Intel has announced a multimode 4G LTE modem which is capable of supporting 15 LTE bands, HSPA and GSM networks thereby giving it a much needed boost to compete with 4G market leader Qualcomm.
The new chip already powers Galaxy Tab 3 in Asian and European markets which runs on Intel Atom processors. The new XMM 7160 LTE modem is not just a plain simple 4G chip like its LTE counterpart which was released by Intel last year. The XMM 7160 is a multimode chip that supports various wireless protocols including 2G, 3G, 4G LTE and services such as voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) among others.
According to Intel the new chip is now available to device makers and it is planning to rollout an advanced version of the modem in early 2014 that will support new LTE-Advanced techniques like carrier aggregation, TD-LTE networks among others. This new module will also support peak downlink speeds of 100 mbps over LTE networks. Intel will also be releasing LTE modules that are optimized for tablet and ultrabook in 2014.
Intel claims that the XMM 7160 chip consumes 20 to 30 percent less power as compared to its rivals in the market and is 12 percent smaller and will work on multiple devices.
Hermann Eul, Vice President and General Manager of Intel’s Mobile and Communications Group, said “Intel is providing customers an array of options for fast, reliable LTE connectivity while delivering a competitive choice and design flexibility for the mobile ecosystem.”
One of the primary reasons why Intel released a dedicated 4G LTE modem is that there are quite a few high-end devices which are designed with discrete modems and processors. Intel wants to first establish credibility as a strong 4G LTE modem player by powering devices such as the Galaxy Tab and then once integrated silicon is ready, Intel will dive in that segment as well said Aicha Evans, Intel VP of wireless.
