Intel and Qualcomm demonstrated 5G modules compatible with M.2 slots.

Intel partner Fibocom announced the launch of M.2 module, which uses Intel XMM8 160 5G modem for CPE and upcoming personal computers and laptops. During the Mobile World Congress, we saw this M.2 module in Fibocom booth, but to our surprise, we also saw a similar M.2 module of Qualcomm X55 modem in Qualcomm booth.

These modules conform to the most extensive M.2 standard and have a width of 30mm, which is 8mm wider than the storage drives we usually see in this form factor. The specification list of Fibocom booth confirms that the module supports both SA network and NSA network, and covers frequencies below 6GHz in 5G and millimeter wave bands.

The device will support 2x2 MIMO, 4x2 MIMO and 4x4 MIMO mode download, but only 2x2 MIMO upload. The 4x4 MIMO download mode is only applicable to frequency bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 25, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 4 1, 42, 48, 66, n77, n78 and n79. The device also supports GPS, GLONASS, Beidou and Galileo navigation systems. The driver will support Windows 10 and Linux operating systems.

As far as the overall peak value is concerned, the module supports the download speed of 2.4 Gbps LTE, 4 Gbps sub-6 and mmWave up to 6 Gbps. The module will support the upload speed of 450 Mbps on LTE, 2.5 Gbps on sub-6 and 3.0 Gbps on mmWave.

In contrast, the X55 modem module in Qualcomm is slightly different. Although they are also 30mm wide modules, it seems that several partners in Qualcomm will produce these modules according to the specific requirements of customers. For example, Telit has two modules, namely FM980 and FM980M, with different sizes. Quectel also has its own module, which is packaged in BGA.