Qualcomm is set for the eventual rollout of commercial 5G networks with the Snapdragon X55-- a 2nd generation 5G New Radio (NR) modem integrated within a single-chip 7-nanometer design.

The X55 features a 5G to 2G multimode modem with support for 5G NR mmWave and sub-6GHz spectrum bands. It supports download speeds of up to 7Gbps and upload speeds reaching 3Gbps over 5G, as well as Category 22 LTE with up to 2.5Gbps LTE download speeds. Designed for global 5G global rollouts with support for all major frequency bands, the X55 is capable of both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) network deployments.

Furthermore, the X55 modem supports dynamic spectrum sharing between 4G and 5G, allowing operators to accelerate 5G deployments by using existing 4G spectrum holdings to dynamically deliver both 4G and 5G services. For the curious, the chip combines a 5G mmWave antenna module (QTM525), a single-chip 14nm RF transceiver for GB sub-6GHz and LTE, and sub-6GHz RF front-end modules. The result supports 100MHz envelope tracking technology and adaptive antenna tuning, allowing power-efficient connectivity in next-gen smartphones and mobile devices.

“Qualcomm Technologies is spearheading the first wave of 5G launches with our first generation 5G mobile platform. With significant evolution in capabilities and performance, our second generation commercial 5G modem is a true testament to the maturity and leadership of our 5G technology, the company says. "We expect our 5G platform to accelerate 5G commercial momentum and power virtually all 5G launches in 2019 while significantly expanding the global 5G rollout footprint."

The Snapdragon X55 is currently sampling to customers, before appearing in commercial devices by late 2019.

Go Qualcomm Unveils World’s Most Advanced Commercial Multimode 5G Modem to Accelerate Global 5G Rollout