Sundance DSP
Sundance DSP designs and manufactures FPGA-based embedded hardware—SoMs, carrier boards, and FMC/FMC+ modules—for defense, aerospace, medical imaging, industrial automation, and communications customers using AMD/Xilinx and Microchip FPGA platforms with custom BSP and IP cores.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersReno, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Sundance DSP does
Sundance Digital Signal Processing Inc. (Sundance DSP) is a privately held US embedded-computing hardware company founded in 1999 and headquartered in Reno, Nevada. The company designs and manufactures FPGA-based boards, modules, and IP cores built primarily on AMD/Xilinx (Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC, Versal AI Edge Gen2, Kintex) and Microchip (PolarFire, PolarFire SoC with RISC-V) silicon. Its portfolio follows a modular SoM-plus-carrier architecture: compact System-on-Modules (SoM1-MPF500T, SoM1-SOC, SoM3-MPF300T, VerSOM1) plug into a family of carrier cards (SE200, SE201, SE215, SE216, SE301) across PCIe, PCIe104, PXIe, COM Express, and 3U OpenVPX form factors, and pair with FMC/FMC+ mezzanine I/O modules (FMC-ADC500CD, FMC-SDR400D, FMC-CL) and proprietary IP cores (FC205 multi-port UART, NES-IPCORE-TDES crypto). Products are designed and manufactured in the USA, with explicit SOSA-alignment and VITA standards compliance for defense interoperability.
The company sells built-to-order hardware under Non-Cancelable, Non-Refundable (NCNR) terms, with orders above $100,000 requiring a 20% advance payment; pricing is quote-based via direct sales ([email protected]). Revenue is generated from hardware sales, IP core licensing, and custom software/firmware development services bundled with hardware. Target verticals are defense and aerospace (radar, EW, secure comms, avionics), medical imaging, industrial automation and machine vision, communications and wireless (including 5G and SDR), HPC/edge-AI, and test and measurement. Named customers are dominated by US defense primes (BAE Systems, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics, L3 Communications, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, Leidos), US government agencies (US Air Force, US Army, US Navy, NASA, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories), and select commercial and research organizations (IBM, Imec). All products are sold direct with no distributor network.
Sundance maintains strategic technology partnerships with AMD/Xilinx (Solution Provider), Microchip (MI-V ecosystem partner), Analog Devices, and Texas Instruments as silicon sources, and is a member of the VITA standards organization. Distribution is direct and global, with technical marketing via the corporate website, LinkedIn, YouTube, and industry events. The company has 11-50 employees and is founder/owner-operated with no disclosed institutional funding, M&A activity, or public listing.
Sundance DSP firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sundance DSP
- Legal name
- Sundance Digital Signal Processing Inc.
- Website
- https://sundancedsp.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Sundance DSP designs and manufactures FPGA-based embedded hardware—SoMs, carrier boards, and FMC/FMC+ modules—for defense, aerospace, medical imaging, industrial automation, and communications customers using AMD/Xilinx and Microchip FPGA platforms with custom BSP and IP cores.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sundance DSP industry classification
Industry- Product category
- FPGA-based Embedded Computing Hardware
- NAICS
- Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (334118), Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (33411), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334290), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)
- SIC
- Computer Peripheral Equipment, Nec (3577), Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Embedded & Compute Modules (SoMs, COM Express/SMARC, industrial SBC modules) (IMAGAJAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Programmable Logic (FPGAs/CPLDs) (HDAHAJAG), Advanced SoCs & Application Processors (HDAHAAAB), RF Transceivers & RFIC SoCs (Cellular/Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth) (HDAHAMAE), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) (HDAHAJAD), Embedded & Industrial Network Interfaces (PCIe/M.2/SOM/SoC NICs) (HDAFAEAI)
Keywords
Where Sundance DSP is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Reno
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Sundance DSP business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Product Sales: Sale of FPGA boards, modules, and systems including SOMs, VPX boards, PCIe/PXIe cards, and FMC mezzanine modules. Products are built-to-order with NCNR terms. Revenue recognized upon delivery with payment typically due on delivery or within 30 days for credit accounts.
- IP Core Licensing: Licensing of proprietary FPGA IP cores including crypto cores (TDES, RSA), interface controllers (JESD204B), and application-specific cores. Software and firmware sources are non-refundable under NCNR terms.
- Software and Firmware Development: Custom software/firmware development services, BSP (Board Support Package) creation, driver development for Linux and Windows, and integration services. Often bundled with hardware purchases but available separately.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Orders |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | IP Core Licenses |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom Development Services |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Sundance DSP product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sundance DSP designs, manufactures, and sells FPGA-based embedded computing hardware, including System-on-Modules (SoMs), PCIe/PXIe/VPX/PCIe104 carrier boards, FMC/FMC+ mezzanine I/O modules (ADC/DAC, software-defined radio, CameraLink), and proprietary FPGA IP cores. Products are built around AMD/Xilinx and Microchip PolarFire FPGAs and are sold built-to-order with custom firmware/software development services primarily to defense, aerospace, government, medical imaging, industrial automation, and communications customers.
Product overview
Sundance DSP is a hardware company specializing in advanced FPGA-based embedded systems for AI, automation, and defense applications. Their portfolio centers on System-on-Module (SoM) products and FPGA carrier boards across multiple form factors (PCIe, VPX, PXIe, PCIe104), complemented by FMC/FMC+ mezzanine modules and FPGA IP cores. Key FPGA platforms include AMD/Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+, Versal AI Edge Gen2, and Microchip PolarFire/PolarFire SoC families. The product architecture follows a modular approach: SoM modules (SoM1-MPF500T, SoM1-SOC with RISC-V, SoM3-MPF300T) are designed to plug into carrier cards (SE201, SE301, SE200, SE215, SE216), which provide PCIe connectivity and expansion via FMC/FMC+ connectors. VPX products (Polar-VPX, SE2000) target defense and aerospace. The company also offers specialized IO modules (FMC-ADC500CD, FMC-SDR400D, FMC-CL), adapters (VPX-to-PCIe, FMC+ to FMC), and IP cores (FC205, NES-IPCORE-TDES). All products are designed and manufactured in the USA.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- FPGA Boards and Modules Comprehensive portfolio of FPGA-based boards and modules in PCIe, VPX, PXIe, COM Express, and Mini PCIe form factors based on AMD/Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+, Versal, Kintex, and Microchip PolarFire FPGAs for high-performance embedded computing.
- System on Module (SoM) Compact System-on-Module products (SoM1-MPF500T, SoM1-SOC with PolarFire SoC and RISC-V, SoM3-MPF300T) with DDR4 memory and high-speed transceivers, designed for drop-in integration into customer systems.
- FMC/FMC+ IO Modules FPGA Mezzanine Card modules including FMC-SDR400D (software-defined radio), FMC-ADC500CD (high-speed ADC/DAC), FMC-CL (CameraLink frame grabber), and FMC+ variants for expanded I/O capabilities.
- Polar-VPX 3U VPX FPGA module, SOSA-aligned, featuring Microchip PolarFire SoC FPGA with 461K logic cells, 20 high-speed transceivers, FMC+ connector, and RISC-V processor subsystem; industrial temperature range.
- Solar Express 2000 (SE2000) 3U SOSA-aligned OpenVPX PIC card based on AMD Versal AI Edge and Prime Gen 2 devices, with 16GB eMMC, optical module with 12 Tx/Rx lanes for 3x100Gb Ethernet, TPM 2.0, and maximum 200W power draw.
- PCIe104-MAX Enhanced PCIe104 form factor board with AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC, 4 Gen 2.0 x1 PCIe interfaces via switch, 2 Gen 4.0 x4 PCIe to PL, FMC expansion, 2 Harting Ix connectors, and dual Ethernet.
- PCIe104Z High-performance embedded computing board with Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC in C1156 package, with variants for XCZU7EV (with VCU), XCZU7EG, XCZU11EG, and XCZU7CG, up to 8GB DDR4 to PS, 4GB DDR4 to PL, and FMC expansion.
- PCIe104Z+ Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC PCIe104 card with FMC+ interface, 18 GTH transceivers at 16.3Gb/s, 80 LVDS IO pairs, eMMC storage, and optional SFP+ interposer card.
- SE120 Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC PCIe card with FMC site, x8 Gen4 PCIe, up to 32GB DDR4 to PS, 4GB DDR4 to PL, SFP+, and video codec on XCZU7EV variant for vision and AR/VR applications.
- SE125 Half-size PCIe card with Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC, QSFP+ for 4x10GbE or 40GbE, 8GB DDR4 to PL, 8GB DDR4 to PS, dual QSPI FLASH, and eMMC storage.
- SE301 Dual PolarFire SOM carrier card for PCIe with 8-lane PCIe and two slots (one for MPF500T-based SoM1, another for MPFS460T-based SoM1-SOC); includes FMC+ connector, SFP+, SATA, USB, and DisplayPort.
- SE201 PCIe carrier card for SOM modules with PCIe x8 Gen2, two SOM-MPF module slots, two FMC HPC connectors, SATA Gen 3, SFP+, dual 100/1000Mbit Ethernet, USB 2.0/3.0.
- SE200 x8 Gen3 PCIe carrier board with two SoM-PF sites for MPF500 and MPF300 FPGAs, FMC HPC, SATA, SFP+, FireFly connectors, USB, and RJ45 Ethernet.
- PXIe800Z PXIe card with AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC and FMC+ interface, QSFP+, Ethernet, DisplayPort, USB, SATA interfaces; supports extra-large FMC modules for custom applications.
- PXIe720 PXIe FPGA card with 8-lane PCIe Gen3 interface and HPC FMC+ connector, based on Xilinx XCKU060 with options for XCKU085 and XCKU115, 8GB DDR4, SFP+ for 10Gb Ethernet, and White Rabbit protocol support.
- PXIe700 End-of-life PXIe FPGA card with Kintex 7 FPGA and HPC FMC, x4 Gen2 PCIe, 10 GTX transceivers at 10.31 Gb/s, 2GB DDR3 memory, SFP+, and White Rabbit synchronization support.
- VNX+ to 3U VPX Adapter Passive interposer/adapter between VNX+ 19mm 400-pin SBCIO PIM and SOSA-aligned OpenVPX Payload Slot (MOD3-PAY-1F1F2U1TU1T1U1T-16.2.15-1); no active components.
- VPX-to-PCIe Adapter Conversion card for 3U OpenVPX boards to PCIe, with PCIe x4 interface, IPMA/IPMB/GPIO headers, USB 3.0/2.0, SATA, JTAG, for SOSA slot profile SLT3-PAY-1F1F2U1TU1T1U1T-14.2.16.
- FMC+ to FMC Adapter Adapter allowing FMC+ modules to connect to FMC carriers, with HSPC VITA 57.4 FMC+ female connector to VITA 57.1 FMC male connector for direct pass-through connectivity.
- FMC-ADC500CD HPC FMC module with 4 channels ADC (1GSPS, 16-bit) and 4 channels DAC (2.8GSPS, 16-bit), using TI ADS54J60 ADCs, TI DAC39J84 DAC, HMC7044 clock generator, and JESD204B interface.
- FMC-SDR400D Software-defined radio FMC module based on AD9361 with LNA on RX and 20dB amplifier on TX, covering 70MHz-6GHz with tunable bandpass filters and FMC LPC connector.
- FMC-CL CameraLink FMC frame grabber supporting quad BASE, MEDIUM, dual FULL and Extended FULL CL configurations, with PoCL support, up to 85MHz data rate, and optional dual SATA for direct disk interface.
- FC205 Multi-port Serial Transceiver FPGA IP core providing up to 16 full-duplex UARTs per module, selectable baud rates up to 8.3Megabaud, with optional RTS/CTS/DTR/DSR signals and hardware flow control, available for Xilinx and Microchip PolarFire devices.
- NES-IPCORE-TDES Certified 64-bit capable Triple-DES crypto core performing Ek3(Dk2(Ek1(I))) encryption and Dk1(Ek2(Dk3(O))) decryption, suitable for embedded systems requiring DES/Triple-DES encryption.
- SoM1-SOC System-on-module using Microchip PolarFire SoC FPGA with 64-bit Linux-capable RISC-V processor (MPFS460T, 461K logic cells, 20 transceivers), 4GB DDR4 MSS, 8GB DDR4 FPGA fabric, USB Type-C, and 16GB eMMC.
- SoM1-MPF500T System on Module with Microchip PolarFire MPF500T FPGA (481K logic elements), 4GB DDR4-1600, 512Mbit SPI Flash, SI5338A clocking, 76x52mm footprint, and up to 24 high-speed transceivers.
- SoM3-MPF300T Compact SoM with PolarFire MPF300T FPGA in FCVG484 package, 4GB DDR4, 40x50mm footprint, low power, security features, instant-on flash-based configuration; compatible with Trenz carriers.
- PC104P PCIe104 Type 2 peripheral board with PolarFire MPF500T FPGA, 8GB DDR4, FMC HPC, SFP+, DisplayPort, SATA, USB JTAG; PCIe x4 Gen2 as endpoint to host.
- EMC²-DP PCIe/104 OneBank carrier for Sundance SOM3 and compatible Trenz SoC modules, with FMC LPC expansion, SEIC add-on board (LEDs, RS232, USB2.0, HDMI, 1Gb Ethernet, SATA); 96x90mm PC/104 form factor.
- SE216 PCIe x1 Gen2 carrier for SoM3 modules, with FMC HPC, USB-JTAG/UART, RJ45 Ethernet, power good and user LEDs; low-cost development platform.
- SE215 Development PCIe carrier for SoM3, with x1 Gen2 PCIe, FMC LPC, DisplayPort, microSD, SFP+, USB, and RJ45; configurable as RootComplex or Endpoint.
- VerSOM1 SOM based on AMD Versal AI Edge Series Gen2 (XC2VE3858), with 2GB DDR5 for PS and 6GB DDR5 for PL/AI Engine, SGET oHFM standard, 95x90mm footprint; targeted at AI inferencing and training.
- Custom FPGA Design and Engineering Services Custom FPGA design, firmware/software development, BSP creation, Linux/Windows driver development, and integration services for tailored FPGA board solutions, often bundled with hardware purchases but available separately.
Quantifiable outcome
- SOSA-aligned OpenVPX solutions for defense interoperability
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Sundance DSP
Customer profileNamed customers16 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Sundance DSP technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration15 records
Feature10 records
Sundance DSP partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.
- VITA OrganizationcoreSundance DSP is a proud member of the VITA organization. Their FMC, FMC+, VNX+, and OpenVPX products are based on VITA specifications, ensuring interoperability and compliance with industry standards for VME-based systems.
- AMD (Xilinx)coreSundance DSP is a Solution Provider partner for AMD/Xilinx, incorporating Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC, Versal AI Edge, and Kintex FPGAs across their product portfolio. Products include PCIe, PXIe, VPX, and SOM solutions based on Xilinx technology.
- Microchip Technology (PolarFire)coreSundance DSP incorporates Microchip PolarFire and PolarFire SoC FPGAs into their SOM modules, VPX boards, and PCIe carrier cards. The MI-V ecosystem partner status enables RISC-V processor subsystem support.
- Analog DevicesstrategicFMC-SDR400D and other RF modules incorporate Analog Devices components including AD9361 transceivers, HMC7044 clock generators, and other signal chain solutions.
- Texas InstrumentsstrategicFMC-ADC500CD and other data acquisition modules incorporate Texas Instruments ADCs (ADS54J60) and DACs (DAC39J84) for high-speed signal conversion.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Sundance DSP competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Abaco Systems (Ametek): Abaco Systems (now part of AMETEK) designs ruggedized FPGA boards, VPX, and XMC/PMC modules for defense, industrial, and commercial applications. Direct peer in FPGA-based embedded computing with overlapping Xilinx-based product lines.
- Mercury Systems: Mercury Systems (which acquired Pentek) is a leading supplier of defense-grade FPGA board-level products, SOSA-aligned OpenVPX cards, and embedded mission computing. Direct competitor to Sundance DSP in defense/aerospace FPGA-based embedded systems.
- Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions: Curtiss-Wright supplies rugged COTS FPGA-based DSP and VPX modules to defense and aerospace primes, including SOSA-aligned boards. Competes head-to-head with Sundance DSP in OpenVPX and FMC-based defense electronics.
- Pentek (now part of Mercury Systems): Pentek, now a Mercury brand, was a pioneer in high-performance FPGA-based data acquisition and SDR boards (including the popular Cobalt and Onyx families with VITA 57 FMC). Highly comparable in product line and customer base.
- Trenz Electronic: Trenz Electronic manufactures compact FPGA SoMs and carrier boards, including PolarFire-based modules. Sundance DSP explicitly lists interoperability with Trenz SoMs and carriers, making them both a partner and a comparable competitor in the FPGA SoM market.
- Enclustra: Enclustra designs FPGA SoMs and carrier boards for AMD/Xilinx and Intel FPGAs serving industrial, medical, and test/measurement customers. Comparable modular SoM-plus-carrier business model and similar target verticals (medical imaging, industrial automation).
Broad incumbents
- AMD (Xilinx): AMD (which acquired Xilinx) is the primary silicon supplier for Sundance DSP's Zynq UltraScale+, Versal, and Kintex-based products. AMD/Xilinx's own Zynq-based evaluation kits and ecosystem solutions are an adjacent competitive option for some customers.
- National Instruments (NI): NI's PXI platform and FlexRIO FPGA modules overlap with Sundance DSP's PXIe product line (PXIe720, PXIe800Z). NI is a much larger incumbent with broader software ecosystem (LabVIEW) and global distribution.
- Microchip Technology: Microchip is the silicon supplier for Sundance DSP's PolarFire and PolarFire SoC product lines and also sells its own PolarFire development kits and SoMs. Comparable as both supplier and adjacent hardware provider.
Emerging players
- Digilent: Digilent (a National Instruments company) makes FPGA development boards and SoMs (e.g., Genesys ZU, ZMOD) including Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC-based PCIe104 and Pmod peripherals. Lower-volume educational/embedded overlap with Sundance's SoM and PCIe104 offerings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Sundance DSP social profiles
Digital presenceSundance DSP financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sundance DSP leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Sundance DSP funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sundance DSP 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 Sundance DSP
What does Sundance DSP do?
Sundance DSP designs, manufactures, and sells FPGA-based embedded computing hardware, including System-on-Modules (SoMs), PCIe/PXIe/VPX/PCIe104 carrier boards, FMC/FMC+ mezzanine I/O modules (ADC/DAC, software-defined radio, CameraLink), and proprietary FPGA IP cores. Products are built around AMD/Xilinx and Microchip PolarFire FPGAs and are sold built-to-order with custom firmware/software development services primarily to defense, aerospace, government, medical imaging, industrial automation, and communications customers.
Is Sundance DSP a public or private company?
Sundance DSP is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Sundance DSP founded?
Sundance DSP was founded in 1999. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Sundance DSP based?
Sundance DSP is headquartered in Reno, United States, in the North America region.
How does Sundance DSP make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are IP Core Licensing and software and Firmware Development.
Who are Sundance DSP's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Abaco Systems (Ametek), Mercury Systems, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions, Pentek (now part of Mercury Systems), Trenz Electronic and Enclustra. Broad incumbents are AMD (Xilinx), National Instruments (NI) and Microchip Technology. Digilent is listed as an emerging player.
Does Sundance DSP have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sundance DSP.
What industry is Sundance DSP in?
Sundance DSP's product category is FPGA-based Embedded Computing Hardware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAJAK, Embedded & Compute Modules (SoMs, COM Express/SMARC, industrial SBC modules), with a secondary code of HDAHAJAG, Programmable Logic (FPGAs/CPLDs). Its NAICS code is 334118 and its SIC code is 3577.