite modem, cutting BOM cost, board‑space, and power draw for asset‑tracking, smart‑metering, wearables, and AI‑edge applications.
- ALT1350 targets ultra‑low‑power IoT (≤5 mW standby), while ALT1550 adds 5G NR‑RedCap capability for next‑gen wearables and industrial AI nodes.
Altair Semiconductor Adds Iridium Satellite Connectivity to Its Core IoT Chipsets
Overview of the Partnership
Iridium Communications Inc. announced a strategic integration of its NTN Direct service into Altair Semiconductor’s flagship cellular IoT platforms—ALT1350 and the upcoming ALT1550. By embedding Iridium’s 3GPP‑compatible satellite link directly into the chipset, device makers can now offer seamless connectivity from the ground up to orbit without a dedicated satellite module.
The solution leverages Iridium’s fully operational 66‑satellite LEO constellation operating in the L‑band (1616–1626 MHz). This spectrum is globally coordinated, ensuring regulatory compliance and reliable performance in remote or obstructed environments.
Why the Integration Matters
| Feature | ALT1350 (Current) | ALT1550 (Next‑Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | LTE‑Cat‑M1 / NB‑IoT | 5G NR‑RedCap (eMTC) + LTE‑M |
| Power (standby) | ≤ 5 mW | ≤ 10 mW |
| Peak Tx Power | 23 dBm | 30 dBm |
| Supported Bands | 450 MHz‑5 GHz (global) | 600 MHz‑6 GHz (global) |
| Satellite Integration | Iridium NTN Direct (NB‑IoT) | Iridium NTN Direct (NB‑IoT + 5G) |
| Target Applications | Asset tracking, smart meters, agriculture | AI‑powered wearables, smart glasses, edge AI |
| Launch Timeline | In production (2024) | Expected Q2 2025 |
Data sourced from Altair product briefs and Iridium technical whitepapers (2024‑2025).
Benefits for OEMs and MNOs
- Reduced BOM & Footprint – One silicon die replaces a dual‑chip architecture (cellular + satellite modem).
- Lower Power Envelope – Integrated design avoids the wake‑up latency of separate satellite radios, preserving battery life in remote sensors (up to 10 years on a 2 Ah cell for low‑duty‑cycle tracking).
- Global Reach – Iridium’s constellation provides 100 % coverage, including polar regions where terrestrial networks are absent.
- Standards‑Based – NTN Direct conforms to 3GPP Release 17 specifications, allowing mobile network operators (MNOs) to provision satellite service through existing SIM‑based billing platforms.
Real‑World Use Cases
- Logistics & Asset Tracking – Trucks crossing deserts or ships traversing the Arctic can maintain NB‑IoT sessions via Iridium, ensuring real‑time location updates without roaming agreements.
- Smart Metering & Utilities – Remote water or gas meters in mountainous villages can report consumption directly to utility clouds, bypassing unreliable cellular coverage.
- Industrial Monitoring – Oil‑field sensors in offshore rigs can transmit vibration and pressure data via the satellite link, reducing downtime.
- AI‑Edge Wearables – Next‑gen smart glasses equipped with ALT1550 can stream low‑latency video analytics to cloud AI services even in remote construction sites.
Technical Highlights of Iridium NTN Direct
- Latency: Typical round‑trip time of ~150 ms for NB‑IoT packets, comparable to terrestrial narrowband networks.
- Throughput: Up to 200 kbps downstream and 30 kbps upstream for bursty IoT traffic.
- Security: End‑to‑end AES‑256 encryption integrated at the chipset level, meeting FIPS 140‑2 requirements.
Market Impact
The convergence of cellular and satellite on a single chipset is poised to accelerate “true global IoT” adoption. Analysts at IDC project that satellite‑enabled IoT devices will grow from 12 million units in 2023 to 45 million units by 2028, driven largely by the need for resilient connectivity in logistics, agriculture, and emerging wearables.
By eliminating the separate modem, Altair’s solution can shave $3‑$5 off the bill‑of‑materials (BOM) per device—a decisive factor for high‑volume deployments.
Bottom Line
Altair Semiconductor’s integration of Iridium’s NTN Direct into the ALT1350 and ALT1550 chipsets delivers a unified, low‑power platform that bridges the terrestrial‑satellite divide. OEMs gain a cost‑effective, space‑saving path to global coverage, while MNOs can extend their service portfolios without building new satellite infrastructure. As the IoT market pushes toward ubiquitous, resilient connectivity, this partnership positions both companies at the forefront of the next wave of connected devices.