ST Engineering iDirect Demos Multi-Waveform 5G NR-NTN User Equipment

ST Engineering iDirect has demonstrated a pilot version of its INT3000 modem, a new satellite user-equipment platform designed to support both 5G NR-NTN and DVB-S2X/MRC waveforms within a single device.

Shown for the first time at the European Space Agency's 5G NTN Forum using a satellite simulator, the INT3000 connected to ST Engineering iDirect's Intuition ground system, which provides native 5G NR-NTN gNodeB functionality. The pilot represents the latest stage in the company's development of multi-waveform and multi-orbit user equipment.

The dual-waveform architecture is intended to address a practical challenge facing satellite operators as they adopt 3GPP-based NTN technology. Rather than requiring an immediate transition away from established DVB infrastructure, the INT3000 is being developed to support native 5G NR-NTN alongside existing DVB and hybrid satellite networks, allowing operators to modernise services while retaining investments in current systems.

ST Engineering iDirect has also said that it is developing NR waveform enhancements aimed at reducing dependence on GNSS and satellite-position information for timing and synchronisation. Such capabilities could improve network resilience and make 5G NTN equipment more flexible across different orbital architectures.