Lime Microsystems
Lime Microsystems is a UK fabless semiconductor company that designs the LMS7002M field-programmable RF transceiver and sells LimeSDR boards and LimeNET integrated systems for open, software-defined 4G/5G, satcom, and private cellular deployments. Its customers include Tier-1 operators, system integrators, government/defence buyers, and a 12,000+ board open-hardware developer community.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersGuildford, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Lime Microsystems does
Lime Microsystems is a UK fabless semiconductor and systems company that designs and supplies Field-Programmable Radio-Frequency (FPRF) silicon and software-defined radio (SDR) hardware for wireless broadband and private cellular networks. Its core silicon, the LMS7002M MIMO FPRF transceiver, covers 100 kHz to 3.8 GHz (with roadmap extensions to 10 GHz) and pairs with FPGAs (Altera, Xilinx, Lattice) to deliver fully programmable radio platforms sold as the LimeSDR family of boards (USB, mini-PCIe, M.2) and the LimeNET family of integrated network-in-a-box systems (rack-mount, desktop, compact), plus LimeNET DAS and LimeRRH for in-building coverage.
The company's commercial model spans three streams: direct and channel hardware sales (LimeSDR boards priced $199-$699, LimeNET systems and DAS units $650-$11,100), bespoke engineering and support services for enterprise and Tier-1 operator deployments, and crowdfunding-based validation through Crowd Supply. Go-to-market is hybrid: a community-led developer funnel via the MyriadRF ecosystem, GitHub, and an Snap-based app store; enterprise field sales for LimeNET customisations through direct contact and partners (Vodafone, AWTG, Gigabyte); and event-driven demand generation at Mobile World Congress, TIP Summit, and UK government showcases. The customer base spans telecom operators, system integrators, government and defence buyers (UK DSIT-funded Secure 5G Platform), academic research labs, and a long tail of 12,000+ open-hardware board users.
Lime Microsystems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Lime Microsystems
- Legal name
- Lime Microsystems Ltd
- Website
- https://limemicro.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Lime Microsystems is a UK fabless semiconductor company that designs the LMS7002M field-programmable RF transceiver and sells LimeSDR boards and LimeNET integrated systems for open, software-defined 4G/5G, satcom, and private cellular deployments. Its customers include Tier-1 operators, system integrators, government/defence buyers, and a 12,000+ board open-hardware developer community.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Lime Microsystems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wireless Semiconductor / Software-Defined Radio
- NAICS
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220)
- SIC
- Semiconductors & Related Devices (3674), Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Audio, Imaging & Multimedia SoCs (ISP/Codec/Display) (HDAHABAH)
Keywords
Where Lime Microsystems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Guildford
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Lime Microsystems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- LimeSDR Hardware Sales: Sale of software-defined radio circuit boards and modules including LimeSDR, LimeSDR Mini, LimeSDR XTRX, and accessories. One-time hardware purchase model with open-source software.
- LimeNET Integrated Systems Sales: Sale of integrated network equipment including LimeNET 2.0 (rack-mount), LimeNET Mini 2.0 (desktop), LimeNET Micro 2.0 (compact), LimeNET DAS, and LimeRRH. Customisable configurations for 4G/5G deployments with optional core network and support packages.
- Professional Services and Custom Development: Bespoke support packages, system integration assistance, extended warranties, and custom engineering services for large-scale deployments. Direct support is provided for all LimeNET products with basic, enhanced, and custom support tiers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | LimeSDR Micro — entry-level M.2 SDR board |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | LimeSDR XTRX — high-performance mPCIe SDR |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | LimeNET DAS — in-building distributed antenna system |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LimeRRH — remote radio head for LimeNET DAS |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
Lime Microsystems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Lime Microsystems is a semiconductor company that designs proprietary field-programmable radio-frequency (FPRF) silicon (LMS7002M) and builds it into two product families: open-source LimeSDR software-defined radio boards for developers and researchers, and LimeNET integrated 4G/5G network-in-a-box systems for telecom operators and enterprises deploying private Open RAN networks.
Product overview
Lime Microsystems offers two interconnected product families: the LimeSDR family of software-defined radio (SDR) boards, and the LimeNET family of integrated network systems. The LimeSDR product line includes the original LimeSDR (USB form factor), LimeSDR Mini, LimeSDR Mini 2.0, LimeSDR XTRX (mPCIe), and newly announced LimeSDR Micro (M.2). All are built around Lime's LMS7002M field-programmable RF (FPRF) silicon, with most featuring an FPGA (Altera Cyclone IV or Xilinx Artix 7) for user-customisable gateware. The LimeSDR GW Project provides unified, portable gateware across the family via the LiteX framework. The LimeNET integrated systems family comprises LimeNET 2.0 (modular rack-mount), LimeNET Mini 2.0 (desktop), and LimeNET Micro 2.0 (compact), all running Linux with fully software-defined RAN and optional integrated core network. LimeNET DAS provides in-building distributed antenna system upgrade solutions, complemented by LimeRRH remote radio heads. The LimeFEA carrier boards extend the LimeSDR XTRX ecosystem. The portfolio is completed by the SDR Satcom initiative (with ESA) for satellite communications applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- LimeSDR Low-cost, open-source software-defined radio platform built around the LMS7002M MIMO FPRF transceiver and Altera Cyclone IV FPGA, supporting 100 kHz to 3.8 GHz with 61.44 MHz bandwidth and 2x2 MIMO. For developers, researchers, and hobbyists building cellular basestations, radio astronomy, RADAR, IoT gateways, and HAM radio applications.
- LimeSDR Mini Compact software-defined radio board in the LimeSDR family, used in the SDR Satcom initiative with ESA and in the BATC Portsdown digital TV transceiver project.
- LimeSDR Mini 2.0 Updated version of the LimeSDR Mini with improved specifications, supporting the new unified LimeSDR GW Project gateware with a fully open-source toolchain (GHDL, Yosys, nextPNR, openFPGALoader).
- LimeSDR XTRX High-performance open-hardware SDR in mPCIe form factor, a drop-in replacement for the discontinued Fairwaves XTRX. Built around the LMS7002M FPRF and AMD Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA (52k LUTs). Operates 30 MHz to 3.8 GHz, 120 MHz bandwidth, 12-bit sampling at 120 MSPS SISO / 90 MSPS MIMO. Compatible with legacy Fairwaves driver and Lime Suite API.
- LimeSDR Micro M.2 2280 form factor software-defined radio board that replaces traditional FPGA-based processing with an NXP LA9310 baseband processor featuring integrated vector signal processing acceleration. Supports 30 MHz to 3.8 GHz with 1T2R expandable to 1T4R, starting at $199. Open-hardware design.
- LimeSDR GW Project Unified, modular, portable gateware platform for the entire LimeSDR product line, developed with Enjoy Digital atop the LiteX framework with Lime Digital Function Blocks (LimeDFB). Provides portability across Intel Altera, AMD Xilinx, and Lattice FPGAs, with VexRiscv and PicoRV32 RISC-V soft-core CPU support. Published under Apache 2.0.
- LimeNET 2.0 Modular, rack-mount integrated network system configurable for any 4G or 5G band up to 5 GHz (TDD and FDD) with bandwidths up to 100 MHz (2x2) and 5G NR support. Built on the LimeSDR platform and FPRF silicon with fully software-defined RAN and optional integrated core network. For telecom operators and enterprises.
- LimeNET Mini 2.0 Self-contained network-in-a-box solution in a desktop form factor, configurable for any 4G or 5G band up to 3.8 GHz (TDD and FDD) with bandwidths up to 100 MHz (2x2) and 5G NR support.
- LimeNET Micro 2.0 Compact self-contained network-in-a-box configurable for any 4G or 5G band up to 3.8 GHz (TDD and FDD), supporting up to 10 MHz SISO or 5 MHz 2x2 MIMO. Based on Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. Suitable for mobile private networks, IoT, and edge computing.
- LimeNET DAS In-building distributed antenna system allowing telecom operators to progressively upgrade existing infrastructure. Enables MIMO coverage (4T4R/2T2R) over a single coaxial cable, supporting 4G and 5G networks. Priced between US$8,500 and US$11,100 depending on configuration.
- LimeRRH Lime Remote Radio Head for use with the LimeNET DAS solution, operating 690-3800 MHz with MIMO support. Purchased to increase coverage of an existing LimeNET DAS installation. Priced at US$650.
- LimeFEA Carrier Boards Carrier boards that extend the LimeSDR XTRX ecosystem, enabling the mPCIe SDR module to be used in additional form factors and applications.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 12,000 open hardware LimeSDR boards distributed to developers, researchers, and enterprises globally
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Lime Microsystems
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Lime Microsystems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration22 records
AI capability1 record
Feature5 records
Lime Microsystems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Enjoy DigitalcoreLime Micro partnered with Enjoy Digital to develop the LimeSDR GW Project — a new unified, modular, and fully portable gateware platform for all LimeSDR products built atop Enjoy Digital's LiteX framework. The project dramatically lowers barriers to FPGA customisation and enables fully open-source toolchains for LimeSDR Mini v2 and other boards.
- European Space Agency (ESA)coreJointly launched the SDR Satcom Initiative with ESA to accelerate satellite communications development and lower the barrier to entry for SDR satcom innovation. ESA partnered with Lime to provide 50 LimeSDR Mini units free to SDR Satcom developers. The initiative includes an SDR Satcom App Store based on Canonical's snap packaging format.
- VodafonecoreVodafone developed the LimeNET CrowdCell with Lime Microsystems as part of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP). Vodafone Fellow Santiago Tenorio joined the Lime Microsystems Board as Chairman. Vodafone confirmed Lime Microsystems as a key Open RAN silicon chip partner. Vodafone is also using LimeNET 5G CrowdCell with Raspberry Pi Compute Module for MWC demonstrations.
- ArqitcoreProject partner in the UK DSIT-funded Secure 5G Platform providing quantum-safe symmetric key agreement platform (QuantumCloud) to Lime Microsystems' SDR-based 5G system. Arqit's quantum-proof encryption is integrated into the platform for MPN deployments worldwide.
- Slipstream Engineering DesigncoreProject partner in the Secure 5G Platform developing a high-efficiency wideband power amplifier for use with Lime Microsystems' SDR systems. The PA technology enables wider network coverage in a more efficient and agile way for 5G Open RAN deployments.
- Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) CatapultcoreProject partner in the Secure 5G Platform providing state-of-the-art test and evaluation support for Lime's SDR-based 5G solution. CSA Catapult's role was to validate the platform developed by the consortium for UK sovereign 5G supply chain.
- AWTGmajorEngineering services and technology solutions provider partnered with Lime Microsystems to integrate LimeNET 5G SCAP for large-scale deployment. Also partnered with Lime and the University of Surrey's 5GIC for the UK's first end-to-end domestically-built 5G system.
- GigabytemajorGigabyte provides the general-purpose compute platform for the LimeNET 5G CrowdCell and has commercialised the technology for enterprise and telecom customers. The partnership showcases use cases in healthcare monitoring and live immersive events at virtual trade shows.
- AMDcoreLimeNET product family is based on AMD Ryzen 3000 series processors (scaling up to 16 cores) and Xilinx FPGAs. AMD's senior director of Applications Engineering expressed excitement about collaborating with Lime to enable innovative 5G edge services. The LimeNET platform runs on AMD processors for private network deployment.
- University of Surrey 5GICmajorLime Microsystems supplied a 5G LimeNET CrowdCell to the University of Surrey's Institute for Communication Systems and 5G Innovation Centre as part of the UK's first end-to-end 5G system built entirely with domestically-manufactured hardware. The partnership validates Lime's technology for academic research and 5G innovation.
- OpenUKminorLime Microsystems CEO Ebrahim Bushehri participates in OpenUK Future Leaders' Training series, presenting on opening up radio access networks. The company is recognised in OpenUK's 2021 Honours List, positioning Lime within the UK open technology community.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Lime Microsystems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Qualcomm: Dominant cellular silicon and IP vendor whose small-cell and RAN platforms are major competitor offerings for private 5G/Open RAN designs. Comparable as a competing cellular infrastructure silicon and platform supplier for operator and enterprise deployments.
- Analog Devices: Global RF semiconductor incumbent with a broad portfolio of transceivers, converters, and integrated RFICs used in cellular infrastructure. Comparable because it offers alternative RF silicon to operators, though it does not offer the field-programmable, software-defined positioning that defines Lime's value proposition.
- Qorvo: Large RF semiconductor supplier with strong incumbency in base-station RF front-end modules. Comparable because its products compete for the same wireless-infrastructure design slots that Lime targets with its FPRF silicon.
- Marvell Technology: Semiconductor vendor with significant 5G base-station processor and baseband silicon offerings. Comparable because it targets the same Open RAN base-station design wins that Lime's LimeNET systems pursue, but at vastly larger scale.
Direct peers
- FlexRadio Systems: Commercial SDR platform vendor primarily serving amateur radio and HF communications markets with high-performance transceivers. Comparable because it sells professional-grade SDR hardware to a technically demanding developer and operator customer base that overlaps with Lime's community.
- Ettus Research: A National Instruments brand and the leading commercial SDR platform vendor (USRP family). Directly competes with LimeSDR/LimeNET in the developer, research, and prototype wireless systems market using a comparable FPGA + RF transceiver architecture.
- Per Vices Corp: Canadian high-performance SDR vendor (Noctar, Cyan, Phi) targeting similar wireless prototyping, SIGINT, and broadband research customers as LimeSDR with wide-bandwidth, multi-channel transceivers in a comparable form factor.
- Fairwaves: Open-source cellular SDR vendor whose discontinued XTRX module was specifically replaced by Lime's LimeSDR XTRX as a drop-in successor. Competes head-to-head with Lime in open-hardware cellular base station silicon and reference designs.
Emerging players
- Great Scott Gadgets: Open-source hardware vendor best known for HackRF One, a low-cost SDR widely used by researchers and hobbyists. Comparable because it competes in the same open-hardware SDR developer ecosystem that Lime's MyriadRF community addresses.
- Software Radio Systems (SRS): Open-source 4G/5G cellular stack developer (srsRAN/srsLTE) whose software stack runs on LimeSDR and LimeNET platforms. Comparable because the two are ecosystem partners competing together in the Open RAN stack against proprietary incumbents.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Lime Microsystems social profiles
Digital presenceLime Microsystems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Lime Microsystems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Lime Microsystems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors6 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Lime Microsystems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Lime Microsystems
What does Lime Microsystems do?
Lime Microsystems is a semiconductor company that designs proprietary field-programmable radio-frequency (FPRF) silicon (LMS7002M) and builds it into two product families: open-source LimeSDR software-defined radio boards for developers and researchers, and LimeNET integrated 4G/5G network-in-a-box systems for telecom operators and enterprises deploying private Open RAN networks.
Is Lime Microsystems a public or private company?
Lime Microsystems is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Lime Microsystems founded?
Lime Microsystems was founded in 2005. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Lime Microsystems based?
Lime Microsystems is headquartered in Guildford, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Lime Microsystems make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. LimeSDR Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are limeNET Integrated Systems Sales and professional Services and Custom Development.
Who are Lime Microsystems's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Qualcomm, Analog Devices, Qorvo and Marvell Technology. Direct peers are FlexRadio Systems, Ettus Research, Per Vices Corp and Fairwaves. Emerging players are Great Scott Gadgets and Software Radio Systems (SRS).
Does Lime Microsystems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Lime Microsystems.
What industry is Lime Microsystems in?
Lime Microsystems's product category is Wireless Semiconductor / Software-Defined Radio. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHABAH, Audio, Imaging & Multimedia SoCs (ISP/Codec/Display). Its NAICS code is 334220 and its SIC code is 3674.