Second-generation Yunbao series modem IP for 5G RedCap/4G LTE dual-mode, unveiled through collaboration between VeriSilicon and Innobase
In a significant stride towards building a global cellular communication ecosystem, VeriSilicon has announced the launch of the Yunbao 2 modem IP. This second-generation Yunbao series modem is designed to support both 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) and 4G LTE technologies within a single modem IP.
Key Features of Yunbao 2
The Yunbao 2 modem IP boasts several key features that make it suitable for IoT and wearable devices. These include:
- Dual-Mode Operation: Supports both 5G RedCap and 4G LTE, enabling smooth transition and interoperability between current 4G networks and emerging 5G RedCap deployments.
- 5G RedCap Support: RedCap is a 5G specification aimed at IoT and low-power devices needing reduced complexity while benefiting from 5G features like improved latency and bandwidth.
- Power Efficiency: Optimized for low power consumption, helping extend battery life in IoT and wearable devices.
- Compact IP Footprint: The modem IP is designed to take up less silicon area, making it ideal for integration into small and cost-sensitive devices.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports key 5G NR frequency bands and LTE bands, ensuring broad compatibility with global cellular networks.
- Cost-Effective Design: By combining 4G and 5G support in one IP block optimized for reduced complexity, it targets lower overall system cost compared to full-fledged 5G modems.
Benefits of Yunbao 2
The Yunbao 2 modem IP offers several benefits over traditional 4G modems, including:
- Future-Proofing: Supports evolution from LTE to 5G RedCap, allowing devices to remain relevant as networks upgrade.
- Reduced Complexity and Cost: Compared to full 5G modems, RedCap modems like Yunbao 2 simplify hardware requirements, lowering design complexity and production cost.
- Energy Efficiency: Extends device battery life in applications such as wearables, industrial IoT, and smart sensors.
- Wide Network Compatibility: Ensures operation across various networks worldwide, offering flexibility for global deployment.
- Improved Performance vs. 4G-only Modems: Even with "reduced capability," 5G RedCap provides better latency and throughput than LTE, enhancing user experience in targeted use cases.
Comparison to 4G Modems
| Aspect | Yunbao 2 (5G RedCap/4G Dual Mode) | Traditional 4G LTE Modem | |--------------------|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Network Support| 5G NR (RedCap) + 4G LTE | 4G LTE only | | Performance | Higher data rates and lower latency than 4G LTE due to 5G NR features (even RedCap) | Lower peak throughput and higher latency | | Power Efficiency | Optimized for low power IoT applications | Typically higher power consumption | | Cost | Slightly higher than pure 4G modems but lower than full-feature 5G modems | Lower cost due to mature technology and simpler design | | Use Case | IoT, wearables, cost-sensitive devices needing 5G benefits | Primarily smartphones and LTE IoT devices | | Integration | Smaller IP block footprint for integration in compact devices | Larger footprint relative to RedCap modems |
Collaboration with Innobase
Through its collaboration with Innobase, VeriSilicon is able to offer production-validated 4G/5G RedCap dual-mode IPs, strengthening its existing IP ecosystem. This collaboration has also resulted in the production of mass-production-ready products such as 5G IoT modules, MiFi devices, and mass-market 5G smartphones, which have validated the Yunbao series IP at the product level.
Performance and Compliance
The Yunbao 2 modem IP achieves uplink and downlink transmission rates of 170 Mbps and 120 Mbps, respectively. It complies with the 3GPP 5G Rel-17 standard and supports both 5G RedCap and 4G LTE FDD/TDD. The Yunbao series has completed 5G RedCap terminal equipment and field performance testing with Nokia Shanghai Bell and ZTE.
Key Capabilities
The Yunbao 2 modem IP supports multi-SIM standby and features key 5G capabilities such as Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), 5G LAN, and network slicing.
The Future of RedCap
Lu Wenbo, the senior vice president of Innobase, stated that RedCap, a new 5G variant, is ideal for wearable devices, industrial IoT, and mass-market smartphones due to its low cost, low latency, private network, and efficient spectrum utilisation. The rapid growth phase of RedCap's commercialisation in China was also noted by Lu Wenbo.
Conclusion
The launch of the Yunbao 2 modem IP marks a significant step forward in VeriSilicon's commitment to driving innovation in low-power, high-performance wireless communication technologies and providing comprehensive wireless communication solutions for IoT applications. By balancing cost, power, and performance, the Yunbao 2 modem IP surpasses traditional 4G modems in latency and throughput while maintaining energy efficiency and cost suitable for next-gen IoT and wearable markets. Although slightly more costly than 4G-only designs, it offers significant future-proofing benefits and better network capabilities aligned with evolving cellular standards.
The Yunbao 2 modem IP, with its advanced features, demonstrates its suitability for data-and-cloud-computing applications in IoT and wearable devices. The technology integrates seamlessly into such devices, offering benefits such as reduced complexity, lower production cost, enhanced energy efficiency, and improved worldwide compatibility.
Moreover, the Yunbao 2 modem IP, through its adherence to the 3GPP 5G Rel-17 standard, is not only future-proof but also presents a cost-effective solution for data-and-cloud-computing needs in contemporary and emerging markets, ultimately driving the innovation of low-power, high-performance wireless communication technologies.
