Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., has announced the Qualcomm X85 5G Modem-RF, its latest iteration in 5G modem-to-antenna technology, as the successor to last year’s Qualcomm X80 5G. This marks the company’s eighth-generation 5G modem solution and its fourth generation incorporating artificial intelligence for connectivity.
Qualcomm X85 5G Modem-RF solution
The X85 is designed to enhance performance for a range of connected and AI-driven applications. Qualcomm states the modem aims to deliver improved data speeds for streaming, downloads, and uploads, alongside increased network reliability in areas of high user density. Further purported benefits include extended device battery life and more accurate location services.
The company highlights the X85’s support for 5G Advanced features, emphasizing its potential application in Android smartphones. Qualcomm also intends to extend the technology to other sectors, including personal computers, fixed wireless access points, automotive applications, and extended reality (XR) devices.
The Qualcomm 5G AI Processor with dedicated tensor accelerator hardware optimized for 5G and 5G Advanced use cases promise 30% faster AI inference for better performance compared to the previous generation. The Qualcomm AI-Powered Data Traffic Engine offers better end user experience and performance including AI-enhanced, dynamic gaming traffic prioritization, AI-enhanced OTT calling for clearer voice and video calls and Smooth Wi-Fi Cellular transfer.
Qualcomm has indicated it is collaborating with various entities within the global wireless ecosystem, including network operators, infrastructure providers, and standards bodies, to facilitate the commercial deployment of X85 capabilities.
Qualcomm X82 5G Modem-RF solution
In parallel, Qualcomm Technologies has introduced the Qualcomm X82 5G Modem-RF. This solution is positioned for broader adoption in mobile broadband applications, offering multi-gigabit download and upload speeds.
To streamline development across various industries, Qualcomm is providing M.2 and LGA reference designs based on both the X82 and X85 modems. These reference designs are intended to support the integration of the new modem solutions into Customer Premises Equipment (CPEs), mobile broadband (MBB) devices, PCs, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and other applications.
Availability
Both the Qualcomm X85 and X82 5G modems are currently undergoing sampling with customers. The company anticipates that devices incorporating these technologies will be available commercially in the second half of the current year.