Qualcomm Introduces New 3G/LTE Multimode Modem and RF Transceiver Chip

As 4G LTE deployments continue to roll out around the world, mobile technology manufacturers are introducing new hardware to take advantage of the new speeds that will be available to them. Smartphones and tablets are continuing to provide more computing solutions and laptops and PCs are falling behind in sales. The one technological disadvantage of mobile devices was the connection speed, but LTE and new modems are making this a moot point. Qualcomm Technologies, a global 3G, 4G and next-generation wireless technologies provider, has introduced the first commercial solution offering global 4G LTE advanced 40 MHz carrier aggregation for Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) and Time Division Duplexing (TDD) with download speeds of up to 300 Mbps.

The fourth generation of the 3G/LTE multimode solutions will have a modem chipset, the Qualcomm Gobi 9x35, and RF transceiver chip, the Qualcomm WTR3925. The improvement the new technology provides will enhance performance, power consumption and printed circuit board area requirements.

The Gobi 9x35 supports global carrier aggregation deployments with the indicated speed with backward compatibility, and support for all cellular technology, including DC-HSPA, EVDO Rev. B, CDMA 1x, GSM and TD-SCDMA. It is the first announced modem based on the 20 nm technology node.

Gobi modems provide secure wireless connectivity allowing users to browse the Internet with faster speeds and reliable connections by maximizing 3G and 4G LTE networks around the world. The Gobi technology is built in notebooks, tablets, and smartphones with power saving technology and superior voice quality with HD voice and noise cancellation features.

The Qualcomm WTR3925 is the company's first single-chip, carrier aggregation RF solution supporting all carrier aggregation band combinations approved by 3GPP. It is also the first announced RF transceiver chip based on the 28 nm process. The WTR3925 incorporates the Qualcomm IZat location platform which provides a global location technology that fits seamlessly to give manufacturers a better end-user experience to their customers.

"We're excited to be expanding our portfolio with a fourth generation of 3G/LTE multimode connectivity solutions. Not only do these products extend our industry-leading Gobi roadmap, they enable the creation of thinner and more efficient mobile devices capable of connecting to the fastest 4G LTE Advanced networks worldwide," said Cristiano Amon, executive vice president, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and co-president, QCT.

Qualcomm Gobi 9x35 and WTR3925 will start being available to customers early next year.