EE World spoke with Spirent’s Stephen Douglas about the company’s annual 5G report. 5G development continues, with AI showing its influence. Around 2014 or 2015, I first started hearing about 5G development, mainly in terms of 5G New Radio (5G NR). With the release of the first 5G standards in December 2018 and the start…
What are the integration and test issues with O-RAN?
Integration and test issues with Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN) arise from their multi-vendor architecture. O-RAN consists of separate elements, such as radios, baseband units, and software, that can be sourced from different vendors. O-RAN was developed to promote greater flexibility, competition, and cost-efficiency compared to proprietary RAN alternatives. The elements are complex sub-systems that…
What are the EMC issues for 5G and IoT devices?
5G and IoT applications can involve high densities of devices operating on similar frequencies. Designers of electronic devices regularly pay close attention to minimizing the generation of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ensuring electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Minimizing electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) can also be important for 5G and IoT devices to protect them from potential cumulative effects…
Wireless modules enhance IoT devices through theft-prevention tracking
Microcontrollers and wireless modules combine to add connectivity and theft-prevention features to IoT devices for automotive, industrial, medical, and smart-home use. Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) integrate theft-prevention tracking capabilities into their IoT devices. This article reviews key trade-offs and considerations for selecting wireless tracking technologies and highlights the crucial role microcontroller units (MCUs) play…
Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
By incorporating AI-native design principles, wireless engineers can develop systems and networks that meet today’s needs and are equipped to evolve with tomorrow’s wireless requirements and advancements. Next-generation wireless systems, such as base stations, cellular phones, and Wi-Fi modems, push complexity limits with ever-increasing capacity demands, greater coverage expectations, and a massive user surge. Enter…
A survey of cellular connectivity modules for IoT applications: part 2
This is the second part of the multipart FAQ series on cellular connectivity modules used for IoT applications. We discuss how u-blox, Sierra Wireless, SIMCom, and Ericsson lead the technology with their custom products for 5G, 4G, LTE, LPWA, and 2G applications. Click here to see part 1. u-blox cellular connectivity modules u-blox, a Swiss-based…
A survey of cellular connectivity modules for IoT applications: part 1
Cellular IoT connects physical devices, such as sensors, trackers, etc., to the Internet using existing cellular networks used for mobile phones. The global cellular IoT market was valued at $6.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $22.95 billion by 2030. Therefore, several companies are developing cellular connectivity modules to tap into this…
NYU Wireless releases 6G channel propagation data
The wireless industry considers 6.75 GHz to 16.95 GHz as a potential “sweet spot” for 6G communications.
43.5 GHz cables serve 5G and wireless applications
Cables available in three standard lengths with SMA, 2.92 mm, and 2.4 mm end connectors. Samtec’s LL043 Series Nitrowave microwave cable assemblies have performance is optimized from DC to 43.5 GHz with a maximum VSWR of 1.4:1. The 43.5 GHz bandwidth lets the cables operate at 5G mmWave frequencies as well as those used in…
Cable assembly optimized up to 43.5 GHz
Samtec, Inc. is announcing the availability of full production quantity for its LL043 Series Nitrowave high-performance microwave cable assembly. Nitrowave is Samtec’s new flexible, low-loss microwave coaxial cable product line that demonstrates outstanding amplitude and phase stability in test and measurement, as well as 5G datacom, defense, aerospace, and computer/semiconductor applications. Nitrowave is easily recognizable…