
The Intel 5G modem – codenamed Goldridge – is its attempt to compete with the Snapdragon X50 from Qualcomm announced in 2016 (see Modem crams early 5G technology into a chipset). Sampling for the Snapdragon X50 5G modem is expected to begin in the second half of 2017 as is the sampling of the Intel 5G modem.
Intel’s 5G modem chipset pairs with Intel’s sub-6GHz 5G RFIC and its 28GHz 5G RFIC and supports ultrawideband operation. The chipset is expected to be used in applications including automotive, home broadband and mobile devices.

Intel’s Communication and Devices Group
The 5G modem is compliant with multiple industry forum specifications for 5G, Intel said in a statement. It supports 5G New Radio spectrum requirements including low latency frame structure, advanced channel coding, 2 by 2 and 4 by 4 MIMO and beamforming and is expected to be capable of data rates exceeding 5Gbps. It also pairs with LTE modems such as Intel’s XMM7360 to provide 4G fallback and 4G/5G interworking.
The one RFIC supports the 3.3 to 4.2GHz band with flexible sub-channelization making it suitable for trials in China and Europe. The other supports a 28GHz carrier enabling deployments in the United States, Korea and Japan.
The Intel 5G RFIC is expected to sample in the first half of 2017. The full Intel 5G modem is expected to sample in the second half of 2017 and move into production soon afterwards, Intel said.
“The new Intel 5G modem we are announcing today is a milestone for the industry, enabling businesses across the globe to develop and launch early 5G solutions,” said Aicha Evans, corporate vice president and general manager of Intel’s Communication and Devices Group, in a statement.
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