Qualcomm Enables Data Calls Using 5G mmWave, Sub-6 GHz Aggregation

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has completed 5G data calls that successfully combine millimeter wave (mmWave) with FDD or TDD sub-6GHz spectrum by utilizing 5G Standalone (SA) mode Dual Connectivity.

Using the 4th-generation Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X65 5G Modem-RF System and Qualcomm® QTM545 mmWave Antenna Module inside a smartphone form-factor device, Qualcomm Technologies’ engineers first aggregated 5G sub-6 GHz FDD with 28GHz mmWave spectrum, then 5G sub-6GHz TDD with 39GHz mmWave spectrum, demonstrating Snapdragon X65’s ability to aggregate low-/mid- and high-bands across key global combinations.

Why It’s Important: Spectrum aggregation, including dual connectivity using mmWave and sub-6 GHz frequencies, is critical to delivering multi-Gigabit speeds and massive capacity required for a new generation of consumer and enterprise applications. Combining different types of radio spectrum will enable mobile 5G devices to wirelessly achieve wired broadband-class speeds, even in challenging conditions such as crowded venues and transit hubs, in addition to powering robust 5G fixed wireless access services in homes and small businesses.

“As the world’s leading wireless innovator, Qualcomm Technologies has continuously pioneered 5G solutions capable of scaling in both performance and global reach,” said Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager, 4G/5G, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “These milestones combine the massive bandwidth of mmWave with the coverage of sub-6 GHz FDD or TDD bands, enabling consumers and enterprises across the globe to make the most of 5G networks and devices, especially in traditionally congested, bandwidth-hungry spaces.”

Qualcomm Technologies achieved the mmWave/sub-6 GHz spectrum aggregation milestones during data calls conducted on March 17, 2021. Smartphone form-factor devices equipped with the Snapdragon X65 successfully made data connections using 5G Network Emulation Solutions from Keysight Technologies, demonstrating the global compatibility and interoperability of Qualcomm Technologies’ solutions with 5G standalone networks that are already being deployed across the globe.

Qualcomm Technologies has led the world in 5G millimeter wave development and commercialization and is already sampling its 4th-generation mmWave chipset for smartphones. The company’s latest 5G modem-RF system, Snapdragon X65, is the world’s first to offer peak speeds up to 10 Gbps– a hundred times those of 1st-generation 4G modems.

According to the Global mobile Suppliers Association, there are more than 100 commercial and pre-commercial 5G mmWave devices ranging from phones and PCs to mobile hotspots, modules, and consumer premises equipment (CPEs). Virtually all of these devices are powered by the Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF Systems.

The Snapdragon X65 and Qualcomm QTM545 mmWave Antenna Module are currently sampling to customers, with commercial devices expected to launch later in 2021. For technical details please visit the Snapdragon X65 and QTM545 webpages. The Company’s ‘What’s Next in 5G’ video series offers an overview of these 4th-generation mmWave solutions, including what they mean for the industry and the world.