Qualcomm Technologies announced that they have started sampling the Snapdragon X20 LTE modem, their seventh-generation LTE multimode modem and second generation Gigabit LTE solution, which is built on a leading-edge 10 nm FinFET process. The modem and its new Snapdragon X20 LTE transceiver provide a number of industry firsts. It is the first commercially announced Gigabit LTE chipset designed to deliver fiber-like LTE Category 18 download speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps, a 20 percent improvement in download speeds over the previous generation. Additionally, it allows support for up to 5 x 20 MHz downlink Carrier Aggregation (CA) across licensed and unlicensed FDD and TDD radio frequencies, as well as 4x4 MIMO on up to three aggregated LTE carriers. Lastly, it supports integrated Dual SIM Dual VoLTE (DSDV) capability, a first for Snapdragon LTE modems.
These leading-edge features of the Snapdragon X20 LTE modem are supported by the first commercially announced single-chip RF transceiver capable of simultaneously receiving up to 12 spatial streams of LTE data. As several leading OEMs and operators launch Gigabit LTE devices and networks around the globe, the arrival of the Snapdragon X20 LTE modem will drive new connectivity experiences across the mobile ecosystem.
The Snapdragon X20 LTE modem peak speeds extend beyond Gigabit LTE by using Carrier Aggregation and 4x4 MIMO. With these capabilities, the Snapdragon X20 LTE modem can simultaneously receive 12 unique streams of data on as few as three 20 MHz carriers. On each downlink stream, the Snapdragon X20 LTE modem's support for 256-QAM boosts the peak throughput to ~100 Mbps. On the uplink, 2 x 20 MHz carrier aggregation plus 64-QAM allows for speeds up to 150 Mbps.
The Snapdragon X20 LTE modem also features more advanced dual SIM functionality and, as the first Snapdragon LTE modem to support DSDV, it provides users with the benefits of Ultra HD Voice and other IMS-based services on both SIMs inserted into the device. In addition to the aforementioned advanced connectivity feature sets, it supports Snapdragon All Mode, including all major cellular technologies (LTE FDD, LTE TDD, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, EV-DO, CDMA 1x, and GSM/EDGE), over 40 cellular frequency bands (including U.S. public safety Band 14 and 600 MHz band support), over 1000 carrier aggregation band combinations, LTE Broadcast, Voice over LTE (VoLTE) with support for Ultra HD Voice quality with the EVS codec, and single radio voice call continuity to 3G and 2G.
The Snapdragon X20 LTE modem is an LTE Advanced Pro modem that supports Licensed Assisted Access (LAA), the global standard for LTE in unlicensed spectrum. Support for both 5xCA and LAA is significant because it allows operators to launch Gigabit LTE service with as little as 10 MHz of licensed spectrum, which vastly expands the number of operators who can offer Gigabit LTE service around the globe. Additionally, the Snapdragon X20 LTE modem supports the 3.5 GHz shared spectrum in the U.S. called Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), which can be used to provide new services, such as private LTE-based networks. It can also be used by existing mobile operators to offer Gigabit LTE in more places by making more spectrum available. Gigabit LTE marks the next phase of 4G evolution as it drives richer content, new connected experiences, apps and usage models, while also serving as an essential pillar for the 5G mobile experience. When supported in 5G multimode devices, the technology can provide a wide, ultra high-speed coverage layer for nascent 5G networks. With this, application developers can expect a wide coverage of seamless Gigabit connectivity to mobile devices, enabling them to create new generations of applications, services and user experiences.
By supporting fiber-like Internet speeds wirelessly over LTE, the Snapdragon X20 LTE modem will allow original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to offer the latest generation of connectivity experiences, such as immersive 360-degree video and virtual reality, connected cloud computing, rich entertainment, and instant apps, directly to consumers. With mass scale adoption of Gigabit LTE in devices and networks, both OEMs and operators will benefit from enhanced network capacity and spectral efficiency, while also ensuring users have a superior connectivity experience. The Qualcomm Snapdragon X20 LTE modem has started sampling to customers with first commercial devices expected in the first half of 2018.
