Qualcomm Announces World’s First 10 Gigabit 5G Modem-RF System

What’s New:  Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. today announced the Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System, its fourth-generation 5G modem-to-antenna solution. It is the world’s first 10 Gigabit 5G and the first 3GPP release 16 modem-RF system, which is currently sampling to OEMs and targeting commercial device launches in 2021. Snapdragon X65 is the Company’s biggest leap in 5G solutions since the commercialization of its first modem-RF system. It is designed to support the fastest 5G speeds currently available with fiber-like wireless performance and makes best use of available spectrum for ultimate network flexibility, capacity and coverage. In addition to the Snapdragon X65, Qualcomm Technologies also announced the Snapdragon X62 5G Modem-RF System, a modem-to-antenna solution optimized for mainstream adoption of mobile broadband applications.

“The 5G transition presents the biggest opportunity for Qualcomm as mobile technology is poised to benefit virtually every industry,” said Cristiano Amon, president and CEO-elect, Qualcomm Incorporated. “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.”

“Snapdragon X65 brings together all the key 5G breakthroughs expected from the world’s leading wireless innovator,” said Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager, 4G/5G, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “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.”

Key innovations in the flagship Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System include:

• Upgradable architecture allowing for enhancements, expandability and customization across 5G segments and to enable major new forthcoming features, capabilities, and rapid rollout of new 3GPP Release 16 features via software updates. This upgradeable architecture allows for future-proofing of solutions based on Snapdragon X65, facilitating adoption of new features, extending device lifespan, and helping reduce total cost of ownership -– especially as 5G expands into new vertical industries such as compute, industrial IoT and fixed wireless access.
• Qualcomm^® QTM545 fourth generation mmWave antenna module engineered for extending mobile mmWave coverage and power efficiency. The Qualcomm QTM545 mmWave antenna module pairs with the new Snapdragon X65 Modem-RF System to support higher transmit power as compared to the previous generations as well as support for all global mmWave frequencies, including the new n259 (41 GHz) band, while maintaining the same tiny footprint as the previous generation.
• The world’s first AI antenna tuning technology, the first step in taking advantage of more than a decade of ground-breaking AI research and development into mobile-RF systems – allowing for major improvements in cellular performance and power-efficiency. For instance, the use of AI increases accuracy in detecting hand grips by 30 percent compared to the previous generation. This improvement supports enhanced antenna tuning capabilities which leads to faster data speeds, better coverage and longer battery life.
• Next-generation power-tracking solution that’s smaller, more efficient, and higher performance – a superior and cost-effective offering compared to average power tracking technology.
• The most comprehensive spectrum aggregation across all key 5G bands and combinations, including mmWave and sub-6, using frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD), providing operators ultimate flexibility in the use of fragmented 5G spectrum assets.
• Qualcomm® 5G PowerSave 2.0, which builds upon new power-saving technologies defined in 3GPP Release 16, such as Connected-Mode Wake-Up Signal.
• Qualcomm® Smart Transmit™ 2.0, a unique system-level technology licensed by Qualcomm Technologies for use with the Snapdragon X65 Modem-RF System that takes advantage of modem-to-antenna system awareness to increase upload data speeds and enhance coverage for both mmWave and Sub-6 GHz bands while continuing to meet RF emissions requirements.

These and many other improvements in the Modem-RF System are designed to deliver a superior 5G experience with faster cellular speeds, broader coverage and support for all-day battery life. Snapdragon X65 is poised to support a new generation of premium smartphones and the expansion of 5G in segments such as PCs, mobile hotspots, industrial IoT, fixed wireless access, and 5G private networks. Qualcomm Technologies is also introducing a widely accessible sibling of the Snapdragon X65 – the Snapdragon X62 5G Modem-RF System. The Snapdragon X62 is a 5G modem-to-antenna solution supporting up to multi-Gigabit downloads for mobile broadband applications.

Why It’s Important: 10 Gigabit 5G has arrived. The 10 Gigabit 5G era is made possible with a complete modem-to-antenna solution, which consists of a fully integrated system – from modem to RF transceiver to complete RF front-end. Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System spearheads this 10 Gigabit 5G era by bringing the industry’s most expansive feature set to premium smartphones and by achieving superior 5G performance for many other segments – in all major regions and enabling all major operators worldwide.

The tight modem-RF integration and advanced modem-RF technologies will help OEMs deliver superior data speeds, coverage, call quality and support for all-day battery life in a sleek form factor to the consumer. With multi-gigabit 5G enabled by the Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System, consumers will have access to fiber-like browsing speeds and low-latency, delivered wirelessly over 5G for the next generation of connected applications and experiences, including cloud- and edge-based computing, highly responsive multiplayer gaming, rich entertainment, immersive 360-degree video, and instant apps.

Snapdragon X65 and Snapdragon X62 are currently sampling to customers. Commercial devices based on these Modem-RF solutions are expected to launch by late 2021. For technical details please visit the Snapdragon X65 webpage. For an insider’s view at the new Modem-RF Systems and what they mean for the industry and the world, please watch the ‘What’s Next in 5G’ video series.