The 5G femto application platform interface (5G FAPI, or simply FAPI) published by the Small Cell Forum (SCF) is a suite of specifications that enable small cells to be built up piece-by-piece using components from different suppliers. It can be viewed as a subset of the network functional application platform interface (nFAPI), also published by…
Unlicensed spectrum use: What’s the technology behind it?
Unlicensed LTE lets wireless carriers offload traffic to Wi-Fi frequencies, but it must coexist with Wi-Fi and not interfere. Here’s how it works.
mmWave signals: The effect on PCB traces, cables and connectors
The use of mmWave technology is growing across various applications, from 5G telephony to automotive systems and drones. At mmWave frequencies, signal integrity (SI) is a major concern. SI measures the signal’s ability to propagate without distortion or undue losses. It measures the quality, or distortion, of the signal passing through the printed circuit board…
Where does 5G fit into your designs?
Wireless modules and ICs that add wireless connectivity to your IoT designs are here and more are coming. You don’t have to work for a smartphone company to get access to 5G components.
Isolators cut reverse-traveling signals at mmWave frequencies
To minimize issues from standing waves, engineers have long used Faraday rotation isolators that let forward-traveling signals pass to the load while attenuating reverse-traveling signals such as reflections. Higher frequencies, however, bring a new set of problems such as insertion loss that Micro Harmonics claims to have solved with its mmWave isolators. The series consists…
Chipset family offers SoCs with integrated 5G modems in 7nm package
MediaTek introduced its Dimensity 800 Series 5G chipset family that will bring flagship features, power and performance to New Premium mid-range 5G smartphones. MediaTek’s Dimensity 5G chipset family offers powerful system-on-chips (SoCs) with integrated 5G modems. The single-chip solutions offer an unrivaled combination of connectivity, multimedia, AI and imaging innovations packed into an ultra-efficient 7nm…
Automotive-grade modules include 5G NR sub-6GHz module
Quectel Wireless Solutions announced today a series of new communication modules targeting the 5G connected car sector at CES 2020. Quectel’s new automotive-grade modules include the AG550Q, a new 5G New Radio (5G NR) Sub-6GHz module, the AG215S automotive EAP module, dedicated for C-V2X scenarios, and the AF50T Wi-Fi module. All three modules are based…
2020 will be the year 5G “arrives”
by Bob Everson, Global Director of Mobility and 5G, Cisco The first 5G launches came earlier than expected in 2019, most notably in South Korea and the USA. While South Korea was a more broad-scale launch, the introductions in the US were limited, with sparse availability. These restricted initial releases, unfortunately, created a lot of…
Why GaN will be key to feeding power-hungry 5G networks
By Francesco Di Domenico, Principal Application Engineering at Infineon Technologies As cellular network operators begin to switch on and deliver the 5G experience, the world awaits with mounting anticipation of the benefits the new mobile network technology will bring. Consumers can expect higher bandwidth, lower latency and more advanced service delivery from 5G, but it…
The impacts of 5G on the future: A new era of connectivity
Pre-commercial 5G has successfully launched in some countries, and the world is already excited about commercial 5G. A new digital era emerges as almost every household device will be able to connect with the internet, enabling further evolution of IoT. The impact of 5G will not be limited to networking. New technologies will evolve with…