Even as 5G networks are rapidly implemented around the world, 5G technical standards are still evolving to support additional applications such as telemedicine and autonomous driving which rely on the high bandwidth and low latency of 5G networks. This article will introduce you to the latest developments in 5G networks and solutions from vendors such as ADI, Murata, Molex, and onsemi.
5G networks with high data rates and low latency
5G, whose complete description is “5th generation mobile networks”, is the latest generation of mobile communication technology as defined by the 3GPP organization. 5G is also the subsequent evolution of 4G (LTE-A, WiMAX-A, LTE) systems and aims to achieve high data rates, reduced latency, energy savings, reduced costs, increased system capacity, and large-scale device connectivity.
The 5G standard, which was introduced in the 15th 3GPP Specifications Release (Q2 2018), has now evolved to become the latest 17th Specifications Release (Q3 2022). Early 5G technologies focused on eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC applications, with current 5G technologies having diverse and practical applications such as RedCap, NR lite, NTN satellites and airborne vehicle applications. The 3GPP organization is expected to release the 18th 3GPP Specifications Release (5G - Advanced) around 2025, with 5G technologies expected to achieve 20Gbps downlink data rates and 10Gbps uplink data rates.
Similar to previous generations of communication technologies, 5G networks belongs to a cellular network which divides the 5G service area into smaller cells according to their geographical location. 5G wireless devices within the cell use radio waves to connect to the Internet and telephone network through local antennas within the cell.
In addition to providing a wider bandwidth for mobile phones or tablets to connect to the Internet, 5G will also integrate existing user-oriented wireless network architectures in the backdrop of the promotion of services like smart homes, smart cities, or smart factories, hence allowing a huge number of measuring instruments and various ancillary sensors to connect to the Internet through 5G.
New standards and technologies which meet the needs of different applications
Current 5G network development contains several highly important technology applications which include eMBB, URLLC, mMTC, NTN and RedCap. eMBB which stands for “Enhanced Mobile Broadband”, focuses on areas with high user density and low mobility demand but in turn requires very high data transfer volumes, hence users of eMBB enjoy higher data transfer rates than that of users under wide-area coverage.
URLLC, the abbreviation for “Ultra-reliable and Low Latency Communications”, is a 5G application with very stringent data transfer, latency, and reliability requirements. For example, applications such as wireless control of industrial automation manufacturing or production processes, telemedical surgery, smart grid power distribution automation, transport safety, unmanned driving, etc., require communication applications with high reliability (error rate less than 10-5) and low latency (less than 1 millisecond).
mMTC, which stands for “Massive Machine Type Communications”, is an application which is characterized by connecting a huge number of assembly devices with a device-to-device communication requirement of about 1 million devices per square kilometer. In mMTC, there is low data volume transmitted as well as low demand for data transmission latency. In addition, assembly devices must have extremely low manufacturing costs and long battery life.
NTN, which stands for “non-terrestrial networks” which supports satellite access functions in order for 5G to provide both ubiquitous connectivity and network coverage in non-terrestrial areas such as remote areas covered by offshore and non-terrestrial cellular networks for purposes of expanding network coverage for critical use cases which include global asset tracking (e.g., offshore containers or terminals outside of cellular network coverage).
RedCap (Reduced Capability), a new technical standard for 3GPP in 5G R17, was previously known as NR light (NR lite), a lightweight 5G network. RedCap supports three major business scenarios: wearables, industrial sensors, and video surveillance. RedCap modules are projected to be much cheaper than current 5G modules, but are costlier than NB-IoT modules.
Providing customers with complete 5G application products and complete 5G expertise
With regards to applications of 5G technologies, many electronics suppliers have launched a variety of products in response. Using ADI as an example, ADI introduced a 5G millimeter-wave RF front-end IC supporting 24 GHz to 48.2 GHz in defiance of the narrowband vendor model by optimizing power consumption, bandwidth, and performance while providing a high degree of integrability. In addition, ADI’s deep RF industry expertise and extensive range of RF products help customers unlock the entire wireless spectrum and accompanying opportunities for very low-latency communications.
ADI, on the other hand, has also introduced RadioVerse technology and design ecosystems, integrated transceiver technology, reliable development environments, and market-specific technical expertise. These contribute to rapidly bringing new RF concepts to reality. If you are interested in even more of ADI’s 5G solutions, please visit the following website: https://www.analog.com/en/applications/technology/5g.html.
Murata, in targeting the 5G ecosystem, has also expanded its component deployment for millimeter waves, thermal management, device size optimization, and battery life extensions. These components include ceramic capacitors (for low ESR in RF circuit design), small inductors for compact designs, ferrite bead solutions for complex EMI applications, and SAW filters applicable for new radio bands in satellite applications.
Murata also has specialized solutions for miniaturization, low latency, battery life, temperature management, mobility, 5G area networks, mission-critical systems, massive Internet of Things, eMBB, and component technologies for 5G applications. Please visit Murata’s website for more information on its 5G solutions: https://article.murata.com/en-us/series/5g-technology.
Product knowledge and RF manufacturing knowledge accelerate system development
Molex's years of experience in working with mobile devices, network infrastructure, automotive connectivity, RF, and other market-leading companies can help customers seize 5G opportunities and overcome barriers. Molex provides product and RF system manufacturing expertise which enables designers to create 5G products suited for mass production. Designing 5G functions into devices not only involves selecting the most suitable 5G components, but also involves the skillful and correct integration of sensitive RF antennas and connectors.
Molex's RF team has invested heavily in 5G research and development, with a focus on new designs, utilization of state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and technologies, and also using newer, higher-frequency RF test rooms to promote manufacturing. Molex both collaborates with and supports device manufacturers in integrating 5G antennas and related components into their next-generation products. Please visit the following website for more information about Molex’s 5G solutions: https://www.molex.com/molex/industry/5g_technology/5g.
5G will empower the world to connect and share new experiences in many new ways. onsemi provides a vast product lineup and innovative technologies to continuously help customers find solutions and drive design development. onsemi's wide range of products which include DC-DC or AC-DC converters for power management, MOSFET, gate drives, rectifiers, low drop regulators (LDO), as well as WiFi solutions for wireless connectivity, wireless RF transceivers, EEPROM memory, and etc. will meet customers' various needs in 5G product design.
In addition, onsemi also has various specifications for CMOS image sensors, such as AR1335, which is ideal for 5G eMBB applications, e.g. powerful 4K streaming, 10MP image capture, as well as around-the-world surveillance. For more information about onsemi’s products, please visit the following URL: https://www.onsemi.com/products/5g-enterprise.
Conclusion
5G networks are a key technology driver in the promotion of IoT, Industry 4.0, autonomous driving, and other applications. With the active deployment of 5G networks around the world, enterprises and individuals are becoming increasingly keen on 5G application-related solutions and services, hence the potential of 5G market development is extremely surprising. This article can only provide a general overview of the products offered by a few 5G solution providers. If you are interested in better understanding these products, please feel free to visit the manufacturers’ websites or directly contact Arrow Electronics for their highly comprehensive services.