Based on the 3GPP Release 16, also known as the 5G system - Phase 2 specification, the new Qualcomm X65 and Qualcomm X62 5G modems are based on "Upgradable Architecture", allowing "rapid rollout fo new features and expansion of 5G in Mobile Broadband, Compute, XR, Industrial IoT, 5G Private Networks and Fixed Wireless Access. According to Qualcomm, this will allow the company to include new features and capabilities via software updates.
The Qualcomm X65 5G modem feature the 4th generation Qualcomm QTM545 mmWave antenna module, giving it support for higher transmit power as well as support for all global mmWave frequencies, including the new n259 - 41GHz band. In addition to the new antenna module, it also comes with AI antenna tuning technology, bringing up to 30 percent increase accuracy in detecting hand grips and providing faster data speeds, better coverage, and longer battery life.
The update also includes a next-generation power-tracking solution, better spectrum aggregation across all 5G bands, including mmWave and sub-6. Qualcomm also introduced Qualcomm 5G PowerSave 2.0, which brings new features included in the 3GPP Release 16; Qualcomm SmartTransmit 2.0, as well as plenty of other minor improvements.
“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.”
Qualcomm Snapdragon X65 modem with RF transceiver/RF front-end for 10Gbps 5G
Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X65 modem is based on 4nm manufacturing process, which, combined with the new Release 16 power-saving features and the new modem-RF system, brings significant improvements in power efficiency, it's said.
Performance-wise, the new Snapdragon X65 modem brings 10Gbps peak download speeds, with 1000MHz bandwidth, 10 carrier aggregation and 2x2 MIMO on 5G mmWave, and 300MHz bandwidth, 256-QAM, and 4x4 MIMO on sub-6GHz.
The Snapdragon X62 modem offers 4.6Gbps peak speeds with 400MHz, 4 carrier aggregation, and 2x2 MIMO on 5G mmWave, and 120MHz, 256-QAM, and 4x4 MIMO on sub-6GHz. The Snapdragon X62 modem also includes PowerSave 2.0, 7th gen Wideband Envelope Tracking, Smart Transmit 2.0, and AI-Enhanced Signal Boost, as well as the same upgradeable architecture.
“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.”
According to Qualcomm, both the Snapdragon X65 and the Snapdragon X62 modems are currently sampling to customers with the first commercial devices expected in late 2021.
