In order to enable direct connection between smartphones and satellites, particularly in distant places, Samsung Electronics, a global leader in innovative semiconductor technology, today announced that it had obtained standardized 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) modem technology. Samsung intends to include this technology into its Exynos modem offerings, speeding up the commercialization of 5G satellite communications and laying the groundwork for the Internet of Everything (IoE) era, which will be driven by 6G.
According to Min Goo Kim, Executive Vice President of CP (Communication Processor) Development at Samsung Electronics, “this milestone builds on our rich legacy in wireless communications technologies, following the introduction of the industry’s first commercial 4G LTE modem in 2009 and the industry’s first 5G modem in 2018″. In order to advance hybrid terrestrial-NTN communications ecosystems globally in advance of the launch of 6G, Samsung plans to take the lead in this area.
5G NTN Modem Satellite Communication
NTN is a communications technology that enables connectivity in areas that were previously inaccessible by terrestrial networks, whether they be over mountains, over deserts, or in the middle of the ocean. It does this by using satellites and other non-terrestrial vehicles. Additionally, it will be essential for ensuring operability in disaster zones and supplying future urban air mobility (UAM) systems like flying cars and unmanned aircraft.
Samsung’s NTN technology will aid in ensuring interoperability and scalability among services provided by international telecom carriers, mobile device manufacturers, and chip companies by adhering to the most recent 5G NTN standards established by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP Release 17).
Samsung has created and simulated 5G NTN standard-based satellite technology using its Exynos Modem 5300 reference platform to precisely predict satellite locations and reduce frequency offsets brought on by the Doppler shift for highly reliable NTN communication with low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Future Samsung Exynos modems will offer two-way text messaging and high-definition image and video sharing thanks to this technology.
Samsung also intends to acquire an NB-IoT NTN technology that is standardized for use in its next-generation modem platforms. Samsung’s NB-IoT solutions will eliminate the requirement for a separate high-power wireless antenna chip within smartphones thanks to integrated satellite connectivity, giving mobile device designers significantly greater design flexibility.
