Snapdragon X-5G Modem-RF System Series (Modems)

Main article: Routers (global market)

2022: Snapdragon X70 5G Modem-RF System

On April 6, 2022, the company Qualcomm Technologies announced the 5th generation of antenna module interface systems modem 5G called the Snapdragon X70 5G Modem-RF System. In the Snapdragon system, the X70 is presented for AI processor a modem that, due to artificial intelligence, provides proper performance with 10 gigabit download speed.

Snapdragon X70 5G Modem-RF System

According to the company, the Snapdragon X70 is built using the Qualcomm 5G AI Suite, which allows artificial intelligence to optimize the operation of sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G channels to optimize speed, coverage, delay time, mobility, channel stability and energy efficiency to support Connected Intelligent Edge.

Qualcomm 5G AI Suite is the foundation for further optimizing the performance of 5G next-generation solutions:

• Channel State Feedback and AI Dynamic Optimization
• Signal control system mmWave with AI for proper mobility and stability of coverage
• Network selection with AI for proper channel mobility and stability
• Adaptive antenna tuning with AI provides up to 30% improvement in context determination with average speed and coverage optimization
• The built Snapdragon X70 offers carriers the flexibility to use RF resources when deploying optimal 5G solutions for ordinary users, companies, and Connected Intelligent Edge.

Snapdragon X70 Features:

• A full 5G modem with support for all commercial 5G bands from 600 MHz to 41 GHz provides a flexible approach for OEM companies to develop devices that meet the requirements of various carriers
• Support of different ranges at global level and carrier aggregation function, including aggregation of up to 4X carriers in downlink in TDD and FDD modes, aggregation mmWave-sub-6
• Stand-alone mmWave support that allows mobile operators and service providers to deploy services such as wireless fixed access and enterprise 5G without using the sub-6 GHz range
• Proper performance and flexibility when loading data with carrier aggregation and support for switched outgoing channels in TDD and FDD modes
• Global support for multiple 5G SIM cards, including Dual-SIM Dual-Active (DSDA) and mmWave
• Upgradeable Architecture with 5G Release 16 Fast Commercialization with Software Upgrades

The Snapdragon X70 also borrowed from its predecessor 10 gigabit data download speed in 5G networks and features such as Qualcomm 5G AI Suite, Qualcomm 5G Ultra-Low Latency Suite and 4X carrier aggregation to achieve proper load speed, extensive coverage, proper signal quality and low delay. Qualcomm 5G Ultra-Low Latency Suite as part of the Snapdragon X70 enables OEMs and operators to minimize latency and provide user experience and application performance with the right response speed.

The Snapdragon X70 includes the next generation Qualcomm 5G PowerSave Gen 3, combined with a 4 nm baseband chip and advanced modem technology, including Qualcomm QET7100 Wideband Envelope Tracking and AI-enabled adaptive antenna, enabling dynamic optimization of data transmission and reception channels under a variety of use cases and propagation conditions; to optimize energy consumption and extend battery life.

The Snapdragon X70 functionality with maximum expansion potential will help achieve proper performance in 5G networks worldwide. Comparable fiber-optic Internet speed and 5G wireless connection latency paves the way for the next generation of network applications and user experience.

It is expected that samples of the Snapdragon X70 system for consumers will be available from the second half of 2022, and the commercial launch of the first mobile devices is expected by the end of 2022^[1].

2020: Snapdragon X60 5G Modem-RF System

On February 18, 2020, Qualcomm announced a new generation of modem radio for 5G networks - Snapdragon X60 5G Modem-RF System. The chipset is made according to the 5-nm process, and Qualcomm states that this is the first such modem for 5G in the world.

Initially, the company planned to introduce the Snapdragon X60 5G Modem-RF System for the first time at the Mobile Congress in Barcelona in late February 2020, but since the conference was canceled due to the spread of coronavirus, it did this earlier, introducing its novelty, including in Russia.

Commercialization of the new chipset is expected at the end of 2020 or at the beginning of 2021

Sergey Karmanenko, Business Development Director of Qualcomm Europe, noted that the 5-nm chipset is a very expensive and advanced technology that allows you to reduce the size of the modem, increase performance and lay down more functionality. According to him, this chipset will support both millimeter waves (mmWave) and frequencies less than 6 GHz (sub-6), as well as FDD and TDD. Thus, says Karmanenko, the operator will be able to aggregate the entire available frequency spectrum in 5G and receive an expanded channel due to this.

The modem-RF system is a ready-made reference design for OEMs, which can be turned into a final device working in 2G, 3G, 4G LTE and LTE Advanced networks, as well as 5G, added Sergey Karmanenko. It includes a mmWave antenna module, an RF transceiver, and a radio frequency front-end interface (RFFE). According to the developers, the Snapdragon X60 5G Modem-RF System should allow operators to increase average data rates, increase channel capacity and expand network coverage, and improve user experience. This 5G modem radio system supports up to 7.5 Gb/s download and up to 3 Gb/s upload speeds.

The commercialization of the new chipset is expected either at the end of 2020 or at the beginning of 2021, Qualcomm said.

At the time of the announcement, it is known that this modem and next-generation Qualcomm modems plan to use Apple in their devices. This follows from the agreement reached by the companies, information about which is available in the database of documents of the US International Trade Commission ^[2].

From the same document it follows that by 2024 Qualcomm plans to release two more new models of the Snapdragon modem - the X65 and X70.

The first chipset with 5G support - X50 - Qualcomm introduced in 2016. The company worked on it for more than 10 years. It became commercially available to vendors in 2018 and was involved in devices that are sold in the United States and Europe.

In 2019, Qualcomm announced the X55, the second generation modem on its platform, expanding its sales geography. It has new features, such as support for FDD, 5G on two SIM cards, support for new types of aggregations. Several manufacturers in 2020 announce their devices with this modem.

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