In order to enable direct connection between smartphones and satellites, particularly in distant places, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a global leader in innovative semiconductor technology, today announced that it has acquired 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) future, which will be driven by 6G.
“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,” said Min Goo Kim, executive vice president of CP (Communication Processor) Development at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung aims to take the lead in advancing hybrid terrestrial-NTN communications ecosystems around the world in preparation for the arrival of 6G.”
Whether it’s across mountains, over deserts, or in the middle of the ocean, NTN is a communications technology that employs satellites and other extraterrestrial vehicles to offer connection to areas that were previously inaccessible by terrestrial networks. The capacity to operate in disaster zones and power future urban air mobility (UAM) technologies like flying vehicles and unmanned aircraft will also depend on it.
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).
Using its Exynos Modem 5300 reference platform, Samsung has developed and simulated 5G NTN standard-based satellite technology to precisely predict satellite locations and reduce frequency offsets brought on by the Doppler shift. This technology will enable NTN communication with low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that are highly reliable. Future Samsung Exynos modems will offer high-definition image and video sharing in addition to two-way text messaging based on 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.