Sivers Semiconductors Secures ESA Contract for Breakthrough SATCOM IC Development

Sivers Semiconductors Secures ESA Contract for SATCOM IC Development

Sivers Semiconductors AB, a leader in the field of photonics and wireless technologies, recently announced a significant milestone in their journey towards innovating satellite communication technology. The company has been awarded a contract worth approximately $900,000 by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop cutting-edge beamforming integrated circuits (BFICs) tailored for next-generation satellite communications (SATCOM). This agreement is set to unfold over the upcoming 18 months, further solidifying Sivers' prominent role in the European SATCOM market.

Vickram Vathulya, the CEO of Sivers Semiconductors, expressed enthusiasm about this award, stating, "As the only EU-based commercial provider of mmWave BFICs for SATCOM and 5G, this initiative reinforces our position as a key player in the European ecosystem for satellite communications. It allows us to push performance boundaries while addressing crucial energy efficiency requirements, ensuring that we are prepared to meet market demand with our next generation of products."

The initiative set forth by ESA aims at advancing the technology surrounding broad-market SATCOM BFICs, ensuring they achieve superior performance and enhanced energy efficiency. This initiative aligns perfectly with the roadmap set by Sivers Semiconductors, as they prepare for a comprehensive launch of their current generation of SATCOM BFICs expected in Q1 2026.

Harish Krishnaswamy, Managing Director of the Wireless Business Unit at Sivers, stated, "Being selected for this ESA program highlights Sivers' commitment to driving innovation within Europe’s SATCOM landscape. We are honored to assist ESA in its strategic projects like IRIS2, which play a pivotal role in building a robust SATCOM network for the European Union."

As the complexity and power consumption of beamforming networks within current user terminals present scalability challenges, experts such as Dr. Václav Valenta from the European Space Agency emphasize the necessity for innovation. He noted that these advancements in semiconductor technology are crucial for the affordability and deployment of phased arrays, which are essential in contemporary SATCOM. Dr. Valenta elaborated on how the new project will address the intricate balance of active and passive beamforming architectures and antenna-feeding systems, aimed at creating a new generation of significantly more efficient phased-array systems. "We are eager to embark on this strategic development with Sivers Semiconductors, who stands as a critical player in the global phased-array supply chain," he remarked.

In this evolving landscape, Sivers Semiconductors is committed to manufacturing high-performance, energy-efficient solutions for both commercial and governmental satellite communication projects. This partnership with the ESA not only paves the way for Sivers' continued growth but also equips them to meet the changing needs in the global SATCOM market effectively.

As we move towards a greener data economy, Sivers' energy-efficient photonic wireless solutions are set to reshape the future of both satellite communications and various other applications in sectors such as AI data centers, telecommunications, and defense. With unwavering dedication, Sivers Semiconductors continues to forge ahead, contributing to the enhancement of Europe’s satellite communication infrastructure while embracing sustainability goals.

For additional insights or detailed queries, visit Sivers Semiconductors.