5G Standard: MediaTek M70 Takes the Lead in Supporting HPUE Technology

By Carrie Tsai,  Last Updated: April 30, 2019

From MWC2019, we have seen that Qualcomm Snapdragon X50 and Huawei Barong 5000 MediaTek Helio M70 have measured downlink data of 5G products, and among them, MTK is leading the performance of 4.2Gpbs.

We also conducted a study on these products. The same supported 5G technologies include SA (independent networking), NSA (non-independent networking), Sub-6GHz, mmWare (millimeter wave), etc., and there is also a key technology. The difference is HPUE.

It's true: Extend 5G signals with HPUE

About HPUE (High Power User Equipment) technology is a technology dominated by the US operator Sprint, the main role is to improve the coverage of the network band through the upgrade of the transmission power. Since the HPUE can increase the power by 3dB and the coverage by 30% compared with the conventional device, the coverage effect of the medium and low frequency bands can be achieved.

In the MediaTek Helio M70 5G baseband chip that currently supports this technology, in order to support HPUE, not only the baseband needs to use the mainstream process, but also must be associated with related RFFEM (RF front-end module), PA power amplifier, filter, etc.

So, how to integrate it into a 5G single-system chip is actually not an easy task, and this is why the current 5G solution is basically an external operation (more typical is the Snapdragon 855 and the Snapdragon X50 plug-in Solution) and the reasons for the difficulty in integrating HPUE.

Dynamic bandwidth allocation: effectively improve the initial stability of 5G equipment

As we all know, the capacity of 5G is theoretically 1000 times that of 4G, and the peak rate is as high as 10Gbps to 20Gbps. However, since the initial stage of 5G is still based on non-independent networking (NSA) deployment, it will inevitably lead to a discount on 5G networks. If adding a thousand times of growth in connected devices, you will face the problem of device signal attenuation and insufficient capacity.

Optimizing the 5G network experience by improving the spectrum efficiency is also a common processing method for chip vendors, including dynamic bandwidth allocation and multiple antennas, because it is impossible to deploy base stations and core networks independently in a short time. Technology, etc.

Also taking MediaTek's Helio M70 as an example, dynamic bandwidth allocation technology can allocate a corresponding 5G bandwidth for a specific application.

For example, allocate more 5G resources in scenarios such as video, entertainment, and multimedia. To meet the user experience, and allocate less bandwidth on regular music, chat, and basic applications (even more bandwidth can be allocated to meet the needs), of course, the biggest advantage is that it can be effective. Improve the efficiency of the modem and extend the life of the device to ensure battery life.

In short, MediaTek's Helio M70 5G baseband does allow us to see its advantages in the 5G field. Whether it is HPUE features or dynamic bandwidth allocation, MediaTek's approach can indeed solve the initial coverage of 5G networks in the future. Insufficient problems.

The current information shows that MediaTek Helio M70 will begin shipping in the second half of 2019, when the 5G network has been basically laid. Considering MediaTek's previous popularity of new technologies, it is estimated that it will also play a role in the large-scale outbreak of 5G mobile phones.