TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese integrated circuit design companies may see new opportunities in the fast-growing satellite sector, CTEE reported Wednesday.
The global low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite industry is entering a rapid growth phase. Satellite 2026, the world’s largest satellite communications exhibition, began Monday in Washington, D.C., bringing together operators, telecoms, and semiconductor suppliers.
The event highlighted next-generation technologies and a growing consensus: LEO satellites are moving from “network supplements” to “critical infrastructure.”
As LEO satellite commercialization accelerates, demand for chips is expected to rise significantly. Taiwanese IC designers are employing diverse strategies to capture a share of this expanding market.
LEO satellites rely on high-frequency bands like Ku and Ka, which require radio-frequency (RF) components with high efficiency, linearity, and low power consumption. This increases design complexity for related chips.
Recently, Elan Microelectronics announced a joint development with Uniband Electronic on RF front-end chips for LEO satellites. Engineering samples completed last year are now being tested with domestic satellite antenna and communications equipment makers.
These chips target phased array antenna systems for ground-based satellite transceivers, amplifying and receiving satellite signals, a critical part of the communications chain.
RichWave noted that it has not directly developed products for LEO satellites. However, its chips are used in satellite-driven applications such as Wi-Fi and in-vehicle satellite receivers.
Rafael has the capability to receive LEO satellite signals, though channel access is largely controlled by major players like SpaceX. The company is currently focusing on TV upgrades in South American markets such as Brazil and Peru, leveraging its strong global share in TV tuners to sustain growth.
