Qualcomm Unveils First Fully Integrated 5G NR mmWave And Sub-6 GHz RF Modules For Next Gen Phones

Qualcomm has rolled out the world's first fully-integrated 5G NR millimeter (mmWave) and sub-6 GHz RF modules for smartphones and other mobile devices. The new chips include the QTM052 mmWave antenna and the QPM56xx sub-6GHz RF module family. The new chips have a compact footprint, pair with the Snapdragon X50 5G modem, and deliver modem-to-antenna capability across several spectrum bands. 

"Qualcomm Technologies’ early investment in 5G has allowed us to deliver to the industry a working mobile mmWave solution that was previously thought unattainable, as well as a fully-integrated sub-6 GHz RF solution," said Cristiano Amon, President, Qualcomm Incorporated. "With 5G, consumers can expect gigabit-class Internet speeds with unprecedented responsiveness in the palm of their hands, which stand to revolutionize the mobile experience."

Until now, mmWave signals haven't been used in mobile wireless communications due to various technical and design challenges. Those challenges include device engineering from a materials, form-factor, industrial-design, thermal, and regulatory standpoint. The QTM052 mmWave antenna modules work with Snapdragon X50 5G modems as a comprehensive system that overcomes those previous limitations. The advanced beam forming, beam steering, and beam tracking tech in the product dramatically improves the range and reliability of mmWave signals.

An integrated 5G NR radio transceiver, power management IC, RF front-end components and a phased array antenna are integrated that support 800 MHz of bandwidth in the 26.5-29.5 GHz N257, the entire 27.5-28.35 n261, and 37-40 GHz in the n260 mmWave bands. Qualcomm says that devices with the new 5G-oriented chips will launch as early as the first half of 2019.