Qualcomm, a leading player in mobile hardware, has recently unveiled its cutting-edge X80 5G modem and the FastConnect 7900 connectivity system.
These innovations promise to revolutionize the way we experience connectivity across various devices.
Qualcomm’s X80 5G Modem: Blazing Speeds and AI Integration
- Seventh-Generation 5G Modem: The X80 5G modem marks Qualcomm’s seventh-generation 5G modem. It is designed for a wide range of devices, including smartphones, extended reality (XR) devices, PCs, vehicles, and industrial IoT devices.
- AI-Powered Performance: The X80 boasts a dedicated 5G AI processor with a tensor accelerator. This combination enhances data speeds, coverage, and power efficiency while reducing latency. The onboard 5G AI Suite Gen 3 further improves coverage and location accuracy.
- Satellite Connectivity: The X80 is the first 5G modem to fully integrate narrowband (NB) to non-terrestrial networks (NTN) satellite communications support. This means we can expect flagship smartphones with satellite connectivity later this year.
- Impressive Speeds: The X80 delivers peak download speeds of 10 Gbps and theoretical upload speeds of 3.5 Gbps. It supports both 5G mmWave (10 carrier aggregation) and sub-6 GHz (5 carrier aggregation) frequencies.
- AI-Based Range Extension: X80 features 6x downlink carrier aggregation and AI-based mmWave range extension, ensuring robust performance even in challenging environments.
- Commercial Availability: Qualcomm is currently sampling the X80 5G modem to partner OEMs, and commercial devices are expected to launch in the second half of 2024.
Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7900: Integrated Connectivity in a Single Chip
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and UWB Integration: The FastConnect 7900 is the first chip to integrate Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and Ultra Wideband (UWB) connectivity. All these features come together in a single 6nm chip.
- Speed and Efficiency: FastConnect 7900 supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard with peak speeds of up to 5.8 Gbps. It also leverages AI enhancements for optimized latency and power draw, adapting to specific use cases.
- Proximity Awareness: The module offers proximity awareness capabilities through Wi-Fi ranging and Bluetooth channel sounding. It supports the Expanded Personal Area Network Technology (XPAN) and Snapdragon Seamless, enabling seamless linking of multiple devices across operating systems.
- Lower Power Usage: Qualcomm claims up to 40% lower power usage compared to the previous FastConnect 7800 module.
- Commercial Launch: FastConnect 7900 is expected to launch commercially in the second half of 2024.
Conclusion
Qualcomm’s latest flagship 5G modem, the X80, combines high-speed 5G with AI and satellite connectivity support.
It features a dedicated 5G AI processor, promising improved data speeds, coverage, and power efficiency, along with lower latency.
The modem supports peak download speeds of 10 Gbps and uploads of 3.5 Gbps, with 5G mmWave and sub-6 GHz frequency support.
It also integrates narrowband to non-terrestrial networks (NTN) satellite communications, a first in 5G modems. The X80 is currently being sampled by OEM partners, with commercial devices expected in the second half of 2024.
Qualcomm also introduced the FastConnect 7900 mobile connectivity system, integrating Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ultra Wideband in a single 6nm chip.
It supports Wi-Fi 7 with speeds up to 5.8 Gbps and Bluetooth 5.4 with spatial audio and ANT+ support.
The FastConnect 7900 boasts AI enhancements for optimized latency and power draw, with up to 40% lower power usage compared to the previous module.
It supports Wi-Fi ranging and Bluetooth channel sounding for proximity awareness and is expected to launch commercially in the second half of 2024.
