Intel unveils world’s smallest 3G modem

Intel has unveiled a 3G modem, which it claims is the world's smallest wireless modem, the size of a UK penny US one-cent coin, for the Internet of things (IoT), techienews reported.

The 300sq mm device, the XMM 6255 3G modem would be embedded in home appliances, security devices as also the wearable tech.

The modem is tiny as there is a correlation between the size of integrated components and their heat output and power wastage. A smaller modem could run cooler and more efficiently, which is particularly important in mobile gadgets such as wearables and smartphones.

The new standalone chip, built to work in tough conditions that could cause overheating, leverages the Intel's Power Transceiver technology as it features SMARTi UE2p transceiver.

According to the company it is the the ''industry's first design'' to bring transmit and receive functionality together on a single chip with power management and a fully integrated power amplifier.

The XMM 6255 3G modem comes with the u-blox SARA-U2 Module, which includes the X-Gold 624 baseband processor, an isoplexer for antennas and a memory chip. The company would now be making the u-blox SARA-U2 Module available for its partners.

The SARA-U2 Module in the new modem incorporates certain features including a PA DCDC converter and direct-to-battery power, as it attempts to  build ''a smaller modem that helps manufacturers minimize their build of material costs.''

Intel in a statement said that the a sensor may not have the space a traditional 3G antenna required, when it came to devices with a small form factor, like the smartwatch, resulting in poor connectivity quality and reliability.

The new XMM 6255 modem is designed for those conditions and could deliver great 3G connectivity in the small device, just with small volume antennas, which did not meet the conventional mobile phone quality standards.

The XMM 6255 combines a dual-band HSPA 3G modem with a fully integrated power amplifier and management solution.