The News: Qualcomm Technologies is introducing its new Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System, the seventh generation of its 5G modem-to-antenna solution. The Snapdragon X80 is different from the previous version because it integrates a dedicated 5G AI Processor and 5G-Advanced-ready architecture, achieving several of the world’s first milestones including the first 5G modem with fully integrated NB-NTN satellite communications support, 6-antenna architecture for smartphones, 6X carrier aggregation, and AI-based mmWave range extension for fixed wireless access customer premise equipment (CPE). The press release is available on Qualcomm’s news page.
Qualcomm Introduces the Most Advanced AI-Integrated 5G Modem-RF System
Analyst Take: Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System features impressive new AI innovations based on a dedicated tensor accelerator to improve data speeds, latency, quality of service (QoS), coverage, location accuracy, spectrum efficiency, power efficiency, and multi-antenna management. As already stated, it integrates a dedicated 5G AI Processor and 5G-Advanced-ready architecture to achieve several important industry milestones, including the first 5G modem with fully integrated NB-NTN satellite communications support, 6-antenna architecture for smartphones, 6X carrier aggregation, and AI-based mmWave range extension for fixed wireless access CPE. This makes the Snapdragon X80 the most advanced modem-to-antenna platform I have seen yet.
Let’s take a quick look at key features and specs:
- Future-ready architecture to support 5G Advanced
- 5G peak download speed of 10 Gbps with peak downloads of 3.5 Gbps
- Fully integrated Snapdragon Satellite support including NB-NTN, and tailored AI algorithms (empowering OEMs to create next-gen devices supporting R18 5G features across key verticals, including smartphones, mobile broadband, automotive, compute, XR, industrial IoT, fixed wireless access, and 5G private networks)
- AI tensor accelerator powering Qualcomm 5G AI Suite Gen 3 (to intelligently enhance data speeds, QoS, latency, coverage, and power efficiency)
- Impressive spectrum flexibility for operators, including 6x carrier aggregation for sub-6 GHz bands, as well as switched uplink across FDD and TDD and an unmatched range of advanced features for spectrum utilization
- Qualcomm 5G AI Processor Gen 2 with dedicated tensor hardware accelerator
- Qualcomm 5G AI Suite Gen 3, which includes AI-enhanced performance improvements in power handling, coverage, latency, and QoS; AI-assisted mmWave beam management – mmWave (SA) range extension for CPE; and AI-based GNSS Location Gen 3
- Qualcomm Advanced Modem-RF Software Suite, which includes Qualcomm Smart Network Selection Gen 3; context-based performance enhancements for user scenarios; on-device, learning-based network selection; non-Linear Interference Cancellation; Qualcomm DSDA Gen 2 – Dual Data with support on global bands; Qualcomm® Smart Transmit™ Gen 5 supporting NB-NTN and Supplemental uplink; switched Uplink (FDD-TDD) – Globally; supplemental Uplink – China; 6xCA Downlink; 6xRx for smartphones; Qualcomm RF Uplink Optimization – RFFE; Qualcomm RF Downlink Boost – RFFE; converged mmWave-Sub6 Transceiver; 3GPP Release 17 and Release 18 support; Qualcomm QTM565 mmWave module; Qualcomm 5G PowerSave Gen 5; Rel 17 PDCCH Skip; Qualcomm Power RF Efficiency Suite – RFFE, and support for all global 5G bands, from 0.6 to 41 GHz
The X80’s system architecture also enables readiness for 5G Advanced across various product segments served by Qualcomm platforms, such as PCs, XR, automotive, industrial IoT, private networks, and fixed wireless access.
“The Snapdragon X80 modem-RF system sets the stage for 5G Advanced and the era of intelligent computing everywhere,” explained Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager, technology planning and edge solutions at Qualcomm. “Leveraging AI is critical to the future of connectivity, this latest milestone underscores Qualcomm Technologies’ leadership at the intersection of cutting-edge AI and advanced modem-RF technology. The Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System empowers OEMs and operators to create next-generation devices supporting 5G Advanced, with unrivaled capabilities and leading performance.”
The platform is currently sampling, with commercial devices expected to launch in the second half of 2024.
Disclosure: The Futurum Group is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of The Futurum Group as a whole.
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Author Information
Olivier Blanchard is Research Director, Intelligent Devices. He covers edge semiconductors and intelligent AI-capable devices for Futurum. In addition to having co-authored several books about digital transformation and AI with Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman, Blanchard brings considerable experience demystifying new and emerging technologies, advising clients on how best to future-proof their organizations, and helping maximize the positive impacts of technology disruption while mitigating their potentially negative effects. Follow his extended analysis on X and LinkedIn.
