Nordic Semiconductor
Norwegian fabless semiconductor company developing ultra-low-power wireless connectivity hardware and software for IoT devices.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
Nordic Semiconductor ASA is a Norwegian fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Trondheim. Established in 1983 as Nordic VLSI by four graduates of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, the company initially designed mixed-signal application-specific integrated circuits for customers in the Nordic region. It later concentrated on low-power wireless communication and changed its name to Nordic Semiconductor in 2003. The company develops system-on-chip products, system-in-package modules, radio front ends, power-management integrated circuits, development tools and cloud services. Its best-known products are the nRF family of wireless semiconductors. These products combine microcontrollers with radios and supporting security or peripheral functions, allowing manufacturers to build compact, battery-powered products without assembling as many separate components. Nordic’s portfolio covers Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth Mesh, Thread, Zigbee, Matter-related connectivity, proprietary 2.4 GHz protocols, Wi-Fi, cellular IoT through LTE-M and NB-IoT, and newer technologies including DECT NR+. Nordic’s components are used in consumer, industrial and commercial products. Examples include wireless headphones and other LE Audio devices, keyboards, mice, game controllers, mobile accessories, sports equipment, healthcare devices, navigation products, toys, security products and remote controls. Industrial and commercial applications include asset tracking, smart metering, building automation, environmental sensing and connected medical equipment. The company’s value proposition is based on low energy consumption, integrated processing and radio functionality, software support, developer tools, and long battery life in constrained devices. The nRF51 series, introduced in 2012, brought ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers into Nordic’s short-range wireless SoCs. The nRF52 generation followed in 2015 with a Cortex-M4 architecture and became widely adopted in Bluetooth LE products. Nordic expanded beyond short-range radio with the nRF91 cellular IoT family, introduced in 2018 and centered initially on the nRF9160 system-in-package for LTE-M and NB-IoT. The nRF53 family, announced in 2019 and represented by the nRF5340, added dual-core processing for applications that need greater separation between application workloads and wireless connectivity. The company subsequently broadened its platform with the nRF70 Wi-Fi companion series, nPM power-management products, nRF21540 range-extender hardware, and the nRF54 fourth-generation Bluetooth LE platform. Its software ecosystem includes the nRF Connect SDK, which incorporates the Zephyr real-time operating system, and nRF Cloud services for device management, location services and firmware-over-the-air updates. Nordic has been listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange since 1996 and operates internationally through research, development, sales and technical-support offices in Europe, North America and Asia. After more than two decades under chief executive Svenn-Tore Larsen, the company announced in late 2023 that Vegard Wollan would become CEO. Nordic remains focused on low-power wireless connectivity, embedded processing and the broader Internet of Things market.
History
Nordic Semiconductor began in Trondheim in 1983 under the name Nordic VLSI, or NVLSI. Its founders were four postgraduates from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The original business focused on mixed-signal ASIC design, serving customers primarily in the Nordic market rather than operating as a wireless-connectivity specialist. The company entered wireless products in 1998 with devices operating in the 433 MHz industrial, scientific and medical band. It went public on the Norwegian stock exchange in 1996 and has remained listed in Oslo. Nordic also received ISO 9001 certification from Det Norske Veritas in 1996, with the certificate later upgraded to ISO 9001:2000 in 2001. In 2003, NVLSI adopted the Nordic Semiconductor name to reflect a strategic shift toward low-power wireless products. That year it introduced its first 2.4 GHz wireless devices. The company subsequently built a strong position in short-range connectivity, especially through proprietary 2.4 GHz solutions and later Bluetooth Low Energy. Earlier products such as the nRF24L01+ transceiver and nRF24LE1 integrated wireless and microcontroller capabilities for embedded applications using Nordic’s Enhanced ShockBurst protocol. The nRF51 family, released in 2012, represented a major architectural step by integrating ARM Cortex-M processing with low-power wireless functionality. In 2015 Nordic introduced the nRF52 family, based on the ARM Cortex-M4 and designed for more capable Bluetooth LE and multi-protocol applications. Products such as the nRF52833 and nRF52840 became widely used in peripherals, input devices, audio products and other consumer electronics. Nordic formally joined the United Nations Global Compact in 2016. In 2018 the company broadened its addressable market with the nRF91 series. The nRF9160 system-in-package provided LTE-M and NB-IoT connectivity, allowing Nordic components to connect devices through cellular networks rather than only through local or personal-area wireless links. In 2019 Nordic announced the nRF53 family, including the nRF5340 dual-core SoC. Its two Cortex-M33 processors allowed application processing and connectivity workloads to be handled separately. The family supported Bluetooth LE and other protocols, including Thread, Zigbee and NFC-related functions. This development strengthened Nordic’s position as a platform supplier combining silicon, embedded software and development tools. The company continued to expand its ecosystem. The nRF Connect SDK integrated the Zephyr RTOS and provided a common development environment for Nordic wireless products. nRF Cloud added cloud-based device services, location functions and firmware-over-the-air capabilities. Nordic also introduced power-management products under the nPM name and radio front-end products such as the nRF21540 to improve battery operation and wireless range. In 2022 Nordic unveiled the nRF70 Series, a low-power Wi-Fi companion platform designed to add Wi-Fi capability to Nordic host products and, in some configurations, non-Nordic systems. In 2023 it announced the nRF54 family, including the nRF54L Series and more highly integrated products intended to improve processing capability, security, radio performance and energy efficiency. The same year the company announced an agreement to acquire Atlazo’s artificial-intelligence and machine-learning intellectual property. A leadership transition was announced in December 2023. Svenn-Tore Larsen, who had led the company for 22 years, was to step down as CEO, with Vegard Wollan named as successor. Nordic’s current business spans silicon, embedded software, cloud services and developer support for consumer, industrial, medical, automotive-adjacent and commercial IoT applications. Its central strategic theme remains dependable wireless connectivity with very low power consumption.
- 2024
Vegard Wollan becomes CEO
[1]Vegard Wollan succeeds Svenn-Tore Larsen as chief executive following a leadership transition announced in late 2023.
- 2023
Atlazo intellectual-property agreement
[1]Nordic agrees to acquire the intellectual-property portfolio of Atlazo, an AI and machine-learning company.
- 2023
nRF54 platform introduced
[1]Nordic announces the nRF54 family and its nRF54L Series for next-generation Bluetooth LE systems-on-chip.
- 2022
nRF70 Wi-Fi series announced
[1]The company enters low-power Wi-Fi connectivity with a companion-chip family.
- 2019
nRF53 family announced
[1]Nordic introduces a dual-core wireless SoC platform based on ARM Cortex-M33 processors.
- 2018
Cellular IoT expansion
[1]Nordic introduces the nRF91 family for LTE-M and NB-IoT applications.
- 2016
UN Global Compact membership
[1]Nordic Semiconductor signs the United Nations Global Compact.
- 2015
nRF52 generation launches
[1]The nRF52 Series brings ARM Cortex-M4-based short-range wireless SoCs to the company’s portfolio.
- 2012
nRF51 generation launches
[1]Nordic introduces the nRF51 family, integrating ARM Cortex-M processing with low-power wireless connectivity.
- 2003
Name change and 2.4 GHz focus
[1]NVLSI becomes Nordic Semiconductor and launches its first 2.4 GHz wireless devices.
Products and positioning
A developer-oriented supplier of ultra-low-power wireless connectivity platforms for battery-powered and energy-constrained IoT products.
2.4 GHz proprietary wireless
nRF24 Series
The nRF24 family includes low-cost 2.4 GHz wireless devices using Nordic’s Enhanced ShockBurst protocol. The nRF24L01+ is a transceiver controlled by an external microcontroller, while the nRF24LE1 combines radio and microcontroller functions in one device. The family helped establish Nordic’s early presence in embedded short-range wireless applications such as peripherals, remote controls and simple sensor products.
Bluetooth LE and multi-protocol SoCs · 2012
nRF51 Series
Introduced in 2012, the nRF51 family was Nordic’s first short-range wireless SoC generation built around ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers. It combined processing, radio and embedded peripherals in a low-power platform for Bluetooth LE and related applications. The family was later superseded by the more capable nRF52 generation.
Bluetooth LE and multi-protocol SoCs · 2015
nRF52 Series
The nRF52 family uses ARM Cortex-M4-based processing and supports Bluetooth LE, Bluetooth Mesh, ANT, proprietary 2.4 GHz protocols and other wireless functions. Devices such as the nRF52833 and nRF52840 are designed for battery-powered consumer and industrial products, including keyboards, mice, audio equipment, wearables and sensors.
dual-core multi-protocol SoCs · 2019
nRF53 Series
The nRF53 family provides dual-core ARM Cortex-M33 processing, allowing one core to handle wireless connectivity while the other runs application software. The architecture supports Bluetooth LE and several additional protocols, including Thread, Zigbee and NFC-related functions. It is intended for products requiring more processing capacity and stronger separation between connectivity and application workloads.
fourth-generation Bluetooth LE SoCs · 2023
nRF54 Series
The nRF54 platform is Nordic’s fourth-generation Bluetooth Low Energy SoC family. It emphasizes higher integration, low-power radio operation, security features, processing performance and support for multiple protocols. Products in the family use combinations of ARM Cortex-M and RISC-V processing resources and are designed to reduce external component count in advanced IoT devices.
cellular IoT SiPs · 2018
nRF91 Series
The nRF91 family extends Nordic’s portfolio to cellular connectivity. Its system-in-package products, including the nRF9160, support LTE-M and NB-IoT for asset tracking, metering, logistics, health, security and other devices that need wide-area connectivity with relatively low energy consumption.
low-power Wi-Fi companion ICs · 2022
nRF70 Series
The nRF70 family adds low-power Wi-Fi connectivity to Nordic-based products and can also be paired with compatible non-Nordic host devices. The nRF7002 is a companion device rather than a complete standalone Nordic wireless platform, and is intended for applications such as smart-home equipment, sensors, appliances and connected audio products.
power-management ICs
nPM Series
Nordic’s nPM products integrate power-management and battery-related functions to reduce board size and improve energy efficiency. Depending on the device, the platform can support power regulation, battery charging and measurements of current, voltage and temperature for more accurate state-of-charge estimation.
RF front-end module
nRF21540
The nRF21540 is a 2.4 GHz RF front-end module designed to improve transmit power, receiver sensitivity and wireless link robustness. It can be paired with Nordic wireless SoCs to extend communication range in products such as smart-home devices, industrial sensors and asset-tracking equipment.
embedded development software
nRF Connect SDK
nRF Connect SDK is Nordic’s principal software development environment for its wireless devices. It incorporates the Zephyr RTOS and provides libraries, protocol support, examples, tools and device-management capabilities intended to help developers build and maintain connected products across Nordic’s short-range, cellular and Wi-Fi platforms.
IoT cloud services
nRF Cloud
nRF Cloud provides cloud services for products using Nordic wireless devices. Its functions include device connectivity, location services, monitoring and firmware-over-the-air updates, giving developers infrastructure for managing connected products after deployment.
Brand decisions
2023
Agreement to acquire Atlazo intellectual propertyM&ABackground
Nordic sought to broaden its technology capabilities in embedded artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Action taken
Nordic announced an agreement to acquire the intellectual-property portfolio of Atlazo.
2023
CEO successionOtherBackground
Svenn-Tore Larsen had led Nordic Semiconductor for 22 years.
Action taken
The company announced that Vegard Wollan would succeed Larsen as chief executive.
Aftermath
The transition marked a change in executive leadership while retaining the company’s focus on low-power wireless and IoT platforms.
2018
Expansion into cellular IoTProduct launchBackground
Nordic’s earlier portfolio was centered mainly on short-range wireless technologies.
Action taken
The company introduced the nRF91 series, including the nRF9160 system-in-package, with LTE-M and NB-IoT support.
Aftermath
Nordic expanded from local wireless connectivity into wide-area cellular IoT applications such as tracking, metering and remote monitoring.
2003
Rebrand around low-power wirelessStrategyBackground
The former Nordic VLSI business had evolved from regional mixed-signal ASIC design toward wireless semiconductor products.
Action taken
The company adopted the Nordic Semiconductor name and concentrated its identity on low-power wireless devices, particularly products operating in the 2.4 GHz band.
Aftermath
The repositioning established the brand’s long-term association with Bluetooth LE, proprietary 2.4 GHz connectivity and IoT semiconductors.
Recent events
Nordic launches micro:bit classroom kit program[3]
Reported:
Nordic Semiconductor launched a program to provide BBC micro:bit club kits to classrooms worldwide and help publicize schools’ learning projects.
Avnet launches AVT9152 cellular module[4]
Reported:
Avnet launched the AVT9152 cellular module for IoT development, offering NB-IoT/LTE-M, GPS and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity. The module is designed for embedded applications requiring cellular connectivity, low power consumption and minimal component size.
Nordic Semiconductor acquired Imagination Technologies’ Ensigma Wi-Fi team and IP assets[5]
Reported:
Nordic Semiconductor announced that it had acquired Imagination Technologies’ Ensigma Wi-Fi development team and related Ensigma Wi-Fi IP assets, expanding its wireless technology expertise into Wi-Fi.
RS Components, Nordic Semiconductor and Cadent launch global design challenge[6]
Reported:
RS Components, Nordic Semiconductor and Cadent joined forces to launch the global ‘Connect the Community’ competition, inviting ideas for technology to help people in isolation.
Qorvo and Nordic Semiconductor partner on cellular IoT solutions[7]
Reported:
Qorvo partnered with Nordic Semiconductor to develop cellular IoT solutions using Qorvo's RF front-end modules.
Nordic Semiconductor announced the nRF5340 SoC[8]
Nordic Semiconductor announced the nRF5340 multiprotocol system-on-chip, describing it as the first member of its next generation of nRF5 Series SoCs. The source also says the nRF5340 PDK is available through Nordic's distribution network.
Sources10 sources
- 1Nordic Semiconductoren.wikipedia.org
- 2Nordic Semiconductor official websitenordicsemi.com
- 3Nordic推出 micro:bit 课堂套件计划finance.sina.com.cn
- 4安富利推出 AVT9152 蜂窝模块eejournal.com
- 5Nordic Semiconductor收购Imagination Technologies的Ensigma Wi-Fi团队及IP资产finance.sina.com.cn
- 6RS Components、Nordic Semiconductor与Cadent推出全球设计挑战赛eejournal.com
- 7Qorvo与Nordic Semiconductor合作开发蜂窝物联网解决方案lightreading.com
- 8Nordic Semiconductor宣布推出nRF5340 SoCdesign-reuse.com
- 9Nordic Semiconductor Introduces nRF71 Chips With Lower Standby Power | EconoTimeseconotimes.com
- 10Nordic Semiconductor unveils world’s first dual Arm Cortex-M33 processor wireless SoCeejournal.com
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