Today, Qualcomm is an important 5G developer on the market. So it’s not surprising that the company has now introduced its new 5G modem, the Snapdragon X55. It is a modem manufactured in 7 nanometers. This is a modem that can connect both millimeter waves and the sub-6GHz band. It also has the ability to share the spectrum with 4G networks, allowing much more efficient downloads.
Qualcomm introduced Snapdragon X55, a new 5G modem for smartphones. Among other things, it combines with the Snapdragon 855, the first smartphones with this combination is expected by late 2019. The Snapdragon X55 includes the mmWave antenna module called QTM525, the envelope tracker called QET6100 and the QAT3555 for antenna tuning.
Qualcomm has confirmed that this new modem is compatible with FDD, NSA, SA and TDD networks in the 5G spectrum. On the other hand, due to this modem it will be possible to achieve download speeds in 4G of up to 2.5Gbps and up to 316Mbps in case of upload. But it will be in 5G, where this Snapdragon X55 will unfold all its potential. In this case you would have download speeds of maximum 7Gbps and 3Gbps upstream.
The company has stated that it has been developed for all types of mobile devices. However, in this case it will start with connected PCs and tablets as the main recipients. But other devices are also a good option.
The QTM525 is the mmWave antenna module for 26 GHz, 28 GHz and 39 GHz – these bands are used for 5G in Europe and North America, among other places. In addition, there are several RF fronts for connections below 6 GHz along with an envelope tracker, the QET6100. This increases efficiency, while the QAT3555 tunes the antenna for better coverage and lower power consumption.
In addition to Qualcomm, other manufacturers are working on 5G multi-mode modems: Huawei has announced the Balong 5000, Intel has introduced the XMM 8160, Mediatek is developing the Helio M70 and Samsung has the Exynos 5100 in development.
Generational change brings more speed
In addition to reducing the frame size from 10 nm to 7 nm, Qualcomm combines generation changeover with an increase in transmission speed. While the X50 transmits 5 GBit per second at its peak in 5G networks, the X55 transmits 7 GBit per second downwards and 3 GBit per second upwards. A maximum of 2.5 GBit per second downstream (Cat. 22) is expected for operation on LTE networks; Qualcomm has not yet mentioned an upstream value.
mmQTM525 wave module for more compact devices
All devices should benefit from the QTM525 antenna module, which has also been announced. Like its predecessor QTM052, it is designed for use in 5G mm wave networks. The main innovation: The new module is smaller, making it easier to integrate into small devices such as smartphones.
Qualcomm demonstrates its commitment to 5G with this new modem. Nothing has been said about its launch, although it is expected to take place in the second half of the year.