Qualcomm (News 
- Alert) is already a key player in connected car programs at over a dozen leading global automakers. Snapdragon Automotive Solutions have been incorporating cutting-edge mobile technologies into the next generation of in-car experiences. One such solution is the automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 602A processor, designed to help bring 3D graphics and multimedia features to connected infotainment.
In addition, Qualcomm VIVE Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for personal mobile device integration speeds things up. The fact that everyone needs to be connected everywhere, all the time is putting quite a bit of pressure on older Wi-Fi networks. To alleviate slow connections and interference, Qualcomm VIVE aims to provide faster Wi-Fi to mobile and computing devices.
At Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) 2015 is taking place this week in Barcelona, Qualcomm announced that is has added the Qualcomm Snapdragon X12 LTE modem (9x40) and Qualcomm Snapdragon X5 LTE (News - Alert) modem (9x28) as part of the Snapdragon Automotive Solution. These modems will support connectivity across all tiers of the automotive industry.
According to Kanwalinder Singh, who is senior vice president of business development for Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., “With smartphone connectivity setting the pace for advanced features, consumers expect the same experience from all other connected devices, including their car. Qualcomm Technologies already supports first-generation LTE connected cars with major automakers. We are now pressing ahead with the vision of LTE for all automakers, cars, geographies and models with the leading performance of the X12 and the leading value of the X5."
The Snapdragon X12 LTE modem (9x40), which is being put through its paces now, will allow auto manufacturers to develop next-generation systems with advanced telematics and connected infotainment features. They will also have the ability to support greater coverage due to the fact that download speeds can reach Category 10, which supports up to 450 Mbps in the downlink and 100 Mbps in the uplink.
The Snapdragon X5 LTE modem (9x28), which will be sampling sometime during the second half of this year, supports Category 4 with speeds of up to 150 Mbps in the downlink and 50 Mbps in the uplink. Both modems are supported across global TDD and FDD radio frequency bands, in addition to supporting the major standards that include LTE, DC-HSPA, EVDO, CDMA 1x, GSM and TD-SCDMA, support the major RF bands and band combinations. They also provide global position support for major constellations including GPS, Beidou, Glonass and Galileo for enhanced automotive navigation.
Singh also mentioned that, "The effect of LTE on connected telematics and infotainment inside the car is transformational, rivaling the one from feature phones to smartphones. Ubiquitous connectivity to cars is enabling industries like automotive, wireless operators and insurance to come together in unlocking value for consumers. In addition, the cars of tomorrow will not only inform and entertain the consumer, but also communicate with their environment to make driving safer, which is accomplished through system level integration across infotainment, telematics and connectivity subsystems of the vehicle. The X12 and X5 are designed with this integration as a requirement, so we can support the vision of getting these capabilities into all cars."
Edited by Stefania Viscusi
