TUSK IC raises €15M Series A to move satellite beamformer chips toward production
The Belgian chip designer is advancing standard-CMOS beamformers and antenna modules that let terminal makers steer satellite signals electronically in flat-panel designs.
Beam steering in a semiconductor component
TUSK IC makes Ka-band beamformer chips and active antenna modules for electronically steered satellite terminals. The beamformer controls how a phased array sends and receives signals, allowing a flat panel to track a satellite without mechanically moving a dish.
The company uses standard bulk CMOS rather than more specialized semiconductor processes. It says that approach can reduce cost and power compared with SiGe and specialty CMOS alternatives, while giving terminal manufacturers chips, modules and evaluation kits to integrate and test in their own designs.
Moving from prototypes to volume
The Series A comes as TUSK IC moves prototype chips toward high-volume production and works with a satellite-communications manufacturer on an electronically steered array antenna. Commercialization is the pivotal next step: component availability and manufacturability will determine whether terminal makers can carry the technology from evaluation into deployed LEO and MEO networks.
Use of funds
Accelerate commercialization of Ka-band satellite communications technology
Move beamformer ICs from prototype chips to high-volume production