5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

X60 Modem aggregates mmWave and sub-6 GHz carriers

By Martin Rowe | February 19, 2020

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X60 5G modem builds on its two 5G predecessors—the X50 and X55—by adding sub-6 GHz and mmWave carrier aggregation, plus other features. According to Qualcomm, the 5 nm process used to fabricate the X60 provides higher power efficiency into a smaller footprint. Additional features include:

  • 5G frequency-division duplex (FDD) and time-division duplex (TDD) sub-6 carrier aggregation, which helps networks maximize their spectrum resources for coverage and peak speeds. The 5G TDD-TDD sub-6 carrier aggregation lets SA networks double peak speeds compared to the Snapdragon X55.
  • Aggregation of sub-6 GHz and mmWave signals.
  • Voice-over-5GNR (VoNR), for carrying voice on the 5G new radio.

In addition to introducing the X60, Qualcomm has introduced the QTM535 mmWave antenna, which is smaller than the previous generation and with improved mmWave performance, according to the company. The X60 handles mmWave baseband and RF signal processing, letting it connect directly to the antenna module. See diagram.

Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon X60 5G modem and QTM535 mmWave antenna.

At its February 14 press briefing prior to launching the X60, Qualcomm did not provide specifications for the X60 nor for the QTM535. Thus, when the company says “provides higher power efficiency,” we don’t know what “higher” means. Similarly, we don’t at this time know how much smaller the QTM535 is compared to previous models. Engineers need such details when making design decisions. 5GTW has reached out to Qualcomm for specifications but had not at press time received a reply.

Although Qualcomm claims that the QTM535 antenna is smaller than predecessors such as the QTM525, it may not be small enough. On February 14, Fast Company reported that Apple was considering designing its own mmWave antenna because Qualcomm’s QTM525, now the previous generation, was too large for Apple’s upcoming 5G phone. Perhaps the QTM535 is indeed small enough for Apple and last week’s report may be moot now.


Filed Under: 5G, 5G antennas, Cellular, mm Wave, RFIC, Sub-6 Ghz RF, Wireless Design and Development
Tagged With: qualcommtechnologiesinc
 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

Butler Matrix
Butler Matrix drives Wi-Fi and other phased-array antennas
2.4 GHz chip antennas connect IoT devices to networks
6G
6G needs less, 6G needs more
Demonstration shows 5G handset communicating through satellites

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World