New Wave Design

What New Wave Design does

New Wave Design and Verification, LLC is a Minnesota-based, founder/management-owned private LLC that designs and manufactures rugged FPGA and Adaptive SoC-based embedded computing modules for military and aerospace applications. The company's product portfolio spans 3U VPX modules, XMC/PMC mezzanine cards, PXIe and PCIe cards, system-on-modules, FPGA IP cores for high-speed protocols (Ethernet, Fibre Channel, Mil1394/AS5643, ARINC 818, sFPDP, Serial RapidIO, HOTLink II, HSDB), and standalone test appliances, built primarily around AMD (Xilinx) Versal and UltraScale silicon with NVIDIA/Mellanox ConnectX NICs and Intel/Altera and Microchip FPGA support. New Wave is recognized as the only US-based vendor of standard form-factor Mil1394 (1394b-AS5643) boards, IP, and test equipment, following its 2020 acquisition of FlightWire Technology, and it holds platform-specific IP compatibility modes for F-35, F-22, F-18, and F-15 programs.

The company sells to US and allied-nation defense and aerospace primes and government programs (including US Air Force fighter and airborne mission computer platforms) through a US field sales team and a manufacturer's representative network, with international inquiry handling for allied markets. Revenue is generated through three streams: hardware product sales (VPX, XMC, PXIe, PCIe, SOMs), FPGA IP core licensing, and engineering services offered via COTS, Turnkey, and Staff Augmentation engagement models. Products are MOSA-compliant and aligned with SOSA, CMOSS, FACE, VICTORY, MORA, and GVA open architecture standards, and the company holds ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications valid through June 2027.

New Wave operates from Eden Prairie, Minnesota with 51-100 employees and is led by President & CEO Marti Nyman (appointed February 2023) alongside co-founder and Chairman Josh Dirlam. The company is a member of the SOSA Consortium, VITA, SAE International, AFCEA, and the Minnesota National Security Ecosystem, and holds Premier Partner status in the National Instruments Alliance Partner Program. Recent strategic activity centers on Versal Premium-based 3U VPX product launches through 2024-2026, executive team expansion across sales, operations, and people functions, and the addition of Ike Song to its Advisory Committee as part of a strategic brand evolution.

Name

New Wave Design

Legal name

New Wave Design and Verification, LLC

Website

https://newwavedesign.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

New Wave Design and Verification, LLC is a Minnesota-based, founder-owned private company that designs rugged FPGA and Adaptive SoC embedded computing modules, IP cores, and test appliances for US and allied military and aerospace programs, including F-35, F-22, F-18, and airborne mission computer platforms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Military and Aerospace Embedded Computing Hardware

NAICS

Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (33411), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429), Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (334118)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Computer Peripheral Equipment, Nec (3577), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Programmable Logic (FPGAs/CPLDs) (HDAHAJAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

System-on-Chip (SoC) Platforms (Mobile/Consumer/Embedded) (HDAHAJAC), Network Hardware Components (ASICs/NICs/Transceivers) (HDABAFAN), Serial/Fieldbus-to-Ethernet Device Connectivity (Device Servers/Protocol Gateways) (HDAFAJAF)

Keywords

• FPGA embedded computing
• Military aerospace hardware
• Rugged processor modules
• High-speed protocol IP
• VPX XMC cards

Headquarters

HQ city

Eden Prairie

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware Product Sales: Sale of rugged FPGA-based processor cards and modules including VPX, XMC/PMC, SOMs, PXIe, and PCIe form factors designed for military and aerospace applications. Products feature advanced semiconductor technology from AMD, NVIDIA, Intel, and Microchip
2. IP Core Licensing: Licensing of pre-designed FPGA IP cores for high-speed serial protocols including Ethernet, Fibre Channel, Mil1394, ARINC 818, sFPDP, and Serial RapidIO enabling accelerated FPGA development
3. Engineering Services: Custom hardware design services, FPGA/ASIC design, printed circuit board design, high-speed interface development, LabVIEW development, software driver development, and systems architecture services. Offered through COTS, Turnkey, and Staff Augmentation engagement models
4. Accessories: Sale of complementary accessories including 1394b SFP transceivers (copper and fiber optic), signal integrity test fixtures, cable couplers, connector adapters and gender changers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

New Wave Design manufactures rugged FPGA and Adaptive SoC-based embedded computing modules — including VPX, XMC/PMC, SOM, PXIe, and PCIe form-factor cards — alongside licensable FPGA IP cores for high-speed protocols (Ethernet, Fibre Channel, Mil1394, ARINC 818, sFPDP, Serial RapidIO). The company supplies custom hardware design, FPGA/ASIC, PCB, and systems architecture engineering services to military, aerospace, and defense programs.

Product overview

New Wave Design (also known as New Wave Design and Verification, LLC) is a hardware technology company specializing in high-performance FPGA and Adaptive SoC-based embedded computing solutions for military, aerospace, and defense applications. The product portfolio consists of multiple form-factor modules and cards built around AMD Versal, Xilinx, Intel, and Microchip FPGA/SoC technologies, complemented by IP cores for high-speed protocols and test appliances. The core product families include: VPX Modules (V606x and V115x series) providing 3U VPX form factor cards with optical/electrical I/O for radar, SIGINT, and EW applications; XMC/PMC Cards (V116x and V115x series) offering mezzanine-format interface cards with Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and Mil1394 connectivity; SOMs (V3211) for compact rugged edge computing; PXIe Modules for test and measurement; PCIe Cards for desktop/server deployment; Appliances including the 32-Port Fibre Channel Switch, iRepeater and iVeriPHY handheld test modules, and repeater hubs; IP Cores covering sFPDP, Mil1394 (OHCI, GP2Lynx, AS5643), Fibre Channel (ULP, LL, ASM), Ethernet RTPS, ARINC 818 (Streaming, DMA), HOTLink II, HSDB, and 1394b PHY protocols; and Accessories including copper/fiber optic SFPs and test fixtures. The company operates from Eden Prairie, Minnesota and holds ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 3U VPX Embedded Computing Modules Rugged 3U VPX modules built on AMD Versal and Kintex UltraScale FPGAs/Adaptive SoCs for high-bandwidth heterogeneous embedded computing in military and aerospace platforms. Supports optical and electrical high-speed I/O with Ethernet offload options. Designed for SOSA-aligned sensor processing systems.
• XMC and PMC Mezzanine Cards Compact rugged XMC and PMC cards delivering high-bandwidth networking and FPGA co-processing capabilities, including the V116x Versal ASoC series, V115x multi-port Ethernet/Fibre Channel series, and V114x 1394b-AS5643 Mil1394 cards for mission-critical applications.
• V3211 Versal Gen 2 QMC SOM Next-generation double-width QMC System on Module featuring AMD Versal AI Edge or Prime Gen 2 Adaptive SoC, delivering heterogeneous embedded computing for rugged aerospace and defense edge computing applications.
• PXIe Test and Measurement Modules PXIe form-factor modules for aerospace and defense test and measurement applications, including rugged Ethernet, 1394b-AS5643, and NI-branded protocol test solutions (Ethernet, Serial RapidIO, ARINC 818) with error injection and link quality monitoring.
• PCIe FPGA Cards PCI Express FPGA cards for desktop and server deployment, including high-density 1394b AS5643 cards and 100G Ethernet Adaptive SoC cards for aerospace application development and test stand purposes.
• Embedded Computing Appliances and Test Modules Standalone appliances and handheld test modules for Mil1394 and Fibre Channel applications, including the 32-Port FPGA-based Fibre Channel Switch, iRepeater and iVeriPHY handheld test modules, bus monitoring test sets, and Mil1394 repeater hubs for diagnostic and switching applications.
• FPGA IP Cores for High-Speed Protocols Pre-designed licensable FPGA IP cores for high-speed serial protocols including sFPDP, Mil1394 (OHCI, GP2Lynx, AS5643), Fibre Channel (Upper Layer Protocol, Link Layer, Anonymous Subscriber Messaging), Ethernet RTPS, ARINC 818 (Streaming, DMA), HOTLink II, HSDB, and 1394b PHY. Includes F-22 and F-35 compatible interface implementations.
• 1394b Connectivity Accessories Complementary accessories for Mil1394 and IEEE-1394b connectivity, including copper and fiber optic SFP transceivers, signal integrity test fixtures, cable couplers, connector adapters, and gender changers.
• Custom Hardware Design Engineering Services Custom engineering services covering board design (architecture, schematic capture, PCB layout, test), FPGA and ASIC development (VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog), high-speed interface development, LabVIEW development, software driver development, and systems architecture. Offered through COTS, Turnkey, and Staff Augmentation engagement models.

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• AMD (Xilinx)coreTechnology or IntegrationAMD is the inventor of the FPGA and Adaptive SoC technology. New Wave Design utilizes AMD Versal Adaptive SoCs, Kintex UltraScale, Virtex UltraScale+, and related FPGA technologies across their VPX, XMC, SOM, and PCIe product lines. AMD provides the core programmable silicon technology enabling New Wave's mission-critical embedded computing solutions.
• NVIDIA/MellanoxcoreTechnology or IntegrationNVIDIA/Mellanox ConnectX network interface devices (ConnectX-5 and ConnectX-7) are integrated into New Wave Design products to provide high-performance Ethernet offload and network interface capabilities. Featured in V6061, V6062, V1161, and V1162 products.
• National Instruments (NI)coreTechnology or IntegrationNI is an industry pioneer of software-connected automated test and measurement systems. New Wave Design is a Premier Partner in the NI Alliance Partner Program, offering LabVIEW FPGA development within the NI ecosystem and PXIe form factor products. Products include NI PXIe-7902 Ethernet Test Solution, NI PXIe-6593 Serial RapidIO Protocol Test Solution, and NI PXIe-6592 ARINC 818 Test Solution.
• Intel/AlterasupportingTechnology or IntegrationIntel provides FPGA technologies including Altera FPGA families that New Wave Design supports in their product offerings for customers requiring Intel-based solutions.
• Microchip/MicrosemisupportingTechnology or IntegrationMicrochip's SmartFusion FPGA and SoC FPGA families are supported by New Wave Design products, providing customers with additional FPGA technology options for low power and security-critical applications.
• SamtecsupportingTechnology or IntegrationSamtec is a global manufacturer of electronic interconnect solutions including High-Speed Board-to-Board, High-Speed Cables, Mid-Board and Panel Optics, and Precision RF components. Samtec provides the interconnect technology used in New Wave Design's high-speed embedded computing products.
• SOSA ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Wave Design is a proud member of the SOSA (Sensor Open Systems Architecture) Consortium. SOSA establishes a common framework for sensor processing ensuring military platforms can integrate new technologies without major redesigns. New Wave's SOSA-aligned 3U VPX and XMC products support this standard.
• Minnesota National Security Ecosystem (MN-NS-ECO)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMN-NS-ECO is a 501(c)(6) organization supporting innovation in Minnesota's national security technology sector. New Wave Design participates as a member supporting collaborative networks and talent development in the regional defense electronics ecosystem.
• AFCEAsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFCEA is an international organization serving military, government, industry, and academic communities. New Wave Design holds membership supporting professional development and industry networking in defense communications and IT.
• SAE InternationalsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAE International is a global association advancing mobility engineering. New Wave Design holds membership supporting standards development and professional engagement in aerospace and defense electronics.
• VITAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVITA is the trade association for the VMEbus International Trade Association establishing open architecture standards. New Wave Design's VPX, XMC, and SOM products comply with VITA standards including VITA 17.1, VITA 20, VITA 47, and VITA 66.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• AMD (Xilinx): Silicon supplier that defines the programmable logic category New Wave competes within. While not a direct competitor at the board level, AMD/Xilinx provides reference designs and evaluation kits that could enable primes to internalize some of New Wave's value-add over time.
• National Instruments (NI / Emerson): Test and measurement giant (now part of Emerson) with whom New Wave holds a Premier Partner relationship. NI competes indirectly via PXIe-based test platforms, and New Wave's NI PXIe-7902/6593/6592 test solutions integrate into NI's ecosystem—making them both partner and adjacent competitor in the protocol test market.

Direct peers

• Pentek (now part of Mercury Systems): Designer of rugged FPGA-based board-level products for defense and commercial applications, now operating within Mercury Systems. Direct comparable in XMC, VPX, and PCIe form factor FPGA cards targeting radar, EW, and signals intelligence.
• Kontron: Global provider of embedded computing modules, boards, and systems including rugged COM, VPX, and VME products for defense and aerospace. Overlaps with New Wave in SOSA-aligned module families and serves the same defense prime ecosystem.
• BittWare (Molex): Produces FPGA-based board-level products primarily for high-performance computing and signal processing. Direct comparable in XMC, VPX, and PCIe FPGA cards, with overlapping AMD/Xilinx silicon partnerships serving defense, medical imaging, and test & measurement markets.
• Aitech: Supplier of rugged embedded computing solutions for military, aerospace, and space applications. Comparable product portfolio of VPX, XMC, and SOSA-aligned modules serving similar defense prime and platform integrator customers.
• Abaco Systems (AMETEK): Acquired by AMETEK in 2021, Abaco designs rugged embedded computing boards and systems for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. Direct competitor in 3U VPX and XMC FPGA-based modules, with a comparable focus on SOSA-aligned open architectures and high-speed serial interfaces.
• Mercury Systems: US defense electronics provider specializing in mission-critical processing subsystems including FPGA-based RF, EW, and SIGINT solutions. Closely comparable in product form factors (VPX, XMC, OpenVPX) and target applications, with broader commercial scale following the Pentek acquisition that brought in direct FPGA board-level overlap.
• Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions: A major US defense electronics prime offering rugged VPX, VME, and SOSA-aligned embedded computing modules for aerospace and defense applications. Competes directly with New Wave in 3U VPX, XMC, and high-speed serial interface products for radar, SIGINT, and EW programs, but at significantly greater scale and broader portfolio.

Emerging players

• Alpha Data Parallel Systems: Designs and manufactures FPGA-based VPX and XMC products for defense, aerospace, and high-performance computing applications. Smaller-scale direct peer with comparable Xilinx/AMD-based product offerings, often competing on similar platform refresh opportunities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/newwavedesign
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/new-wave-design

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about New Wave Design