In a groundbreaking collaboration, CEVA, a leading licensor of wireless connectivity and smart sensing technologies, has joined forces with Arm and SynaxG to push the boundaries of energy-efficient 5G New Radio (NR) processing. This partnership, announced on April 15, 2025, aims to deliver cutting-edge solutions for sustainable Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and 5G Advanced wireless infrastructure, addressing the growing demand for high-performance, power-efficient connectivity in next-generation networks.

The Power of Collaboration

The trio brings together complementary expertise to tackle the challenges of modern 5G NR processing:

1. CEVA: Known for its industry-leading DSP (Digital Signal Processor) platforms, CEVA provides the CEVA-XC22 DSP, a highly configurable and scalable architecture optimized for 5G NR workloads. This DSP is designed to handle the complex signal processing required for 5G Advanced and satellite communications with minimal power consumption.
2. Arm: A global leader in semiconductor IP, Arm contributes its high-performance, energy-efficient compute platforms, including the Arm Cortex-A and Neoverse processors. These processors are widely used in infrastructure and satellite applications, offering a robust foundation for running sophisticated 5G NR algorithms.
3. SynaxG: A specialist in 5G NR physical layer (PHY) software, SynaxG delivers optimized, standards-compliant software that seamlessly integrates with CEVA’s DSP and Arm’s compute platforms. Their expertise ensures high throughput and low latency, critical for real-time 5G applications.

Together, these companies are redefining how 5G NR processing is implemented, with a focus on energy efficiency, scalability, and sustainability.

Targeting Sustainable LEO Satellites and 5G Advanced Infrastructure

The collaboration is specifically tailored to address two key areas:

1. Sustainable LEO Satellites: LEO satellites are transforming global connectivity by enabling high-speed, low-latency internet access in remote and underserved regions. However, their limited power budgets demand ultra-efficient processing solutions. The CEVA-XC22 DSP, paired with Arm’s compute platforms and SynaxG’s 5G NR PHY software, delivers a solution that minimizes power consumption while meeting the stringent performance requirements of satellite-based 5G networks. This enables longer satellite lifespans and reduces the environmental impact of satellite deployments.
2. 5G Advanced Wireless Infrastructure: As 5G networks evolve toward 5G Advanced (Release 18 and beyond), the need for higher data rates, lower latency, and greater energy efficiency becomes paramount. The joint solution optimizes the processing of 5G NR signals in base stations and edge devices, supporting massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), beamforming, and other advanced features. By reducing power consumption, this collaboration helps network operators lower operational costs and meet sustainability goals.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters

Energy efficiency is a critical factor in the deployment of 5G networks and satellite systems. According to industry estimates, telecommunications networks account for approximately 2-3% of global energy consumption, a figure expected to rise with the proliferation of 5G and IoT devices. For LEO satellites, power efficiency directly impacts operational longevity, as solar panels and batteries are the primary energy sources in space.

The CEVA-Arm-SynaxG solution addresses these challenges by combining hardware and software optimizations. The CEVA-XC22 DSP’s low-power architecture, Arm’s energy-efficient processors, and SynaxG’s lightweight PHY software work in harmony to reduce energy usage without compromising performance. This is particularly important for achieving net-zero goals in the telecom industry and ensuring sustainable growth in satellite constellations.

Key Benefits of the Solution

The collaboration delivers several advantages for OEMs, network operators, and end-users:

1. High Performance: The solution supports the demanding requirements of 5G NR, including ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB).
2. Scalability: The CEVA-XC22 DSP and Arm processors are highly configurable, allowing the solution to scale across various use cases, from small cells to large-scale base stations and satellites.
3. Energy Efficiency: Optimized hardware and software reduce power consumption, lowering operational costs and environmental impact.
4. Faster Time-to-Market: By providing a pre-integrated solution, the collaboration enables OEMs to accelerate product development and deployment.

A Step Toward a Connected, Sustainable Future

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of 5G and satellite communications. By combining CEVA’s DSP expertise, Arm’s compute prowess, and SynaxG’s 5G NR software, the collaboration delivers a solution that not only meets the performance demands of 5G Advanced and LEO satellites but also prioritizes sustainability. As the world becomes increasingly connected, innovations like this will play a pivotal role in building efficient, eco-friendly networks that empower industries and communities alike.

For more details on this exciting development, visit CEVA’s official announcement.