Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon X65, the world's first 10 Gigabit 5G modem.
The Snapdragon X65, which Qualcomm boasts delivers speeds 100x faster than early LTE, uses a fourth-generation mmWave antenna module. When paired with the X65 Modem-RF System, this facilitates support for all global mmWave frequencies, including the new n259 (41GHz) band, while also maintaining the same tiny footprint as Qualcomm’s previous-generation 5G modems.
The modem is based on an upgradable architecture, which allows for new features to be commercialised rapidly via software upgrades and for 5G to be expanded to more application segments, including mobile broadband, fixed wireless access, industrial IoT, and 5G private networks.
The 4nm chip also boasts the world’s first AI antenna tuning technology, which makes the detection of hand grips 30% more successful than the previous generation, as well as next-generation power-tracking and power-saving technologies. Qualcomm Smart Transmit 2.0, which takes advantage of modem-to-antenna system awareness to enhance upload data speeds and coverage for both mmWave and Sub-6GHz bands, is also included.
Qualcomm also unveiled the Snapdragon X42, a more affordable 5G modem aimed at expanding 5G to more segments.
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According to Qualcomm’s 4G/5G senior vice president and general manager, Durga Malladi, the new Snapdragon X65 “brings together all the key 5G breakthroughs expected from the world’s leading wireless innovator”.
“Our fourth-generation 5G modem-RF system is designed for 5G launches globally and brings major innovations from modem to antenna along with extensive spectrum aggregation capabilities across sub-6 GHz and mmWave. This will fuel the rapid expansion of 5G while enhancing coverage, power efficiency and performance for users. And with extended range, high-power capabilities, Snapdragon X65 and X62 are also at the heart of the expansion of 5G into fixed wireless access and cloud-connected computing opportunities.”
Qualcomm’s president and CEO-elect Cristiano Amon said that “the 5G transition presents the biggest opportunity for Qualcomm as mobile technology is poised to benefit virtually every industry”.
“We are reaching a significant milestone with the Snapdragon X65 5G Modem - RF System, unleashing connectivity up to 10 Gigabits per second and support for the latest 5G specifications that will play a critical role in enabling new 5G use cases not only for redefined premium smartphone experiences, but also opening a new realm of possibilities for 5G expansion across mobile broadband, compute, XR, industrial IoT, 5G private networks and fixed wireless access,” he added.
Commercial devices based on the Snapdragon X65 and Snapdragon X62 are expected to launch later this year, with Qualcomm currently sampling the modems to its customers.
