Fiber is required to deliver low latency, which is crucial for a 5G fronthaul between the base station and the core network. Several fiber options can increase installation density and/or flexibility in this fronthaul. Common choices include bend-insensitive fiber (BIF), OM5 fiber, ultra-low-loss (ULL) fiber, and reduced-diameter fiber. Each offers different performance tradeoffs for specific…
What is a scheduler and what does it do in a 5G network?
A scheduler dynamically allocates resources, including time, frequency, and power, to serve user equipment (UEs) connected to a base station (gNB) on a 5G network. Delivering high-quality service (QoS) to diverse 5G use cases, such as ultra-reliable Low-Latency Communication (uRLLC), Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC), and Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), is critical. Scheduling is not explicitly…
Why do high frequency signals reflect?
High-frequency signals, like those used in 5G communications, are reflected by impedance discontinuities. Their shorter wavelengths can change their impedance. When a signal arrives at an impedance transition, part of it is absorbed and transmitted, and part is reflected. The strength of the reflection depends on the magnitude of the impedance mismatch. The phenomenon of…
How are the thermal issues with 5G radios being addressed?
All options are deployed when dealing with 5G radio thermal issues in base stations and handsets. Depending on the circumstance, thermal challenges are addressed using a combination of passive and active thermal management, packaging and hardware design improvements, and advanced software. This article presents a brief overview of this complex landscape. Due to the increased…
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…
How Amazon Sidewalk differs from Wi-Fi, cellular, and LoRaWAN networks
Amazon Sidewalk uses 900 MHz to send low-bitrate messages to IoT devices. It has a more extended range than Wi-Fi and requires no base stations. Amazon Sidewalk is a free community network that provides secure, reliable connectivity for smart IoT devices. This low-bandwidth, low-power network leverages sub-GHz frequencies to transmit small data packets over distances…
How does 5G help secure edge connectivity?
If not thoughtfully and thoroughly implemented, 5G security can be a mixed bag. On the one hand, 5G has new features designed to enhance security, such as stronger encryption algorithms and better user authentication. At the same time, 5G networks face several security challenges, including new attack vectors and a larger attack surface. This article…
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…
Where do fiber optics fit into automotive wiring harnesses?
Fiber optics can address several important needs for automotive wiring harnesses, including lightweight, high bandwidth, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). This article begins by reviewing the benefits of fiber optics in automotive wiring harnesses. It then considers how fiber optics supports media-oriented system transport (MOST) networks and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It then looks into…