S1C90C HPE Qualcomm X100 5G RAN GNSS Application Accelerator.

HPE S1C90C Qualcomm X100 5G RAN GNSS Expansion Module

S1C90C is a high-performance networking hardware component designed to provide reliable connectivity, stable data transmission, and seamless integration within enterprise IT environments. Built for dependable operation, it helps improve network efficiency while supporting demanding business applications. Its durable design ensures consistent performance and long-term reliability in data center and enterprise network deployments. Compatible with supported networking platforms, the S1C90C is an ideal choice for organizations seeking scalable, secure, and efficient infrastructure solutions.

General Information

• Manufacturer: HPE
• Part Number: S1C90C
• Device Type: Expansion Module

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: 5G RAN PCIe Inline Accelerator Card
• Processor: Qualcomm X100 5G RAN GNSS Accelerator
• Form Factor: Full-height, Half-length PCIe card
• Interface: PCIe Gen4
• Memory: 8 GB LPDDR5
• Accelerator Type: Inline Layer-1 (L1) 5G RAN Hardware Accelerator
• Application: 5G Virtualized RAN Infrastructure
• Timing Input: GNSS RF Input
• Fronthaul Interface: Integrated 300 Gbps Ethernet
• Network Ports: 3 × QSFP supporting eCPRI
• Size: 6.69 × 14.72 × 2.44 cm
• Processing Capacity: Up to 16 Downlink / 8 Uplink Component Carriers per Card
• Beamforming: Integrated Beamforming Processing
• Massive MIMO: Up to 64T64R
• Power Consumption: 35 Watts 

Software & Architecture

Software Features

• Commercial and Customizable Layer-1 Software
• CPU Offload for Compute-Intensive 5G Baseband Processing
• Low-Latency Processing
• High Performance and Energy Efficient
• O-RAN Ready Architecture
• Upgradable for Future 3GPP Releases

Compatibility

Supported Platforms

• HPE ProLiant DL110 Gen11 Server
• PCIe Gen4 Expansion Slot
• Virtualized 5G RAN Deployments
• Open RAN Infrastructure
• eCPRI Fronthaul Networks
• Massive MIMO 64T64R Radio Deployments
• 5G Layer-1 Processing
• Telecom Edge Computing Platforms
• Mobile Network Operator 5G Infrastructure
• Future 3GPP Software Upgrades
• Compatible with HPE 5G RAN Server Configurations Designed

 Overview HPE S1C90C GNSS Expansion Module Application 

The HPE S1C90C Qualcomm X100 5G RAN GNSS Expansion Module Application Accelerator is engineered to deliver advanced performance for next-generation mobile networks. Manufactured by HPE, this expansion module is designed to integrate seamlessly into telecom infrastructures, offering robust acceleration for 5G RAN deployments. Identified by part number S1C90C, it represents a critical component in enabling efficient and scalable 5G services across diverse environments.

Core Features

This expansion module is classified as a 5G RAN PCIe inline accelerator card, powered by the Qualcomm X100 5G RAN GNSS accelerator. Its full-height, half-length PCIe card form factor ensures compatibility with modern server architectures. The PCIe Gen4 interface provides high-speed connectivity, while the integrated 8 GB LPDDR5 memory operating at 3.2 GHz supports intensive data processing. Designed as an inline Layer-1 hardware accelerator, it is optimized for 5G virtualized RAN infrastructure applications, ensuring low-latency and high-throughput performance.

Connectivity and Input

The module incorporates GNSS RF input for precise timing synchronization, which is essential for maintaining network accuracy in 5G deployments. Its fronthaul interface includes integrated 300 Gbps Ethernet, enabling rapid data transfer between network components. Additionally, it features three QSFP ports supporting eCPRI, facilitating efficient communication across fronthaul networks and ensuring compatibility with advanced telecom standards.

Performance Capabilities

Performance is a defining aspect of the HPE S1C90C. It supports up to 16 downlink and 8 uplink component carriers per card, providing scalability for high-demand network environments. Integrated beamforming processing enhances signal quality and coverage, while massive MIMO support extends capabilities to 64 transmit and 64 receive channels. With a typical maximum power consumption of 35 watts, the module balances high performance with energy efficiency, making it suitable for large-scale deployments without excessive power demands.

Software Features

The expansion module is equipped with commercial and customizable Layer-1 software, allowing operators to tailor performance to specific network requirements. CPU offload capabilities reduce the burden on general-purpose processors, enabling efficient handling of compute-intensive 5G baseband tasks. Low-latency processing ensures rapid response times, while the architecture is designed to be O-RAN ready, supporting open and interoperable network infrastructures. Furthermore, the module is upgradable for future 3GPP releases, ensuring long-term adaptability in evolving telecom landscapes.

Physical Dimensions

Compact yet powerful, the module measures 6.69 × 14.72 × 2.44 cm and weighs approximately 0.84 kg. Its design facilitates easy integration into existing server configurations. A three-year limited warranty underscores HPE’s commitment to reliability and customer support, providing assurance of durability and sustained performance.

Supported Platforms

The HPE S1C90C is compatible with HPE ProLiant DL110 Gen11 servers and PCIe Gen4 expansion slots. It is designed for virtualized 5G RAN deployments, open RAN infrastructures, and eCPRI fronthaul networks. Its support for massive MIMO 64T64R radio deployments and 5G Layer-1 processing makes it a versatile solution for telecom edge computing platforms. Mobile network operators can leverage this module to enhance 5G infrastructure, with compatibility extending to future 3GPP software upgrades and HPE 5G RAN server configurations tailored for Qualcomm X100 accelerators.

Virtualized RAN Infrastructure

The module plays a pivotal role in virtualized RAN infrastructures, enabling operators to deploy flexible and scalable 5G networks. By offloading Layer-1 processing tasks, it enhances efficiency and reduces latency, ensuring that virtualized environments can meet the demands of modern mobile services. Its integration into vRAN platforms supports dynamic resource allocation and network slicing, critical for delivering customized services to diverse user groups.

Open RAN Compatibility

With O-RAN readiness, the HPE S1C90C supports open and interoperable network architectures. This compatibility fosters innovation by allowing operators to integrate components from multiple vendors, reducing dependency on proprietary solutions. The module’s support for standardized interfaces ensures seamless communication across diverse network elements, promoting flexibility and cost efficiency in 5G deployments.

Massive MIMO and Beamforming

Massive MIMO and beamforming are essential technologies for enhancing 5G network capacity and coverage. The HPE S1C90C’s support for 64T64R configurations enables simultaneous transmission and reception across multiple channels, significantly increasing throughput. Integrated beamforming processing improves signal quality by directing transmissions toward specific users, reducing interference and optimizing network performance.

Low-Latency Processing

Telecom edge computing requires rapid data processing to support applications such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and industrial automation. The HPE S1C90C delivers low-latency performance, ensuring that critical data is processed near the source. This capability reduces reliance on centralized data centers, enhancing responsiveness and reliability in edge computing scenarios.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a key consideration in large-scale telecom deployments. With a typical maximum power consumption of 35 watts, the module balances high performance with sustainable energy use. This efficiency reduces operational costs and supports environmentally responsible network expansion, aligning with global initiatives for greener technologies.

Upgradability

The HPE S1C90C is designed with future-proofing in mind. Its architecture supports upgrades for upcoming 3GPP releases, ensuring that operators can adapt to evolving standards without replacing hardware. This upgradability extends the lifecycle of the module, providing long-term value and reducing the need for frequent infrastructure overhauls.

Scalability

Scalability is essential for meeting the growing demands of 5G networks. The module’s support for multiple component carriers and massive MIMO configurations allows operators to expand capacity as needed. This scalability ensures that networks can accommodate increasing user densities and data traffic, maintaining performance and reliability in diverse deployment scenarios.