Intel announces 5g modem

Intel is working on a 5G modem under the name Goldridge. The first samples of the modem should be ready in the second half of 2017. Intel thinks it can combine the modem with its XMM 7360 lte modem, among other things.

The modem’s baseband chip is combined with a 5G transceiver that supports frequencies below the 6GHz band as well as mmWave. MmWave is the band in the spectrum between 30GHz and 300GHz. In addition, there is support for the 28GHz band. Intel thinks that the modem can therefore be used worldwide. Intel also hopes to be able to tap into the international 3GPP 5g standard as soon as it is available.

In the second half of 2017, Intel will carry out the first tests with Goldridge, including with cars. By 2020, 5g should be commonplace for drones, VR, agriculture, smart cities and traffic, among others. Intel thinks it can offer the modem independently as a Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit and as part of its existing XMM 7360 lte modem for 4g.

Intel is not alone in focusing on 5g modems. Qualcomm announced its X50 in October.