Qualcomm launches next-generation Snapdragon Automotive 5G platform, setting a new benchmark for connected car technology

Qualcomm launches next-generation Snapdragon Automotive 5G platform, setting a new benchmark for connected car technology

Key points:

• The second-generation Snapdragon® Automotive 5G Modem and RF Platform delivers over 50% more processing power, 40% better energy efficiency, and more than doubles maximum throughput compared to the previous generation, enabling secure, reliable, and seamless connectivity

• Ultra-low latency for safety applications and mission-critical services, enabling enhanced streaming, cloud gaming, and premium navigation and mapping services

• Supports a comprehensive connected services platform powered by Snapdragon car-to-cloud services, providing connected services for dynamically configurable software-defined cars

• Currently sampling to global automakers and will be commercially available later in 2023

Barcelona, ​​February 27, 2023 – Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. today announced the launch of its second-generation Snapdragon® Automotive 5G Modem and RF Platform, the latest addition to its growing portfolio of Snapdragon Digital Chassis Connected Car technologies. As Qualcomm Technologies’ most advanced automotive modem and RF system, it features high-performance processing and up to 200MHz of network capacity, supporting reliable and low-latency connectivity for a safe, smart and immersive driving experience. With the latest 5G technology enhancements, car owners can enjoy the comfort and convenience of their car, home and office in the same space. The second-generation Snapdragon Automotive 5G Modem and RF Platform supports satellite communications, introducing a new way of communicating for the automotive industry to ensure ubiquitous connectivity for applications that use two-way messaging.

Connectivity continues to play a critical role in the automotive industry’s digital transformation, laying the foundation for the next generation of software-defined cars. By connecting to 5G, Wi-Fi, and leveraging cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) and satellite, vehicles can push new boundaries in terms of safety, personalization, entertainment, and productivity features for end users. The Snapdragon Automotive 5G Modem and RF Platform supports the following advanced connectivity technologies, enabling automakers to deliver premium digital experiences:

• Higher processing power, coverage and throughput, with an integrated quad-core CPU and up to 200MHz of aggregate network bandwidth, providing new service opportunities and supporting the most advanced connectivity technologies and speeds required for faster content streaming, online gaming and autonomous driving.

• Added support for automotive safety for mission-critical and emergency services that require network connectivity, such as the next generation emergency call system (eCall) and support for satellite communications, ensuring ubiquitous connectivity and communication in remote and rural areas.

• Reduce costs and require fewer components. The latest generation of Snapdragon Automotive 5G Modem and RF Platform uses a multi-core CPU, supports applications to run directly on the modem, and uses a hypervisor to support isolated workloads, thereby achieving seamless connectivity and energy-efficient performance.

• The new generation of advanced positioning engine improves positioning accuracy and robustness in various environments, supports emergency services, navigation, safety warnings and autonomous driving functions, can accurately locate in the most challenging environments, and enables use cases such as high-definition maps and automatic parking.

• Integrated cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology supports direct communications, enhancing short-range safety and mobility services.

• In-vehicle data transmission rates of up to 1GB per second allow automakers to flexibly migrate traffic from the vehicle's connected control unit (TCU) to the infotainment system, Wi-Fi hotspot or other connected terminals; ensuring seamless communication for passengers and uninterrupted enjoyment of connected services.

Automakers and the broader transportation ecosystem can also leverage the advanced capabilities of the 2nd Generation Snapdragon Automotive 5G Modem-RF Platform to develop and deliver new advanced connected services, including:

• Snapdragon TelAF is a unified development and deployment framework for Snapdragon automotive 5G modem and RF systems that includes all the necessary components to reduce the complexity of developing connected services that support 5G, positioning and security, and enhanced safety.

• Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud Services provide comprehensive cloud and device components to help the automotive ecosystem enable, manage and deploy new connected services developed on the Snapdragon Car Connected Application Framework. Car-to-Cloud Services also provide secure data connections between the cloud and the device, using cloud-based APIs to develop consumer and fleet solutions on the system.

The second-generation Snapdragon Automotive 5G Modem and RF Platform builds on Qualcomm Technologies' position as the leading supplier of system-level solutions for in-vehicle connectivity and automotive wireless connectivity in the transportation industry. Almost all automakers in the world have adopted Qualcomm Technologies' automotive connectivity platform. The second-generation Snapdragon Automotive 5G Modem and RF Platform provides a solid foundation for automakers to meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses for connected services, creating new opportunities for deeper customer experiences and service-based business models. Qualcomm Technologies has a unique advantage in accelerating innovation in the automotive industry.

The second-generation Snapdragon Automotive 5G Modem and RF Platform is compliant with 3GPP Release 16 specifications and is being sampled to global automakers and is expected to be commercially available later in 2023.

“The second-generation Snapdragon Automotive 5G Modem and RF Platform is the culmination of Qualcomm’s more than 20 years of delivering connected car capabilities through its in-vehicle or car connectivity platforms, further enhancing the vehicle’s 5G connectivity capabilities and helping automakers bring smart connected car experiences to more people,” said Nakul Duggal, senior vice president and general manager of automotive at Qualcomm Technologies. “5G will continue to open up the future of the automotive and transportation industries, and we are proud to help these industries accelerate wireless innovation.”

With advanced automotive connectivity solutions, Qualcomm Technologies has been working with leading companies to promote the deployment of 5G connected cars around the world, including LG Electronics, Valeo, Continental, Joylink, Raylink, Quectel, WC Semiconductor, and LG Innotek.