Qualcomm Technologies has launched an advanced commercial multi-mode 5G modem called Snapdragon X55, that will accelerate the 5G rollout around the world.
Snapdragon X55 5G modem is the second-generation of Qualcomm’s 5G New Radio (NR) modem, that will support all major frequency bands, from mmWave to sub-6 GHz. The company claims that its new modem will provide up to 7 gigabits per second (Gbps) speed for downloading, and up to 3 Gbps speed for uploading.
The most noticeable feature of the new modem is that it will support dynamic spectrum sharing between 4G and 5G. This means that operators will be able to accelerate 5G deployments using their existing 4G spectrum holdings. This will help them offer both 4G and 5G services dynamically.
“Qualcomm Technologies is spearheading the first wave of 5G launches with our first generation 5G mobile platform. With significant evolution in capabilities and performance, our second generation commercial 5G modem is a true testament to the maturity and leadership of our 5G technology,” said Cristiano Amon, president, Qualcomm Incorporated.
“We expect our 5G platform to accelerate 5G commercial momentum and power virtually all 5G launches in 2019 while significantly expanding the global 5G rollout footprint.”
Snapdragon X55 5G modem will bring the upcoming 5G technology to smartphones, mobile hotspots, PCs, laptops, tablets, fixed wireless access points, AR/VR devices, and automotive applications.
OEMs will find the new modem a quick and cost-effective solution to develop 5G multimode smartphones and mobile devices for all the 5G network and regions globally. Consumers will experience fiber-like browsing speeds and low latency.
To drive 5G innovation, the company has expanded its 5G test networks for adding new end-to-end over-the-air (OTA) configurations for mmWave and sub-6 GHz bands. The new 5G test networks will help Qualcomm to refine 5G algorithms to enhance performance, test, and demonstrate edge computing capabilities like low-latency extended reality.
“These test networks are part of the continuous investments Qualcomm Technologies makes to enable the industry with 5G technologies in smartphones, tablets, always-connected PCs, as well as extended reality (XR), automotive, and industrial IoT applications. It marks an exciting advancement for the 5G ecosystem,” said John Smee, vice president, engineering, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
“We believe that these test networks as well as our system-level expertise will help accelerate the innovation that is key to driving 5G NR technologies forward across sub-6 GHz SA and mmWave deployments coming this year.”
Also read: Qualcomm’s new modem to reduce power consumption of IoT devices by up to 70%
To complement the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 5G modem, the company has also introduced second-generation RF front-end (RFFE) solutions. It will deliver modem-to-antenna system for high performance 5G mobile devices.
The new Snapdragon modem will be available in commercial devices by late 2019.
Qualcomm will demonstrate its 5G innovations at Mobile World Congress 2019 in Barcelona.
Image source: Qualcomm
