LTE and 5G EN-DC support
Supports 5G NR at 6GHz or lower

On the 13th, Intel unveiled the Intel XMM 8160 5G modem, optimized for connecting 5G to devices such as mobile phones, PCs, and broadband access gateways. Intel has been accelerating the announcement of this modem by moving its scheduled release date forward by more than six months. The modem will support peak speeds of up to 6 gigabits per second, which is 3 to 6 times faster than the latest LTE modems currently on the market. Scheduled for release in the second half of 2019, this modem provides features and experiences that will accelerate the gradually expanding global adoption of 5G.
The Intel XMM 8160 is a multimode modem that supports 4G/3G/2G legacy radios as well as the new 5G NR (New Radio) standard, including standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA), on a single chipset.

The Intel XMM 8160 5G modem, featuring single-chip multimode baseband capabilities, enables device manufacturers to design smaller and more power-efficient devices. This is possible without adding complex functions to two separate modems for 5G and legacy connectivity, or adjusting power management and form factors, as is the case with other early 5G modems to be released. By launching a multimode solution ahead of schedule, Intel significantly improves power, size, and scalability. Intel's integrated multimode solution supports LTE and 5G simultaneous connectivity (EN-DC). This is an important feature because 5G mobile network devices must be compatible with 4G unless they can connect to 5G anytime and anywhere.

In addition, the XMM 8160 5G modem supports sub-6GHz 5G NR (including FDD and TDD bands from 600 MHz to 6 GHz) and provides download speeds of up to 6Gbps, as well as advanced technology required for the new mmWave band. As the industry moves to mmWave and mid-band frequencies, it will be able to meet the growing demand from users, devices, and connected devices for more bandwidth.

Finally, the XMM 8160 5G modem is designed to ensure scalability. With global carrier support, extensive platform certifications, and broad OEM support, Intel's XMM 8160 modem provides both operators and device manufacturers with reliable 5G capabilities to drive global 5G adoption.

Shipments of the Intel XMM 8160 5G modem chipset are scheduled for the second half of 2019. The market launch of commercial devices utilizing the Intel XMM 8160 5G modem, such as mobile devices, PCs, and broadband access gateways, is expected in the first half of 2020.

Dr. Cormac Conroy, Intel Vice President and Manager of the Intel Communications and Devices Group, said, “Intel’s new XMM 8160 5G modem provides an ideal solution that supports high capacity to scale across multiple categories of devices in time for widespread 5G implementation.” "Due to high demand for the advanced features of the XMM 8160, Intel made the strategic decision to bring the chipset launch forward by six months to provide leading 5G solutions," it was reported.