Chip major Intel has increased 4G LTE chip business presence by announcing the Intel XMM 7160 platform, its multimode, multiband 4G LTE solution, which is featured in LTE version of the Samsung GALAXY Tab 3 (10.1) in Asia and Europe.
Intel says XMM 7160 provides connectivity across 2G, 3G and 4G LTE networks, supports 15 LTE bands simultaneously and is voice-over LTE (VoLTE) capable.
Intel, which dominates the PC processor market, was slow to adapt its chips for low-power mobile gadgets like smartphones and tablets and faced challenges in meeting revenue targets. In the third quarter of 2013, Intel posted almost flat growth in revenue of $13.48 billion and net earnings of $2.95 billion.
Intel, which competes with Qualcomm, in the wireless chip business, has also expanded its 4G LTE connectivity solutions.
The company, which is facing pressure in the PC processor business, introduced PCIe (PCI Express) M.2 modules for 4G connected tablets, Ultrabooks and 2 in 1 devices as well as an integrated radio frequency (RF) transceiver module, the Intel SMARTi m4G.
Intel PCIe M.2 LTE modules are small, cost-effective, embedded modules in a standardized form factor for adding multimode (2G/3G/4G LTE) data connectivity across a variety of device types, said Intel.
The company claims that the Intel M.2 module supports peak downlink speeds of 100Mbps over LTE. The modules support up to 15 LTE frequency bands for global roaming. In addition, those modules also feature support for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) based on the Intel CG1960 GNSS solution.
For manufacturers, the M.2 module makes it simple to add 4G connectivity to their designs, while reducing integration and certification expenses, and improving time-to-market. The M.2 module is currently undergoing interoperability testing with tier-one global service providers.
Intel M.2-based modules will be available from Huawei, Sierra Wireless and Telit. These modules are expected to ship globally in 2014 tablet and Ultrabook designs from leading manufacturers.
Intel plans to deliver next-generation LTE solutions, including the Intel XMM 7260 in 2014. The Intel XMM 7260 adds LTE Advanced features, such as carrier aggregation, faster speeds and support for both TD-LTE and TD-SCDMA.
