The latest generation of cellular connectivity exploded onto the market with the introduction of 5G in 2019. With it, smartphone manufacturers launched new handsets offering the promise of faster-than-ever internet access and the most advanced functionality.
In fact, 5G has seen the fastest adoption of any mobile network at a time when millions of us are being forced to work remotely. The high-speed wireless communication offered by 5G has come at the perfect moment.
However, while the introduction of 5G wireless telecommunications has given consumers access to the latest generation of mobile phones, this may distract many from the true impact of 5G technology. As powerful a tool as it is for consumers, 5G promises to make a far greater impact in the world of industry than any of the networks that have come before. For the first time, the data speeds offered by 5G wireless communication rival those of the more traditional wired technologies, suddenly freeing devices from the shackles of a physically wired network.
5G in the factory
One of the most interesting developments over the past decade has been the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT). At the heart of the IoT is machine-to-machine communication, which allows electronic devices to share information without the need for human intervention. Just as with the introduction of 5G technology, the obvious examples of this technology were first seen in the home. From energy metering to grocery shopping, machines are now playing a greater part in everyday living.
However, the use of the IoT in the home of tomorrow is just a small example of the functionality that IoT is providing to designers. In the manufacturing world, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has enabled the creation of the smart factory. Within a traditional factory, machines perform their own tasks, isolated from their neighbors. IIoT, or Industry 4.0 as it is sometimes known, connects these machines into a network that works as a single entity. Machines share data, enabling the management not just of production but also the supply chain, maintenance and logistical aspects of the operation.
The introduction of 5G communications into the industrial environment will enable additional integration of devices into the smart factory network. Manufacturers can install a private 5G cell that will cover the entirety of their facility and will allow high-speed data transfer from all parts of the operation, from the smallest sensors to the largest machines. The use of a wireless network will provide unprecedented levels of flexibility, allowing manufacturers to easily reconfigure their production lines in response to new market demands.
Vehicle technology and medical devices
Outside the factory environment, other industries will be able to employ 5G communications. The automotive industry is in the midst of a major revolution, as the demand for electric vehicles is growing and autonomous or self-driving cars are now set to become an everyday sight. This has led to the rise of a new acronym that describes how cars will communicate with other road users: V2X (from Vehicle-to-X). In an environment where fractions of a second are vital to safety, the high-speed, low-latency communication provided by the 5G network will be vital to the smooth operation of vehicles on tomorrow’s roads and in its towns.
On a more personal level, 5G is starting to play a key role in the provision of healthcare. As medical devices become smaller and allow the development of wearable technology, the 5G network will enable healthcare to be delivered remotely. The latest generation of MedTech devices will connect remotely via 5G to the patient’s healthcare providers. Patients will no longer need to visit a hospital to see a doctor, as they can be monitored and even receive treatment remotely, allowing them to continue with their daily lives.
Even greater potential
Even now, the full potential of the 5G revolution has yet to be discovered. With applications in industry, medicine and transportation, we are already seeing the impact that true high-speed wireless communications can have on daily life. Over the next few years, we will see even more exciting possibilities being developed. Designers will need access to the latest component technology that delivers high-speed and high reliability for this demanding new sector.
Molex provides a comprehensive range of high-performance connectivity solutions for the demands of 5G. Antennae will be vital to enabling devices to form part of the 5G network, and Molex offers a range of low-profile antenna products that are ideal miniaturized devices. Molex is also a market leader in the production of the high-speed connectors that are needed for both devices and infrastructure within the 5G network. These include low-profile printed circuit board (PCB)-mounted connectors such as the Mirror Mezz Connector series, which is capable of data rates of up to 56 Gbps. It also includes the latest high-speed radio frequency (RF) connectors for the latest generation of cellular base stations.
5G technology will revolutionize many aspects of our daily lives. Designing for this new technology will rely on the right components to harness its full potential.
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Antenna Solutions
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RF Solutions
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I/O Connectors
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