This is the first testing facility for Qualcomm in South East Asia and will help local companies fast track their 5G developments.
The deployment of 5G technology worldwide has made chip makers intensify production further to ensure that smartphone manufacturers will have enough hardware to meet the continually growing demand. The introduction of 5G has also led to need for research and testing facilities. To meet that need, Qualcomm has announced that it is opening a “Interoperability Testing Laboratory” in Vietnam. The new test facility will primarily cater to its research and development needs and offer “world-class testing and engineering development services to local OEMs and partners”. Also Read – Qualcomm launches its RB5 robotics platform with Artificial Intelligence and 5G
This is the first testing facility for the California-based fabless semiconductor company in South East Asia. Qualcomm, like many other American tech companies, was also caught in the middle of a trade war between the US and China. Some companies have already started their moving their production activities in China to markets like Vietnam and India. Qualcomm has decided to build its first testing facility in Asia at Hanoi, Vietnam. Also Read – Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 brings 5G to more affordable price point
Qualcomm Vietnam test facility to assist R&D studies
The new Qualcomm testing facility is in Hanoi, Vietnam. The facility, consists of three labs and includes: 1) the RF Lab which supports various development activities including design review and calibrations; 2) the PPT Lab which performs Power, Performance, and Thermal testing to help customers ensure their products sustain the highest level of performance; 3) the Camera Service Lab which offers camera tuning capabilities and basic image quality verification. The company confirmed that the Modem and RF conformance lab provides pre-cert test for GCF in Europe and PTCRB in North America. Also Read – Qualcomm launches new Wi-Fi 6E enabled chips for smartphones and routers
The first test facility in Asia and particularly in Vietnam will support local players like VinSmart, BKAV and Viettel. VinSmart is one of the fastest growing smartphone brands in Vietnam and has plans to introduce 5G smartphones. Qualcomm is the leader in 5G modem design and has introduced 5G mobile chipsets including Snapdragon 865, Snapdragon 765G, Snapdragon 768G and Snapdragon 690 across price point.
“Our new office and Interoperability Testing laboratory will not only offer world-class testing and engineering development services to our local OEMs and partners; it will also be a hub for growing local talent and contributing to the enhancement of Vietnam’s workforce in preparation for the digital age. The Lab also reflects our continued commitments towards Vietnam’s ambitions of becoming a regional technology hub,” said ST Liew, VP, Qualcomm CDMA Technologies Asia-Pacific Pte. Ltd. and President, Qualcomm Taiwan & Southeast Asia.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect that Qualcomm has opened a new testing facility and not factory to make 5G chipset.
CVD 