As is typically the case for Qualcomm each year at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, one of the world’s foremost 5G innovators has unveiled its latest modem technology, dubbed Snapdragon X70. The new Snapdragon X70 5G Modem-RF (Radio Front End) system also harnesses the power of AI and machine learning for what the company claims are “breakthrough 5G speeds, coverage, low latency and power efficiency.” While the 5G infrastructure roll-0ut continues at an aggressive clip — Qualcomm also unveiling an expanded portfolio of 5G Open RAN (Radio Access Networks) solutions as well — client devices will soon benefit from a myriad of AI-optimized performance enhancements that are critical for harnessing the full potential of 5G cellular connectivity in the years ahead.
Qualcomm’s 5G AI Suite And Its 5th Generation Modem-To-Antenna 5G Solution
Taking the wraps off Snapdragon X70 today, Qualcomm is introducing what it claims is the world’s first 5G AI processor in a modem-RF system. Snapdragon X70 will deliver up to 10 Gigabit 5G download speeds, low latency, better network coverage and power efficiency. The complete 5G modem-FR solution will support both sub-6GHz and mmWave (millmeter Wave) 5G band connectivity with better link stability and AI-enhanced adaptive tuning features, including the following:
- AI-based channel-state feedback and dynamic optimization
- World’s 1st AI-based mmWave beam management for superior mobility and coverage robustness
- AI-based network selection for superior mobility and link robustness
- AI-based adaptive antenna tuning for up to 30% improved context detection for higher average speeds and coverage
For me, these adaptive, machine learning-enhanced features are welcomed additions in the ever-evolving landscape of 5G connectivity. With the large variation in network operator infrastructure and coverage in a very wide availability of spectrum from 600MHz to 41GHz, 5G modem responsiveness and contextual awareness of signal strength and available bandwidth is key. In short, 5 bars of 5G connectivity certainly doesn’t always mean multi-gig speeds, and the modem’s ability to beam manage, with the antenna’s ability to adjust tuning on the fly, is critical to both optimize speed and maintain and stable connection. Qualcomm is going further here with Snapdragon X70 as well, with what it claims is the world’s first 4X downlink carrier aggregation features for mmWave-sub-6 aggregation support. The solution also supports uplink carrier aggregation, as well as global Dual-SIM Dual-Active mmWave support, and future software updates for 5G Release 16 features.
Standalone mmWave Support For Fixed 5G Wireless Access
Another key feature of Snapdragon X70 is its support for Standalone mmWave 5G connectivity that will allow service providers and multi-network operators the ability to deploy fixed 5G solutions without the need for utilizing longer reach sub-6GHz spectrum. This is critical for the dense deployment of 5G mmWave customer prem access points, where a fiber backhaul from the base station might be available, for example, but the last mile to the customer is cost prohibitive. Here high bandwidth multi-gigabit 5G mmWave connectivity can be delivered to the customer with relative ease, negating the need for additional costly fiber rollout.
Snapdragon X70, Built On Low Power 4nm Process With PowerSave Gen 3
There’s no question high bandwidth 5G connectivity can be a power drain, so it makes sense that Qualcomm is also continuing to drive that side of the equation in the right direction as well. As such, Snapdragon X70 will be built on an advanced 4nm (nanometer) chip fab process and employ the company’s 3rd generation PowerSave technologies such as AI-based adaptive antenna tuning that the company notes “dynamically optimizes transmit and receive paths across a comprehensive set of user scenarios and signal conditions to significantly reduce power consumption and extend battery life.”
Finally, though it wasn’t specifically stated and the company doesn’t comment on future products, Qualcomm typically makes its latest modem technologies available as discrete solutions, as well as integrated solutions in its Snapdragon 8 series of Mobile Platform Solutions for smartphones and other devices. Qualcomm expects to begin sampling Snapdragon X70 in the second half of 2022 with commercial mobile devices launching late 2022.
