Modem-RF system enhances 5G performance says Qualcomm
Boasting many first, the Snapdragon X60 5G Modem-RF system has been introduced by Qualcomm. It is claimed to be the first with a 5nm 5G baseband and first to aggregate 5G mmWave and sub-6 bands, to provide “unprecedented spectrum flexibility”.
This is the third-generation 5G modem-to-antenna solution. The Snapdragon X60 also supports spectrum aggregation across all key 5G bands and combinations, including mmWave and sub-6 using frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). The 5G modem-to-antenna device is designed to enhance the performance and capacity for operators worldwide while increasing average 5G speeds in mobile devices, says Qualcomm. Snapdragon X60 is engineered to accelerate network transition to 5G standalone mode through support for any key spectrum band, mode or combination, along with 5G voice-over-new radio (VoNR) capabilities.
The Snapdragon X60 also features the new Qualcomm QTM535 mmWave antenna module. This is the company’s third-generation 5G mmWave module for mobile, and features a more compact design than the previous generation for thinner, sleeker smartphones.
Mobile operators and OEMs are introducing 5G services and mobile devices globally, prompting Cristiano Amon, president of Qualcomm, to observe: “As 5G standalone networks are introduced in 2020, our third-generation 5G modem-RF platform brings extensive spectrum aggregation capabilities and options to fuel the rapid expansion of 5G rollouts while enhancing coverage, power efficiency and performance for mobile devices”.
Snapdragon X60 allows for fibre-like internet speeds and low latency, delivered wirelessly over 5G, which will help unlock the next generation of connected applications and experiences, from highly responsive multi-player gaming and immersive 360-degree video to connected cloud computing with power efficiency sufficient for all-day battery life in some cases, depending on the device and useage.
The Snapdragon X60’s support for mmWave-sub6 aggregation allows operators to maximise spectrum resources to combine capacity and coverage. Additionally, the Snapdragon X60 contains the world’s first 5G FDD-TDD sub-6 carrier aggregation solution. It also has dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS), allowing operators a wide range of deployment options, including the ability to repurpose LTE spectrum for 5G. This allows operators to effectively deliver higher average network speeds and accelerate 5G expansion, adds Qualcomm.
The 5G modem-to-antenna device can deliver up to 7.5Gbits per second download speeds and 3Gbits per second upload speeds. The aggregation of sub-6 GHz spectrum in standalone mode allows peak data rates to double in 5G standalone mode compared to those with no carrier aggregation support, Qualcomm reports. VoNR support in Snapdragon X60 will be an important step in the global mobile industry’s transition from non-standalone to standalone mode, because it will allow mobile operators to provide high-quality voice services on 5G NR.
Qualcomm Technologies is scheduled to ship samples of Snapdragon X60 and QTM535 in the first quarter of 2020, with commercial premium smartphones using the new Modem-RF System expected in early 2021.
