CoreHW
CoreHW is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in RF, mmWave, analog, and mixed-signal IC design, offering custom design services, 300+ silicon-proven semiconductor IPs, and a proprietary Bluetooth AoA Real-Time Location System delivering centimeter-level indoor positioning for healthcare, industrial, automotive, retail, and telecom customers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersTampere, Finland
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What CoreHW does
CoreHW (Corehw Oy) is a fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Tampere, Finland, founded in 2013 by RF engineers with prior tenures at Nokia, STMicroelectronics, and ST-Ericsson. The company operates three interconnected business lines: (1) custom IC design services spanning RF, mmWave, analog, mixed-signal, and digital semiconductors plus antenna design; (2) licensing of over 300 silicon-proven semiconductor IPs including 81GHz radar transceivers, mmWave PLLs, power management ICs, and ADCs/DACs; and (3) a proprietary Bluetooth Angle-of-Arrival Real-Time Location System (CoreRTLS) comprising CoreRTLS-LOC4000 Locators with 16-element antenna arrays, CoreRTLS-TAG400x Tags with up to 10-year battery life, and the CoreRTLS Software Platform with REST/MQTT integration interfaces, delivering ±10cm 3D positioning accuracy.
CoreHW monetizes through project-based professional services, IP licensing royalties, hardware sales (CHW1010 RF Switch with 16 phase-matched antenna ports, CHW3021 RF Front-End IC, and antenna modules), and increasingly through its RTLS software platform. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales, a Pan-EMEA sales representative partnership with Redtree Solutions Ltd, a global RTLS system integrator partner program, and foundry ecosystem access via GLOBALFOUNDRIES' RFwave program. The company targets telecommunications, automotive, healthcare, smart factory/industrial, retail, aerospace & defense, and consumer electronics verticals. Manufacturing partnerships include Presto Engineering for ASIC industrialization and high-volume production. The company is majority-owned by Finnish private equity firm Panostaja (since September 2017) and operates from Tampere, Helsinki, Oulu, and Turku in Finland plus Tallinn, Estonia, with 51-100 employees.
CoreHW firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CoreHW
- Legal name
- Corehw Oy
- Website
- https://corehw.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- CoreHW is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in RF, mmWave, analog, and mixed-signal IC design, offering custom design services, 300+ silicon-proven semiconductor IPs, and a proprietary Bluetooth AoA Real-Time Location System delivering centimeter-level indoor positioning for healthcare, industrial, automotive, retail, and telecom customers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CoreHW industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wireless Communication Semiconductors
- NAICS
- Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (33411)
- SIC
- Semiconductors & Related Devices (3674)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Compute & Acceleration ICs (CPU/GPU/AI/FPGA/ASIC) (HDAHABAC)
Keywords
Where CoreHW is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tampere
- HQ country
- Finland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
CoreHW business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Custom IC Design Services: End-to-end ASIC and SoC design services covering RF, mmWave, analog, mixed-signal, and digital ICs. Services include system design, RF/HW/FW design, antenna design, and testing. Customers worldwide engage CoreHW for project-based IC design delivery.
- Semiconductor IP Licensing: Licensing of over 300 semiconductor IP cores including radar transceivers, PLLs, power management ICs, ADCs/DACs, and RF components. IPs are silicon-proven and available for integration into customer ASICs.
- RTLS Products (Hardware + Software): Sale of RTLS components including locators (CoreRTLS-LOC4000), tags (CoreRTLS-TAG400x), antenna modules, evaluation kits, and CoreRTLS Software platform. Complete RTLS stack from RF hardware to positioning algorithms.
- Chip Products (RF Switches, Front-End IC): Sale of proprietary RF components including RF switches, RF front-end ICs (CHW3021), and antenna modules for wireless applications.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | CoreRTLS-EVK4 Evaluation Kit - Complete RTLS evaluation package |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
CoreHW product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CoreHW is a fabless semiconductor company that designs and sells proprietary RF and mmWave chips, semiconductor IP cores, and turnkey IC design services. It also sells a complete Bluetooth Angle-of-Arrival based Real-Time Location System (CoreRTLS) comprising locators, tags, antenna modules, evaluation kits, and a positioning software platform that delivers centimeter-level indoor location accuracy. Products are sold to enterprises in telecommunications, automotive, healthcare, industrial, retail, and aerospace markets.
Product overview
CoreHW is a fabless semiconductor company offering three interconnected product lines: (1) CoreRTLS - a complete Real-Time Location System comprising CoreRTLS Software Platform, CoreRTLS-LOC4000 Locators, CoreRTLS-TAG400x Tags, CoreRTLS-EVK4 Evaluation Kit, and CHW1010 antenna modules for centimeter-level Bluetooth AoA indoor positioning; (2) Chip Products including CHW3021 RF Front-End IC for 2.4GHz wireless and CoreHW RF Switch for Bluetooth 5.1 direction-finding; (3) Design Services & IP Portfolio offering over 300 semiconductor IPs (radar transceivers, PLLs, power management, ADCs/DACs) plus RF/mmWave, analog, mixed-signal, and digital IC design services plus antenna design services. The company was founded in 2013 and operates from Finland.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CoreRTLS: Real-time location system product line including software, tags, locators, and evaluation kits for indoor positioning using Bluetooth AoA technology.
- CoreTag
- CoreLocator
- RABBIT
Products and services
- CoreRTLS Software Platform A complete production-ready RTLS software platform providing real-time position calculation, device configuration, monitoring tools, firmware management, and open REST and MQTT integration interfaces. It can be hosted on-prem or in the cloud and is intended for system integrators and enterprises deploying the CoreRTLS system in healthcare, industrial, and retail environments.
- CoreRTLS-LOC4000 Locator Fourth-generation Bluetooth AoA locator for RTLS deployments, featuring an optimized 16-element antenna array and supporting hundreds of active tags with ±10cm 3D positioning accuracy. Targeted at enterprises and system integrators deploying indoor positioning.
- CoreRTLS-TAG400x Tag Series RTLS tags available in multiple form factors for personnel (TAG4001 wrist-worn, TAG4002 lanyard) and asset (TAG4000 fixed-mount) use cases, with motion-aware accelerometer-based power optimization. Sold to enterprises and system integrators for indoor tracking deployments.
- CoreRTLS-EVK4 Evaluation Kit Fourth-generation Bluetooth AoA RTLS evaluation kit for rapid system evaluation and indoor pilot testing, including 4 CoreRTLS-LOC4000 locator units, 2 tags, a mini PC server, PoE switch, and cables. Sold to integrators and enterprise customers for evaluation and pilot deployments.
- CHW1010-EVKN5 AoA Demonstration Kit Angle-of-Arrival demonstration kit for evaluating CoreHW's AoA positioning technology in customer environments. Sold to engineering teams evaluating Bluetooth direction-finding applications.
- CHW1010-ANT2-1.0 Antenna Module Direction-finding antenna module with sixteen patch antenna elements and the SP16T antenna switch with optimized phase balance for Bluetooth AoA positioning. Sold as a standalone module for RTLS deployments.
- CHW1010-ANT3-1.0 Antenna Module Direction-finding antenna module in multiple form factors for the 2400-2483 MHz frequency range, supporting RTLS deployments. Sold as a standalone module to system integrators and OEMs.
- CHW3021 RF Front-End IC High-efficiency, low-power 2.4GHz RF front-end module with integrated power amplifier, low noise amplifier, and chip antenna matching in an ultra-small thin wafer-scale package (2.0mm x 2.0mm x 0.5mm). Supports Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread, and ISM IoT devices for consumer electronics, wireless earbuds, wearables, trackers, and access points.
- CoreHW RF Switch (SP16TS / SP8TD) RF antenna switch with 16 phase-matched antenna ports enabling high direction-finding accuracy for Bluetooth 5.1 AoA/AoD indoor positioning. Available in SP16TS (16-port single-ended) and SP8TD (8-port differential) variants. Sold to OEMs building direction-finding and RTLS products.
- 81GHz Radar Transceiver IP Silicon-proven 81GHz radar transceiver IP enabling high-precision, low-power sensing for automotive, industrial, and healthcare radar applications. Licensed to semiconductor companies and OEMs integrating radar into SoCs and ASICs.
- mmWave PLL IP Millimeter-wave phase-locked loop semiconductor IP for RF and microwave frequency synthesis applications. Licensed for integration into customer ASICs and SoCs.
- Power Management IC IP Power management semiconductor IP including DCDC converters and LDOs for integration into SoCs and ASICs. Licensed for use in IoT, microcontrollers, and power management units.
- CorePLL Phase-Locked Loop IP Phase-locked loop IP core for clock generation and frequency synthesis in semiconductor designs. Licensed for integration into customer ASICs and SoCs.
- CoreVCO Voltage-Controlled Oscillator IP Voltage-controlled oscillator IP core for RF and microwave frequency generation. Licensed for integration into customer ASICs and SoCs.
- ADC/DAC IP Portfolio Silicon-proven analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converter IPs including high-resolution SAR ADCs for image sensing, sigma-delta ADCs for automotive radar, and precision DACs for voltage control. Licensed for integration into customer ASICs and SoCs.
- RF and mmWave IC Design Services Custom RF and millimeter-wave integrated circuit design services including turnkey IC design, system architecture, and RF/hardware/firmware development for handset and base station applications. Sold to OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers on a project basis.
- Analog and Mixed-Signal IC Design Services Custom analog and mixed-signal IC design and layout services with expertise in matching and RF properties for precise circuit implementations. Delivered as project-based engagements to semiconductor and OEM customers.
- Digital ASIC Design Services Full custom digital application-specific integrated circuit design services from specification through production-ready silicon. Delivered as project-based engagements to semiconductor companies and OEMs.
- Antenna Design Services Custom antenna design services including antenna array modules, chip antennas, tag antennas, and PCB antennas for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and emerging 6G technologies. Delivered as project-based engagements to OEMs and semiconductor companies.
Quantifiable outcome
- ±10 cm 3D positioning accuracy in complex indoor settings
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use CoreHW
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
CoreHW technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability4 records
Feature7 records
CoreHW partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Redtree Solutions LtdcoreRedtree Solutions Ltd acts as CoreHW's sales representative company for Pan-EMEA region. They represent CoreHW's ASIC design services, semiconductor IP, and RTLS solutions, supporting customers in identifying and deploying right technologies for product development needs.
- Presto EngineeringcoreCoreHW and Presto Engineering collaborated to develop the CHW3021 RF front-end IC in ultra-small wafer-scale package. Presto provides ASIC industrialization and high-volume production services. This is their second collaboration following successful volume production of CoreHW's RF switch component.
- UnikiecoreCoreHW partnered with Unikie to integrate Unikie's RTLS core software with CoreHW's hardware (CoreTag, CoreLocator) to provide complete RTLS solutions. Unikie provides efficient AoA positioning algorithms, tag and locator management APIs, security features, and over-the-air firmware updates. This partnership enables high-accuracy (10cm), power-efficient RTLS deployments.
- ArmminorCoreHW participated in Arm's custom chip seminar in Paris as an ecosystem partner, discussing how radio and antenna can be designed and added to custom silicon products.
- GLOBALFOUNDRIEScoreCoreHW participates in GLOBALFOUNDRIES' RFwave Partner Program, an open ecosystem dedicated to building innovative RF solutions using GF's technology platforms. Partnership provides access to advanced technology nodes with good RF process performance and modeling accuracy, enabling first-time-right RF silicon success.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
CoreHW competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Sewio Networks: Czech RTLS company offering UWB-based real-time location systems for industrial, automotive, and sports analytics. Comparable as a pure-play RTLS solutions competitor.
- Quuppa: Finland-based RTLS specialist using Bluetooth AoA technology for indoor positioning. Direct competitor in the same Bluetooth AoA RTLS market targeting asset tracking, healthcare, and industrial use cases.
- u-blox: Swiss fabless semiconductor and module vendor focused on positioning (GNSS) and wireless connectivity. Comparable as a European fabless positioning/wireless chip and module provider serving industrial and automotive markets.
- Sensera (Nanotron): RTLS and UWB positioning solutions provider serving industrial, healthcare, and security markets. Comparable as a pure-play RTLS solutions competitor in European markets.
Emerging players
- BeSpoon (acquired by STMicroelectronics): Originally a French UWB RTLS chip and system company, now part of STMicroelectronics. Comparable as a UWB-based RTLS technology peer acquired by an incumbent semiconductor player.
- Insight SiP: French fabless semiconductor company specializing in ultra-miniature RF system-in-package modules for Bluetooth, UWB, and IoT. Comparable as a European fabless RF module/chip specialist focused on miniaturization.
- Wirepas: Finnish company specializing in mesh connectivity and IoT/RTLS solutions using Bluetooth and 2.4GHz. Comparable as a Finnish-headquartered wireless IoT/RTLS specialist in the same ecosystem.
Broad incumbents
- Qorvo: Major US RF semiconductor company with strong presence in RF switches, front-end modules, and (via acquired Decawave) UWB-based RTLS chips. Comparable as an RF semiconductor incumbent competing across CoreHW's chip product portfolio.
- Nordic Semiconductor: Norwegian fabless semiconductor company specializing in low-power Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular IoT SoCs. Comparable as a fabless Bluetooth/IoT silicon vendor in the same Nordic/Western European fabless ecosystem.
- Silicon Labs: US fabless semiconductor company with broad wireless (Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread) and IoT SoC portfolio. Direct relationship as a partner (Silicon Labs uses CoreHW's AoA switch in reference designs) and competes in adjacent Bluetooth direction-finding silicon.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CoreHW social profiles
Digital presenceCoreHW compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
CoreHW financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CoreHW leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
CoreHW funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CoreHW 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 CoreHW
What does CoreHW do?
CoreHW is a fabless semiconductor company that designs and sells proprietary RF and mmWave chips, semiconductor IP cores, and turnkey IC design services. It also sells a complete Bluetooth Angle-of-Arrival based Real-Time Location System (CoreRTLS) comprising locators, tags, antenna modules, evaluation kits, and a positioning software platform that delivers centimeter-level indoor location accuracy. Products are sold to enterprises in telecommunications, automotive, healthcare, industrial, retail, and aerospace markets.
Is CoreHW a public or private company?
CoreHW is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was CoreHW founded?
CoreHW was founded in 2013. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is CoreHW based?
CoreHW is headquartered in Tampere, Finland, in the Europe region.
How does CoreHW make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Custom IC Design Services are the primary driver. The others are semiconductor IP Licensing, RTLS Products (Hardware + Software) and chip Products (RF Switches, Front-End IC).
Who are CoreHW's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Sewio Networks, Quuppa, u-blox and Sensera (Nanotron). Emerging players are BeSpoon (acquired by STMicroelectronics), Insight SiP and Wirepas. Broad incumbents are Qorvo, Nordic Semiconductor and Silicon Labs.
Does CoreHW have an API?
Yes. CoreRTLS Software Platform provides REST and MQTT APIs for integration with external applications. The APIs enable access to real-time tag positions, system management, setup and calibration features, device configuration, monitoring tools, firmware management, and enterprise system integration. Developer documentation is at www.corehw.com/products/corertls-software.
What industry is CoreHW in?
CoreHW's product category is Wireless Communication Semiconductors. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHABAC, Compute & Acceleration ICs (CPU/GPU/AI/FPGA/ASIC). Its NAICS code is 33411 and its SIC code is 3674.