The cellular connectivity of a smartphone is enabled by three key components: the RF Front-end, the RF Transceiver and the modem. Radio frequencies are received by the front-end in an analogue format, processed by the transceiver and converted into a digital signal for the modem. The digital format of data is what modems in the devices (smartphones, in this case) can interpret.
For instance, on the newer Qualcomm Modem RF systems such as the QTM525 (Snapdragon X55), the multi-mode 5G modem only includes the elements needed to process the high-band networks, which is commonly known as mmWave. Qualcomm tells that it is difficult for smartphone makers to optimize such high frequencies in small form factors.
The components needed for mid and low-band 5G are placed outside of the main processor, as brands usually prefer to customize how much sub-6 GHz spectrum to support. This allows for a more flexible design with a high degree of standardization.
Customizable components are placed outside of the main processor.
Here’s where things start to get complicated. 5G networks can be deployed in frequencies ranging from around 700 MHz, all the way up to 5 GHz, which is too wide a spectrum to be handled via a single RF chain comprising elements such as a power amplifier, duplexers, diplexers, filters which are quite frequency-dependent.
5G in sub-6 frequencies (especially 3.3-3.7 GHz band) is widely deployed globally and is being made available in India also. As such, any handset supporting these frequencies can receive signal, and thereby 5G services, in India as well as while roaming overseas.
In essence, 3.3-3.7 GHz band 5G is expected to be the most common form of 5G in the future, offering the right balance between speed and network strength. Further to augment capacity and user experience, operators are deploying mmWave in 26 GHz or 28 GHz around the world. India has also made 26 GHz available for 5G.
So check the frequencies before you choose your next 5G mobile. Beware!
Knowledge base- knowing 5G the future.
