Ceva Launches 5G-NTN Modem IP to Fast-Track LEO User Terminal Development
Ceva has unveiled PentaG-NTN™, a new 5G-Advanced modem IP subsystem designed specifically for satellite user terminals operating across LEO and MEO constellations. Announced at MWC 2026, the platform aims to reduce the complexity and cost of bringing standards-based 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) devices to market.
Built on Ceva’s third-generation PentaG architecture, PentaG-NTN is positioned as a production-ready, plug-and-play modem subsystem rather than a collection of IP blocks. It integrates baseband hardware, Layer 1 PHY software and verification tools into a reusable platform, allowing satellite-native companies — many of which lack deep cellular modem expertise — to deploy 5G-NTN solutions without building large in-house R&D teams.
The system is compliant with 3GPP Release 18 for 5G-NTN, with an upgrade path toward Release 19. It supports Ka and Ku bands, narrowband proprietary waveforms, and scalable performance from 10 Mbps up to 2 Gbps. Crucially, it incorporates NTN-specific optimisations for LEO and MEO environments, including Doppler compensation, latency-tuned processing and mitigation of frequency offsets caused by satellite movement.
Ceva estimates that the platform can reduce modem silicon development time by around 65%, significantly lowering barriers for both satellite operators and semiconductor vendors entering the NTN market.