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Preventive Maintenance: Optimizing Asset Performance and Longevity

<p>Ian Dickson spoke to Christian Thiele, Director, Global Vehicle Standards at SAE International about their missionto connect and educate mobility professionals to enable safe, clean, and accessible mobility solutions.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzAxMTE2MDcyMzkwLUFWIGRvd25sb2FkIGJhbm5lci5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe width="540" height="450" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAMBWtqlAziu5EwFUIjLCWmRdzCiwOJRx3R3LyYkfG1dfYIvOKLn1dfBY8M58jYUZY8sQm7DnIOmrBjZ93ycsAv4ICzMbRD95I3S4FIWFM6EU4i3C7yzFNYn-Kfm0vJN96NgNO2_w4BQcrnOEwEVShkElbpBLjOT3ARKFBFADGHd-PDjMwJZI5avI3TUfr-xTC_fVunqO5MKo" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span></iframe>&nbsp;</span></p><hr><h3 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">What is SAE?</h3><p dir="ltr">Christian Thiele: SAE International has been around for about 118 years, our primary focus is dealing with the development of standardization and selling and getting those standards out to the industry. Recognizing that our mission is to advance mobility, knowledge, and solutions for the benefit of humanity, with the vision to connect and educate mobility professionals to enable a safe, clean, and accessible mobility solution at the end of the day, we do this through mutual forums. And by that we enable these mutual forms to develop consensus-based global standards for the global mobility industry.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">We are the largest organization that drives mobility standards. But in order to deal with that, we also have a foundation and we also do STEM research, to help develop and grow through learning, through professional development, and pre-professional development, driving people to engage through engineering technology. Basically, fill those coffers for future committee members and future engineers who help these consensus-based standards being developed and produced.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Thanks for the overview. Then when it comes to autonomous cars, you've probably answered this question in part already but how is SAE involved in autonomous cars?&nbsp;</h3><p dir="ltr">Christian Thiele: Let's look at it this way. Right now, we're not at the autonomous phase. Let's look at automated driving, and recognizing and understanding the automated space. We have specifically through our J3016 identified the levels of automation and clearly, level five and beyond is when you get to a level where you could call it autonomous.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">But at the end of the day, what our focus is, is helping drive those standards and develop those standards. To allow interoperability and harmonisation, especially the communication side of how automated vehicles are managed.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">Automated driving, ultimately from a vehicle and driver perspective, is to make certain that active safety standards that are built into a vehicle, i.e. the automatic braking, lane change sensing, holding steering wheel position of the car in the lane so it doesn't leave the lane, etc. These are technologies and spaces that we have helped develop in the industry, and helped through our standard organization bodies, building those standards that define what that needs to be.</p><h3 dir="ltr">What are some of the key challenges your members are facing particularly with AV?</h3><p dir="ltr">The key, especially from a technology point of view, is getting things that are working, to scale and interoperability. This is what we tried to do through our harmonization and through defining those standards for those communication protocols that need to happen, which allow everybody to communicate at one frequency, at one time. It's not English to Chinese; it's everyone speaking English, so to speak, to put it in layman's terms.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Okay, perfect. And then talking about the organization in a more general capacity. What are some of the benefits to your members of being in SAE and the adherence to these standards?</h3><p dir="ltr"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Let's look at what standardization does for a company and organization itself. First, you reduce costs and design development, because you are convening a large group of industry experts that come together to help better define, narrow, and develop what standards we need to follow and to make design and development easier on the individual corporations and companies. This makes engineering easier and it reduces the cost. It also increases performance as it permits a common interface. Increased productivity and processes enable companies to become more effective and efficient at what they do as a corporation.&nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="background-color: transparent;">So ultimately, what does this do at the end of the day? It helps to enhance safety, create a common language out there for everybody to communicate to, and facilitates throughput through regulations. It harmonizes the global marketplace. Standards ultimately give compatibility, consistent quality product, regulatory compliance, clear expectations, and consistent product performance. Everybody understands what needs to be when, where and how. It also allows for efficient procurement, which is vitally critical for organizations and companies to be able to buy and procure products. &nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr">These reasons show why the SAE and the standards bodies organizations are vitally critical. &nbsp;</p><h3 dir="ltr">Then how do you actually create global standards when regulations requirements vary so much by country?</h3><p dir="ltr">Yeah, so, what we do is we work on a regional, national, and international space. Standards by themselves are not the finding. The right standards give you a direction of what is perhaps seen as the best technical information out there.</p><p dir="ltr">We support harmonization through the UN. For example, we sit as a consultant on a consultative body. Where we contribute expertise on dealing with communication protocol and connected vehicle protocols. We helped derive some of those standards that ultimately will be implemented at a local government level.&nbsp;</p><h3 dir="ltr">How different are the SAE standards for autonomous vehicles versus the current generation of vehicles?</h3><p dir="ltr">Let's understand two things. First, before, the car was a self-contained environment. At the end of the day, it never communicated with the outside environment. The person or thing that was communicating was you, the individual driving the vehicle who was seeing and hearing etc. And you would make that vehicle go where it needed to go. Now you have systems that are going to define where, when, and how to best engage that vehicle under certain circumstances. &nbsp;And that's where the challenge is. &nbsp;How much confidence do we have from a security point of view to ensure that the systems are secure, without being hacked or compromised, through other means? Now, even EV vehicles recognize they're plugging in and charging. Anytime you plug in the vehicle, something happens as it relates to communication between the vehicle and the outside world. And there are threats and risks there.&nbsp;</p><h3 dir="ltr">So in your opinion, where do you think we are with autonomous vehicles? And what's your vision of an autonomous future?&nbsp;</h3><p dir="ltr">I definitely see an opportunity. I don't think we're there yet with a fully automated vehicle. I think level one or two are pretty sound and robust. Level three and beyond that, that's where it becomes challenging and I think in the next five to 10 years, you will see major technology advancements allowing for reliability and capability to execute to a certain level that is acceptable. You don't want a braking system working 60% of the time, you'd like it to be in the 99 percentile, recognizing and understanding that these things will help and benefit the occupants in the vehicles and the drivers themselves.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">We had over 43,000 deaths last year in the US related to automotive mobility related deaths. That is a frighteningly large number and we need to do whatever we can do from a technology point of view, to advance these vehicles to better utilize technology to better enable automated driving down the road.&nbsp;</p><h3 dir="ltr">Thank you. How do you think AVs can contribute to society? I think you've really touched on it there in terms of reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries.</h3><p dir="ltr">We need to acknowledge the ongoing revisions to the J3016, which is the standard for defining levels of automation in vehicles. It's crucial to consider human factors in this context. From the perspective of distracted driving, it's important to recognize the potential benefits of automated and autonomous vehicles. These technologies can significantly aid in addressing distracted driving issues.</p><p dir="ltr">Currently, we are exploring technologies that are already available. For instance, in Europe, every new vehicle will be equipped with Driver Management Systems (DMS). These systems, which include vision systems and driver monitoring capabilities, focus on tracking the driver's head and eye positions. This is a key step in enhancing safety through DMS.</p><p dir="ltr">It's essential to always be aware of the driver's actions, particularly the position of their hands. Implementing these technologies immediately can help drivers stay focused on driving rather than being distracted by other activities.</p><hr><h3 dir="ltr">Click through to read each of the report's chapters.</h3><main><h3><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Introduction</a><br><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report?chapter=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">I: Sensing Technologies</a><br><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report?chapter=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">II: Thinking and Learning</a><br><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report?chapter=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">III: EDGE and RTOS</a><br><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report?chapter=4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IV: Communication and Connectivity</a><br><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report?chapter=5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">V: Security</a><br><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report?chapter=6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">VI: Tech Stack</a><br><br></h3></main><h2><strong>Leadership Interviews</strong></h2><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report-interview-accelerating-av-development-through-customer-collaboration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interview with Mouser<br></a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report-interview-building-trust-in-autonomous-driving-navigating-future-reliability-and-milestone-achievements" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interview with Murata&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report-interview-the-role-of-pcb-in-shaping-autonomous-vehicle-development/draft" target="_blank"></a><br><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report-interview-the-role-of-pcb-in-shaping-autonomous-vehicle-development" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interview with MacroFab</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report-interview-exploring-the-future-of-high-performance-computing-in-autonomous-vehicles/draft" target="_blank"></a><br><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report-interview-exploring-the-future-of-high-performance-computing-in-autonomous-vehicles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interview with Nexperia</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report-interview-driving-global-standards/draft" target="_blank"></a><br>Interview with SAE International<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report-interview-advancing-open-source-development-in-the-automotive-industry/draft" target="_blank"></a><br><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report-interview-advancing-open-source-development-in-the-automotive-industry" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interview with Autoware Foundation</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report-interview-insights-from-nvidia-about-artifical-intelligence-in-avs/draft" target="_blank"></a><br><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/2023-autonomous-vehicle-report-interview-insights-from-nvidia-about-artifical-intelligence-in-avs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interview with NVIDIA</a></h3>

In this interview Christian Thiele, Director, Global Vehicle Standards at SAE discusses advanced mobility, knowledge sharing and automotive solutions for the benefit of humanity.

2023 Autonomous Vehicle Report Interview: Driving Global Standards

<p dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><em>This is the sixth and the final article in a&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/next-gen-wi-fi-applications-and-solutions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>6-part series</em></a><em>&nbsp;featuring articles on <strong>Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions.</strong> The series focuses on the improvements Wi-Fi 6/6E and its applications bring to enhance the performance of the next-gen wireless networking devices. This series is sponsored by Mouser Electronics. Through the sponsorship, Mouser Electronics shares its passion for technologies that enable smarter and connected applications.</em></p><p dir="ltr">As discussed in the previous articles of our Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions Series, improving wireless communication performance is no longer limited to just pushing the limits of raw data transfer rates. To offer an improved user experience, it is necessary to mitigate interference and optimize the use of the available frequency spectrum in the best possible way.</p><p dir="ltr">The sixth and the final article of the ongoing series examines the interference problem in-depth and explains how Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) technology offers a promising solution to maximize spectrum utilization by high-precision filtering to recover signals with greater noise immunity.&nbsp;</p><h2 dir="ltr">Solving the Interference Problem</h2><p dir="ltr">Cellular networks, Wi-Fi, ZigBee&reg;, Bluetooth&reg;, and several other protocols all share a common Radio Frequency (RF) space. They use different modulation schemes, channel widths, channel spacings, and frequency-hopping algorithms.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">As next-generation services and devices emerge, more frequencies, bandwidth, coexistence, and interference immunity is needed. This means claiming more of the spectrum that was lost using older technologies.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 758px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUzMjQxMTE3NzgzLTE2NTMyNDExMTc3ODMucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii" alt="interferences-in-wifi"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Fig. 1: Wi-Fi devices suffer from internal as well as external interference all the time. Source: Mouser-Qorvo</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr">Spectrum utilization is the key, and as the move from 3G to 4G increased the number of bands from 5 to 40, recovering clean signals from a world of muddying interference is getting tougher.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><iframe id="641adb382efaf40008a1771d" width="250" class="specs-iframe" height="420" src="https://wevolver.com/iframe/specs/digilent-b200-ettus-usrp-cognitive-radio?iframe=true" frameborder="0" scrolling="true" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>In other words, for reaching deep into a turbulent pool of RF, more precision filtering is needed to recover stronger and more reliable signals with improved noise immunity. And with handheld devices that feature multiprotocol transceivers that can operate simultaneously, the need for 40 filters is not uncommon. Even within a home setting, Wi-Fi routers suffer, and end-point devices fall victim here as well.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Improving Performance Through Precision Filtering</h2><p dir="ltr">Key to improving performance are filters, but older space-eating Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) filter technologies are reaching a brick wall as far as being effective solutions to the doubling of RF bands is concerned.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">Supplanting SAW filters is BAW technology. Both are forms of electromechanical resonators. The structure of the BAW resonator consists of a thin layer of a piezoelectric material sandwiched between two electrodes. When an electric field is applied across the electrodes, the piezoelectric crystal excites an acoustic wave. As the wave propagates through the surface, cavities are formed between the electrodes. <sup>[1]</sup></p><p dir="ltr">This technology can handle higher power levels than SAW devices. Electric current distributes more freely, and there are no narrow channels of fingers prone to electromigration damage as in SAW filters. Bulk filters have been used to partition the bands and are proving a more reliable bandwidth within the band. BAW technology extends the edges of the filters while maintaining sharp band edges.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">BAW filters, which can be made using crystal quartz, can be 1000 times smaller than ceramic technologies while retaining low cost at high-volume manufacturing. As this technology takes over older SAW solutions, new and tightly packed filters can allow smaller, more clever use of specific bands and power levels to set up a true next-generation band-sharing technique.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">To sum it all up, here is a list of key advantages BAW filters offer:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Sharp band edges:&nbsp;</strong>Systems using BAW filters showcase a high rejection in the frequencies outside of the band edges. This helps in reducing the leakage of signal outside the used frequencies.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Smaller size:</strong> Whole BAW filter can be fabricated on a single IC as opposed to some crystal oscillators that require a dedicated footprint and a triggering Resistor-Capacitor (RC) circuit. This feature helps in the size reduction of the PCB used in the end product.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Temperature stability:</strong> Though the products are designed to work at 25 &deg;C, in practical applications, the temperatures can go up to 60-80 &deg;C due to high ambient temperatures and heat emitted by other components. BAW filters are more resilient to these extremities as compared to SAW filters.</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr">All the observations point to a single direction, and that is towards a system with less interference than ever before.</p><h2 dir="ltr">New Ways of Partitioning and Preferential Allocation of Bands</h2><p dir="ltr">WiFi 6E&rsquo;s expansion in the 6 GHz band grants more number of non-overlapping channels for connected devices to communicate over. The jump from 5 GHz to 6 GHz band is a pretty significant upgrade than it may appear at first.</p><div align="left" dir="ltr"><table><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr"><strong>2.4 GHz</strong></p></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr"><strong>5 GHz</strong></p></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr"><strong>6 GHz</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr"><strong>20 MHz</strong></p></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr">3 channels</p></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr">25&nbsp;channels</p></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr">60&nbsp;channels</p></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr"><strong>40 MHz</strong></p></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr">1&nbsp;channel</p></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr">12&nbsp;channels</p></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr">29&nbsp;channels</p></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr"><strong>80 MHz</strong></p></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr">N.A.</p></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr">6&nbsp;channels</p></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr">14&nbsp;channels</p></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr"><strong>160 MHz</strong></p></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr">N.A.</p></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr">2&nbsp;channels</p></td><td style="text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr">7 channels</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr"><em>Table 1: Number of non-overlapping channels in Wi-Fi</em></p><p dir="ltr">With just a GHz increase in the frequency, the latest WiFi standard increases the number of non-overlapping channels by more double compared to the 5 GHz band. One of the reasons for such a large increase in the number of channels is the unavailability of bands reserved for RADARs in the sub-5 GHz frequencies, which is not a concern in the 5-6 GHz frequencies.</p><p dir="ltr">To make use of all the available channels to the fullest and transition between interfering bands, engineers can make use of BAW filters in their designs. These filters help to avoid interference from band to band and are large enablers of capacity increase. For customers, this translates to reduced interference and an increase in the effective range of the devices. Multiple users can communicate at the same time with the router.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">With improved filters exhibiting higher power levels, taking up less space, device-specific and even protocol-specific partitioning of the airwaves can take place. Additionally, design engineers can classify power levels based on criticality, throughput, or other importance so that channel assignments for noncritical transmissions avoid these channels.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">For example, a high-speed streaming multimedia link has higher bandwidth needs than SMS texting services. An interruption in the streaming could be a turnoff if insufficient bandwidth or buffering is used. On the other hand, seconds of delay in SMS services would not even be noticed.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">By the same token, newly emerging medical devices connected to the Internet of Things could use specific subsets of the newly evolved bandwidth to assure the most reliability while monitoring a patient or transferring error-free vitals. Even assigned fallback channels can be used to increase reliability.&nbsp;</p><h2 dir="ltr">High-performance BAW filters for cutting edge RF applications by Qorvo</h2><p dir="ltr">As RF technology achieves new heights with each passing generation of Wi-Fi, cellular, and several other wireless communication networks, a precise filter is required to support wideband and high-frequency designs. Qorvo&rsquo;s innovations in BAW technology are vital components in advanced filtering solutions for mobile products, radars, and other wireless communication technologies.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">Qorvo BAW filters range from 1.5 GHz to 9 GHz, encompassing the consumer wireless bands as well as carrier services. Parts such as the <a href="https://www.mouser.com/new/qorvo/qorvo-qpq1909-baw-filter/" target="_blank">QPQ1909SR</a> perform signal-conditioning filtration within the 2402MHz to 2494 MHz bands for Wi-Fi bandage (Figure 1). Terminating into 50 Ω, the low 0.8 dB to 1.2 dB insertion loss is essential for maintaining signal integrity. <span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUzMjQxOTkyNjMzLUFydGljbGUgNCAoMSkuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii" alt=" Qorvo QPQ1909 Wi-Fi"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Fig. 2: Qorvo QPQ1909 Wi-Fi&reg; edgeBoost&trade; BAW Filter: Packing multiple high-performance RF front-end filters in smaller space while improving performance lets hexaplexers such as this multiband filter provide superior performance in smaller designs. Source: Mouser/Qorvo</span></span></span></p><p>BAW designs use the high-performance high-power edge boost Wi-Fi technology for channels 1 through 14. This means end-users will see a better quality of service as well as higher regulatory power allowances (to +30 dBm averaged input power). Note how the higher performance channels in conjunction with a priority scheme can ensure more reliable data communications to more critical applications.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUzMjQxOTc0NzIwLUFydGljbGUgNC5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" class="fr-fic fr-dii" alt="Qorvo QPQ1909EVB01 Active Filter Development Tools Evaluation Board"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Fig. 3 Qorvo QPQ1909EVB01 Active Filter Development Tools Evaluation Board. For those willing to get started with BAW designs, resources like QPQ1909EVB01 Active Filter Development Tools Evaluation Board can be a perfect choice. Source: Mouser/Qorvo</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr">BAW filters are not limited to better Wi-Fi solutions but are also useful for GPS, DiPlexer, Duplexers, and other assorted protocol-specific access points, routers, gateways, and wearables. If you are going to filter, it is a better idea to do it in bulk.&nbsp;</p><h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2><p dir="ltr">With the introduction of next-generation services and devices, more frequencies, bandwidth, coexistence, and interference immunity are required. As a result, design engineers must maximize spectrum utilization. BAW technology and filters enable the partitioning of frequency bands for more precision filtering to capture stronger and more reliable signals with enhanced noise immunity.</p><p dir="ltr">To read more about BAW filters and other technologies enabling better Wi-Fi solutions, do check out: <a href="https://www.mouser.com/news/qorvo-ebook/mobile/index.html" target="_blank">Future-Proofing Wi-Fi</a> by Mouser and Qorvo.</p><p dir="ltr"><em>This article was initially published by Mouser and Qorvo in an <a href="https://www.mouser.com/news/qorvo-wifi6-app-ebook/mobile/index.html" target="_blank">e-magazine</a>. It has been substantially edited by the Wevolver team and Electrical Engineer <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/ravi.rao" target="_blank">Ravi Y Rao</a>. It&#39;s the sixth and the final article from the Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions Series.</em></p><ul><li dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><em>The introductory article <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/next-gen-wi-fi-applications-and-solutions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">provided an overview of wireless communication and the subsequent articles of the series.&nbsp;</a></em></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The first article&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-evolution-of-wi-fi-networks-from-ieee-80211-to-wi-fi-6e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>explored the origins and the evolution of WiFi to showcase how the wireless local area networking standard improved over time.</em></a></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The second article was&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-design-philosophy-behind-wi-fi-6e-recent-trends-in-wireless-networking/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>focused on recent trends and the design philosophy behind WiFi 6/6E.</em></a><em>&nbsp;The article explains why even with a marginal improvement in raw data rates, WiFi 6/6E is the biggest upgrade yet.</em></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The third article dives into the technicalities of WiFi 6/6E.&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/six-technologies-enabling-wi-fi-6e/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>It explains the 6 enabling technologies of WiFi 6/6E including OFDMA, BSS Coloring, TWT, Beamforming, 8X8 MU-MIMO, and 1024-QAM.</em></a></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The fourth article is a&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/future-of-wireless-communication-wi-fi-6e-or-5g/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>comparison between WiFi and 5G based on some of the key performance parameters.&nbsp;</em></a><em>It tries to form a perspective regarding which technology is suitable for different use cases.</em></li><li><em>The fifth article features a discussion on where the wireless communication industry is headed to. <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-next-generation-of-wi-fi-in-conversation-with-cees-links/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Concepts like mesh WiFi networks are explored with excerpts from an interview with Cees Links, General Manager of the Low Power Wireless Business Unit in Qorvo and one of the leading pioneers of WiFi.&nbsp;</a></em></li><li><em>The final article introduces the readers to the <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/baw-filters-for-performance-improvements-in-wi-fi-5g-and-rf-applications" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">concept, benefits, and applications of BAW filters in WiFi, 5G, and other RF communication systems designs.</a></em></li></ul><h2 dir="ltr"><em>About the sponsor: Mouser Electronics</em></h2><p dir="ltr"><em><a href="https://eu.mouser.com/" target="_blank">Mouser Electronics</a> is a worldwide leading authorized distributor of semiconductors and electronic components for over 1,100 manufacturer brands. They specialize in the rapid introduction of new products and technologies for design engineers and buyers. Their extensive product offering includes semiconductors, interconnects, passives, and electromechanical components.</em></p><p dir="ltr"><em><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUzMjQxMTE2NzQ1LTE2NTMyNDExMTY3NDUucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii" alt="mouser-electronics-logo"></em></p><h2 dir="ltr">References</h2><p dir="ltr">[1] Advanced BAW Filter Technology and Its Impact on 5G, Qorvo, [Online], Available from: <a href="https://www.qorvo.com/resources/d/qorvo-advanced-baw-filter-technology-impact-on-5g-white-paper" target="_blank">https://www.qorvo.com/resources/d/qorvo-advanced-baw-filter-technology-impact-on-5g-white-paper</a></p>

Article #6 of Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions Series: Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) filters are high-performance chips that help in mitigating interference and reducing the physical size of 5G, Wi-Fi, and other RF communication system designs.

BAW filters for Performance Improvements in Wi-Fi, 5G, and RF Applications

Article #4 of Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions Series: Wi-Fi and cellular networks have both coexisted in the consumer space for decades. A comparison between the most common Radio Frequency (RF) communication technologies reveals where exactly each of them fits in.

Future of Wireless communication: Wi-Fi 6E or 5G?

<p dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><em>This is the third article in a 6-part&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/next-gen-wi-fi-applications-and-solutions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>series</em></a><em>&nbsp;featuring articles on <strong>Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions</strong>. The series focuses on the improvements Wi-Fi 6/6E and its applications bring to enhance the performance of the next-gen wireless networking devices. This series is sponsored by Mouser Electronics. Through the sponsorship, Mouser Electronics shares its passion for technologies that enable smarter and connected applications.</em></p><p dir="ltr">We&rsquo;ve all experienced lousy Wi-Fi connectivity at public places like airports, shopping malls, restaurants, theaters, and more. Previous Wi-Fi generations couldn&rsquo;t handle interference created in crowded places well, which is why users experienced slowdowns.</p><p dir="ltr">This article covers Wi-Fi 6/6E technologies to explain how it successfully manages to get a large number of users connected together. By providing a high-level overview of the technical aspects, we explain why Wi-Fi would never be the same again.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Wi-Fi 6 features and technologies</h2><p dir="ltr">As discussed in the <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-evolution-of-wi-fi-networks-from-ieee-80211-to-wi-fi-6e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">first</a> and the <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-design-philosophy-behind-wi-fi-6e-recent-trends-in-wireless-networking/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">second</a> article of our ongoing series on Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions, research in wireless communication is now focused more on making the most out of available data rates instead of trying to push its theoretical limits.</p><p dir="ltr">Along with increased performance expectations, Wi-Fi systems are now expected to cater to a higher density of devices with a very diverse set of applications. In this section, we share some technologies enabling the latest generation of Wi-Fi to deal with modern challenges.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)</h3><p dir="ltr">OFDMA is a successor to Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), a widely used modulation scheme in wireless digital communication for encoding data on multiple carrier frequencies. In the previous Wi-Fi generations, OFDM was used along with statistical time-division multiplexing.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">Due to the way the modulation worked, the Wi-Fi Access Points (APs) could talk to only one user at a time. During communication, the entire frequency band is occupied but not utilized, causing a sheer wastage of energy and time. While AP tries to communicate with user devices, user devices are also trying to communicate with the AP, and as the number of devices (new Internet of Things gadgets) goes up, things get slowed down even further.</p><p dir="ltr">OFDMA solves these problems by allowing simultaneous transmission of digital data to multiple users. The frequency still remains the same, but instead of allocating the entire band to a single user, the channel is now split into multiple lanes, and resources are allocated based on the users&rsquo; individual requirements.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">This allows for more efficient multi-user communication, which is visible in densely connected locations like conference rooms, offices, malls, and even homes with multiple IoT devices. The approach of allocating a small lane for each connected device to communicate on can also improve the functioning of devices that require real-time communication like the ones used in hospitals.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Basic Service Set (BSS) Coloring</h3><p dir="ltr">Wi-Fi follows a BSS topology that allows multiple wireless devices to communicate with each other through a common AP that can be identified with a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) and a Service Set Identifier (SSID). The devices connected to a network do not communicate directly with each other but use AP as a means to do so. When multiple Wi-Fi APs are available in a region, congestion occurs, which is a major cause of the slowdown.</p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 758px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUyOTM5Njg0MDk3LTE2NTI5Mzk2ODQwOTcucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii" alt="bss-coloring-diagram"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Fig. 1: Multiple APs can work over the same channel and still not interfere with BSS Coloring</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr">Wi-Fi 6 brings BSS coloring to use the available spectrum efficiently. Frequencies are marked with a specific code (called color) in the Physical layer (PHY) header, passed between the AP and the device. This prevents overlapping BSS resulting in an overall improvement in the network&#39;s performance.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Target wake Time (TWT)</h3><p dir="ltr">Functionally, most IoT devices do not require constant data connectivity. However, earlier generations of Wi-Fi had no system in place to manage the schedules of initiating a data transfer and hence kept blasting Wi-Fi radio signals all the time. This approach not only increased interference but was highly inefficient. In the case of tiny IoT devices running on a portable power supply, saving each and every bit of power is crucial.</p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUyOTM5NjgzNTU2LTE2NTI5Mzk2ODM1NTYucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii" alt="target-wake-time-wifi-6-6e-scheduling"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Fig. 2: Communication scheduling in Wi-Fi 6 system. Source: Mouser-Qorvo-NI.com</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">TWT is a feature introduced with Wi-Fi 6 that enables the device and AP to figure out a schedule about when they need to wake up and communicate with each other. Consider, for example, an IoT device that senses ambient temperature and reports it via Wi-Fi. It need not always be connected with the network. Instead, the device and AP can communicate at regular intervals and decide to go to sleep when no connectivity is required. This improves the battery life of both the device and the AP, also resulting in energy savings in networks with a large number of devices without any change in the battery technology.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Beamforming</h3><p dir="ltr">Beamforming is a Radio Frequency (RF) management technique that directs signals toward specific user devices instead of spreading them all around. It is not entirely new to Wi-Fi as the technology existed before Wi-Fi 6. However, its efficacy has been dramatically improved lately.</p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUyOTQwMDEzNjUwLWV5SmlkV05yWlhRaU9pSjNaWFp2YkhabGNpMXdjbTlxWldOMExXbHRZV2RsY3lJc0ltdGxlU0k2SW1aeWIyRnNZUzh4TmpVeU9UTTVOamd6TkRneUxURTJOVEk1TXprMk9ETTBPREl1Y0c1bklpd2laV1JwZEhNaU9uc2ljbVZ6YVhwbElqcDdJbmRwWkhSb0lqbzVOVEFzSW1acGRDSTZJbU52ZG1WeUluMTlmUT09LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" class="fr-fic fr-dii" alt="beam-forming-diagram"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Fig. 3: Forming a beam of Wi-Fi signals for range extension</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr">The technique is implemented by putting a bunch of antennas in a single AP at different physical positions. Depending on the performance, the best configuration is determined by an onboard controller. The advantage of beamforming appears as extended range and increased data transfer speeds. The feature can make a considerable difference if the client device is far from the AP.</p><h3 dir="ltr">8X8 Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO)</h3><p dir="ltr">MU-MIMO doesn&rsquo;t directly affect data transfer rates but offers a way to reduce interference by allowing multiple users to connect to the AP simultaneously. The previous generation of Wi-Fi (IEEE 801.11ac) supported MU-MIMO, but only in the 5 GHz band, had only 4 simultaneous streams, and only affected downloads.</p><p dir="ltr">Wi-Fi 6 overcomes the drawbacks of the previous generation by adding 2.4 GHz support for MU-MIMO along with the 5 GHz band. The new Wi-Fi standard supports 8 or more simultaneous streams and improves both downloads and uploads.</p><p dir="ltr">W-Fi 6E takes a step further by expanding its operating frequency to the 6 GHz band. This move comes right after the Federal Communications Commission allowed unlicensed use of 6 GHz in 2020.</p><h3 dir="ltr">1024 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)</h3><p dir="ltr">QAM is essentially an amplitude, and phase modulation scheme used when converting the digital data into analog RF signals. By increasing the depth of the QAM, it is possible to pack more data efficiently within the same frequency band. <sup>[1]</sup></p><p dir="ltr">1024 QAM used in Wi-Fi 6 is a step up from 256 QAM that IEEE 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) uses. It now packs 4 times more data during transmission, which directly increases the overall throughput (data rates). Making use of a more complex modulation scheme causes a dip in noise immunity, but the other Wi-Fi 6/6E features manage to fairly compensate for it to take the collective performance of the whole system to the next level.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Key elements of Wi-Fi 6/6E solutions by Qorvo</h2><p dir="ltr">Qorvo manufactures next-generation RF smarts and solutions to connect people, places, and things faster, further, and more reliably. Solutions developed by Qorvo are all around &ndash; making a better, more connected world possible. Check out the complete range of products, videos, e-books, and other resources by Qorvo on <a href="https://www.mouser.com/manufacturer/qorvo/" target="_blank">Mouser Electronics</a>.</p><h2 dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUyOTM5Njg0MTgyLTE2NTI5Mzk2ODQxODEucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii" alt="elements-of-Wi-Fi-6-6e-rf-solutions"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Key elements of Wi-Fi 6 solutions by Qorvo. Source: Mouser-Qorvo</span></span></span></h2><h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2><p dir="ltr">The performance improvements brought in by the Wi-Fi 6/6E can be attributed to the improvements in modulation schemes, spatial streams, channel bonding, and airtime efficiency. The improved wireless local area networking technology has the potential to transform personal and high-density wireless deployments completely.</p><p dir="ltr"><em>This article was initially published by Mouser and Qorvo in an <a href="https://www.mouser.com/news/qorvo-wifi6-app-ebook/mobile/index.html" target="_blank">e-magazine</a>. It has been substantially edited by the Wevolver team and Electrical Engineer <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/ravi.rao" target="_blank">Ravi Y Rao</a>. It&#39;s the third article from the Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions Series. Future articles will introduce readers to some more interesting applications of the technology in various industries.</em></p><ul id="isPasted"><li dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><em>The introductory article <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/next-gen-wi-fi-applications-and-solutions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">provided an overview of wireless communication and the subsequent articles of the series.&nbsp;</a></em></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The first article&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-evolution-of-wi-fi-networks-from-ieee-80211-to-wi-fi-6e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>explored the origins and the evolution of WiFi to showcase how the wireless local area networking standard improved over time.</em></a></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The second article was&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-design-philosophy-behind-wi-fi-6e-recent-trends-in-wireless-networking/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>focused on recent trends and the design philosophy behind WiFi 6/6E.</em></a><em>&nbsp;The article explains why even with a marginal improvement in raw data rates, WiFi 6/6E is the biggest upgrade yet.</em></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The third article dives into the technicalities of WiFi 6/6E.&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/six-technologies-enabling-wi-fi-6e/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>It explains the 6 enabling technologies of WiFi 6/6E including OFDMA, BSS Coloring, TWT, Beamforming, 8X8 MU-MIMO, and 1024-QAM.</em></a></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The fourth article is a&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/future-of-wireless-communication-wi-fi-6e-or-5g/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>comparison between WiFi and 5G based on some of the key performance parameters.&nbsp;</em></a><em>It tries to form a perspective regarding which technology is suitable for different use cases.</em></li><li><em>The fifth article features a discussion on where the wireless communication industry is headed to. <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-next-generation-of-wi-fi-in-conversation-with-cees-links/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Concepts like mesh WiFi networks are explored with excerpts from an interview with Cees Links, General Manager of the Low Power Wireless Business Unit in Qorvo and one of the leading pioneers of WiFi.&nbsp;</a></em></li><li><em>The final article introduces the readers to the <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/baw-filters-for-performance-improvements-in-wi-fi-5g-and-rf-applications" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">concept, benefits, and applications of BAW filters in WiFi, 5G, and other RF communication systems designs.</a></em></li></ul><h2 dir="ltr"><em>About the sponsor: Mouser Electronics</em></h2><p dir="ltr"><em><a href="https://eu.mouser.com/" target="_blank">Mouser Electronics</a> is a worldwide leading authorized distributor of semiconductors and electronic components for over 1,100 manufacturer brands. They specialize in the rapid introduction of new products and technologies for design engineers and buyers. Their extensive product offering includes semiconductors, interconnects, passives, and electromechanical components.</em></p><h2 dir="ltr"><em><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUyOTM5NjgyOTE0LTE2NTI5Mzk2ODI5MTQucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii" alt="mouser-electronics-logo"></em></h2><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">References</h2><p dir="ltr">[1] Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): 5 Things to Know, Qorvo, [Online], Available from: <a href="https://www.qorvo.com/design-hub/blog/80211ax-5-things-to-know" target="_blank">https://www.qorvo.com/design-hub/blog/80211ax-5-things-to-know</a></p>

Article #3 of Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions Series: OFDMA, BSS Coloring, TWT, Beamforming, 8X8 MU-MIMO, and 1024-QAM are some key features of Wi-Fi 6/6E that set it apart from all the previous generations of the IEEE 802.11 family.

Six technologies enabling Wi-Fi 6E

<p dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><em>This is the second article in a 6-part series featuring articles on <strong>Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions</strong>. The series focuses on the improvements Wi-Fi 6/6E and its applications bring to enhance the performance of the next-gen wireless networking devices. This series is sponsored by Mouser Electronics. Through the sponsorship, Mouser Electronics shares its passion for technologies that enable smarter and connected applications.</em></p><p dir="ltr">Despite that nobody could keep track of the array of acronyms underlying Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b, .11a/g, .11n, .11ac), each new version of the wireless communication technology was a clear step forward in raw data rate. In the past four generations, that rate went from 11 Mbps to 6.9 Gbps&ndash;an increase of more than 650 times.</p><p dir="ltr">Now there is the imminent arrival of the latest standard, IEEE 802.11ax, also referred to as Wi-Fi 6/6E, with a maximum raw data rate of 9.6 Gbps, just 1.4 times more than the previous standard. But given its slow appearance and marginal raw data rate improvement, one might wonder if this is an indication that Wi-Fi is running out of steam.</p><p dir="ltr">So in this article, we take a closer look at Wi-Fi 6/6E and try to analyze the key areas where the technology has improved over its predecessors. We explain how Wi-Fi 6 goes beyond theoretical raw data rates to offer improved performance in practical applications.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Real-world performance improvements over increased raw data rates</h2><p dir="ltr">Networking products and services are typically marketed with blazing fast theoretical data transfer rates. After all, the raw data rate is the one thing that serves as the most fundamental basis for measuring the performance of the technology for the masses. This comes as no surprise since Wi-Fi has always been about pure high-speed wireless data communication.</p><p dir="ltr">Wi-Fi 6/6E changes the number game. Underneath the acronym, there is a real shift going on from raw data rate towards multi-channel capacity and improved spectral reuse. This means that the real-life throughput experience of Wi-Fi 6/6E may be an increase of as much as 4 times compared to its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5 (.11ac).&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">On top of this, Wi-Fi 6/6E does away with the different network IDs for 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and additionally installed extenders, which is a major improvement in usability. Let&rsquo;s explore because this all has significant consequences for consumers, as well as for product builders.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Dealing with Interference</h2><p dir="ltr">Consumers are majorly concerned about just 2 things when it comes to Wi-Fi. The first is performance (data rate) and the second is range. In urban areas these days, consumers have grown accustomed to what is now a common scenario&ndash;turning on a laptop, for example, and having to weed through the many routers or access points that are visible when trying to find the right Wi-Fi network. Many of the routers use a limited number of overlapping channels, which means users are sharing those channels. Or to put it another way, there is interference on those channels.</p><p dir="ltr">When two devices are talking through each other, over the same channel at the same moment, the messages get garbled, and both need to be sent again. It&rsquo;s no surprise, then, that the throughput in dense environments can collapse in continuous retransmissions, which is again, a form of interference.</p><p dir="ltr">This interference is made worse by the fact that routers and access points have attempted to improve range via the highest output power possible. Anyone who has ever been to a crowded party can understand the consequences of this scenario. The more everyone speaks louder to be heard, the more the overall noise goes up and any real opportunity to communicate goes down. In a similar way, more output power just causes more interference.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">Even worse, the higher output power in some channels of the band causes signals to &ldquo;bleed&rdquo; into the neighboring channels, another form of interference causing the capacity of the band and the total Wi-Fi system to degrade.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Distributed Wi-Fi with multiple nodes</h2><p dir="ltr">The goal of the latest Wi-Fi standards is less about higher data rates, and more about the use of as many channels in the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, or the 6 GHz band (for Wi-Fi 6E) as possible, at the same moment and in the same space.</p><p dir="ltr">Let&rsquo;s look at an example to understand why this is needed. Imagine a family living in a house with multiple rooms, running different applications at the same time. In the past, this meant that everyone was using the same channel to communicate with the central router in the closet, but with all the interference limitations discussed in the previous section.</p><p dir="ltr">Wi-Fi 6/6E solves this issue with the help of multiple small-sized access points that are around the size of a matchbox. These access points are placed in every room of the house and run on different Wi-Fi channels. They are wirelessly connected over Wi-Fi to the central router in the closet.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">Now the appliances are on different channels and not interfering with each other. This is a true multi-device management system Wi-Fi always needed. The emphasis is now completely on capacity and efficient use of multiple channels at the same time without interfering with each other, thereby optimizing total indoor throughput.</p><p dir="ltr"><span contenteditable="false" draggable="false"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUyOTM5MzYyNzQ0LTE2NTI5MzkzNjI3NDQucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" alt="wifi-6-6e-mesh-network-diagram" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><span contenteditable="true" spellcheck="false">Fig. 1: &nbsp;The goal of Wi-Fi 6/6E is full coverage of a home (or a building), and maximum performance in every room, which results in maximum overall capacity for everyone (at the system level).</span></span></p><h2 dir="ltr">Consequences for Product Suppliers</h2><p dir="ltr">Interestingly, now the output power to achieve range is no longer the most important criteria. Other things are becoming more important. In the first place, there is &ldquo;flat power&rdquo;. This means uniform output power across the band, taking care that all the channels in the band are at maximum strength. In many products, the channels in the middle of the bands are strong, side channels of the band have to use lower power, essentially creating capacity limitations.</p><p dir="ltr">This also relates to a term called &ldquo;band edge performance&rdquo;. To maximize the overall system capacity, one would like to achieve maximum output power over all the channels in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz (with 6 GHz being exclusive to WiFi 6E) bands, including the channels at the edges of the bands. But what is more typical is that the channels at the edges of the band have lower output power to meet radio emission requirements (i.e., to make no noise outside of the band). Many product suppliers squeeze the output power of the channels on the edge of the band to meet the emission requirements, and therefore severely limit the overall system capacity.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Consequence for Consumers</h2><p dir="ltr">Consumers do not like big and bulky devices with large antennas. Especially with distributed Wi-Fi routers in every room, consumers prefer smaller devices, preferably with no antennas sticking out at all.</p><p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, there is a reason why routers today are so big. All the radio communication and power electronics components inside the router&rsquo;s case generate heat. Making a large housing and using heat sinks is the only way for the device to dissipate and get rid of the heat from the components inside.</p><p dir="ltr">Case makers for these large networking devices are working hard to make their components more efficient so that they can radiate a lot of Wi-Fi signals with as little heat as possible. Again, the previous focus was on maximum raw data rate and the highest (allowed) output power, but the new goal is to use all the available channels with the highest efficiency, which leads to low power dissipation, and eventually to a reduction in the product size. This is what makes Wi-Fi 6/6E a new standard and a big step forward.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Performance-driven auto-configuration of Wi-Fi networks: switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz/6 GHz</h2><p dir="ltr">There is one final question to note in this scenario. Assuming an access point in every room, and all the access points talking with the router in the closet over Wi-Fi, what frequency bands are preferred?</p><p dir="ltr">The reason why this question arises is because a frequency of 2.4 GHz gives a better range than 5 GHz/6 GHz. So, a logical choice would be to use 2.4 GHz as the &ldquo;backbone&rdquo; and 5 GHz/6 GHz as the connection between the access point and the end device. There is a little issue, though.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">The backbone is supposed to aggregate the traffic, which means that it is supposed to have a higher data rate (performance) as well. In reality, the data rate at 5 GHz/6 GHz is higher than at 2.4 GHz, because more channels can be &ldquo;bundled together&rdquo; in the 5 GHz/6 GHz band. However, the range at 5 GHz/6 GHz is less, and therefore it is less suitable for serving as the backbone of the network.</p><p dir="ltr">So, unsurprisingly, one can find products today that have different Wi-Fi system design philosophies. Some have 2.4 GHz as a backbone network, while others are using 5 GHz/6 GHz for the same purpose. The industry clearly is not unanimous about this just yet. And since indoor radio behavior can be fickle, there may not be an ultimate final solution&ndash;other than these distributed Wi-Fi systems configuring themselves based on optimizing the indoor environment, if the systems get smart enough.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">This configuration can even be made dynamic, based on the data consumption requirements in various parts of the distributed Wi-Fi system. This means it would reconfigure itself automatically as it &ldquo;understands&rdquo; the complete environment, including negotiating with the neighbors so everyone gets a fair share of the spectrum. For the Wi-Fi 6/6E users, management of the different channels or signing up to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz/6 GHz networks all disappears.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">Wi-Fi 6/6E will show itself to the user as one network, with one password. Extended networks or different passwords will be a thing of the past, which makes getting or staying connected becomes very easy. The conclusion is clear&ndash;Wi-Fi 6/6E is not the end of Wi-Fi. It is the start of building even higher-performance systems supporting more users simultaneously and without interference.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2><p dir="ltr">Each new Wi-Fi release brought in new improvements in terms of performance. But the technology created interference problems for itself as it got popular. Wi-Fi 6/6E has laid the clear path forwards for the next couple of Wi-Fi generations. There is a shift in the trend that puts more emphasis on optimizing the use of available technologies instead of continuously upgrading the hardware and packing more raw power.</p><p dir="ltr">The next article in the Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions Series continues this discussion by diving a bit deeper into the technical aspects of Wi-Fi 6/6E.</p><p dir="ltr"><em>This article was initially published by Mouser and Qorvo in an <a href="https://www.mouser.com/news/qorvo-wifi6-app-ebook/mobile/index.html" target="_blank">e-magazine</a>. It has been substantially edited by the Wevolver team and Electrical Engineer <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/ravi.rao" target="_blank">Ravi Y Rao</a>. It&#39;s the second article from the Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions Series. Future articles will introduce readers to some more interesting applications of the technology in various industries.</em></p><ul><li dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><em>The introductory article <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/next-gen-wi-fi-applications-and-solutions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">provided an overview of wireless communication and the subsequent articles of the series.&nbsp;</a></em></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The first article&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-evolution-of-wi-fi-networks-from-ieee-80211-to-wi-fi-6e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>explored the origins and the evolution of WiFi to showcase how the wireless local area networking standard improved over time.</em></a></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The second article was&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-design-philosophy-behind-wi-fi-6e-recent-trends-in-wireless-networking/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>focused on recent trends and the design philosophy behind WiFi 6/6E.</em></a><em>&nbsp;The article explains why even with a marginal improvement in raw data rates, WiFi 6/6E is the biggest upgrade yet.</em></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The third article dives into the technicalities of WiFi 6/6E.&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/six-technologies-enabling-wi-fi-6e/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>It explains the 6 enabling technologies of WiFi 6/6E including OFDMA, BSS Coloring, TWT, Beamforming, 8X8 MU-MIMO, and 1024-QAM.</em></a></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The fourth article is a&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/future-of-wireless-communication-wi-fi-6e-or-5g/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>comparison between WiFi and 5G based on some of the key performance parameters.&nbsp;</em></a><em>It tries to form a perspective regarding which technology is suitable for different use cases.</em></li><li><em>The fifth article features a discussion on where the wireless communication industry is headed to. <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-next-generation-of-wi-fi-in-conversation-with-cees-links/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Concepts like mesh WiFi networks are explored with excerpts from an interview with Cees Links, General Manager of the Low Power Wireless Business Unit in Qorvo and one of the leading pioneers of WiFi.&nbsp;</a></em></li><li><em>The final article introduces the readers to the <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/baw-filters-for-performance-improvements-in-wi-fi-5g-and-rf-applications" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">concept, benefits, and applications of BAW filters in WiFi, 5G, and other RF communication systems designs.</a></em></li></ul><h2 dir="ltr"><em>About the sponsor: Mouser Electronics</em></h2><p dir="ltr"><em><a href="https://eu.mouser.com/" target="_blank">Mouser Electronics</a> is a worldwide leading authorized distributor of semiconductors and electronic components for over 1,100 manufacturer brands. They specialize in the rapid introduction of new products and technologies for design engineers and buyers. Their extensive product offering includes semiconductors, interconnects, passives, and electromechanical components.</em></p><h2 dir="ltr"><em><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUyOTM5MzYyODQyLTE2NTI5MzkzNjI4NDIucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" alt="mouser-electronics-logo" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></em></h2><p><br></p>

Article #2 of Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions Series: Research in Wi-Fi today focuses on reducing interference more than anything else. By creating a distributed network with multiple tiny nodes, an ecosystem can be developed that auto-configures itself for best performance.

The Design Philosophy Behind Wi-Fi 6E: Recent Trends in Wireless Networking

Article #1 of Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions Series: Wi-Fi standards have come a long way since they first surfaced over two decades ago. The developments in its data transfer rates and range have led it to become the most prevalent wireless communication technology of present times.

The Evolution of Wi-Fi networks: from IEEE 802.11 to Wi-Fi 6E

<p dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><em>This is the introductory article in a 6-part series featuring articles on <strong>Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions</strong>. The series focuses on the improvements Wi-Fi 6/6E and its applications bring to enhance the performance of the next-gen wireless networking devices. This series is sponsored by Mouser Electronics. Through the sponsorship, Mouser Electronics shares its passion for technologies that enable smarter connected applications.</em></p><p dir="ltr">The objective of communication systems is to transfer information from one point to another reliably and within an acceptable time delay. But in the modern world, these are just the bare minimum requirements. Users today expect communication systems to offer gigabit speeds at low latencies. The introductory article of this new series aims to make readers familiar with the foundational terms and ideas in the world of wireless communication.&nbsp;</p><h2 dir="ltr">The Electromagnetic Spectrum and Developments in RF Communication</h2><p dir="ltr">Electromagnetic (EM) waves having a frequency between 3 kHz and 300 GHz all fall under the category of Radio Frequency (RF) signals. RF is probably the most popular and widely used means of communication via free space/wireless channels. <span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUyNTkzMDg5OTMyLTE2NTI1OTMwODk5MzIucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii" alt="electromagnetic-spectrum"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Fig. 1: The electromagnetic spectrum</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr">While EM waves with a very short wavelength (in nanometers) like X-rays and gamma-rays have the potential to cause damage, RF waves are rather safe and are not known to have any side effects on humans. RF enables wireless communication in computers, smartphones, tablets, televisions, and a huge number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.</p><p dir="ltr">Guglielmo Marconi, an electrical engineer from Italy, was the first to prove the feasibility of wireless communication back in the late 1890s. Over the next couple of decades, as improvements were made in fabrication technology and large-scale circuit integration, RF equipment got smaller and more reliable. Contributions of various other scientists and engineers finally led RF communication to evolve from a rudimental messaging medium to a full-fledged high-speed data transmission medium.&nbsp;</p><h2 dir="ltr">Basics of RF communication</h2><p dir="ltr">All signals generated in nature are continuous or analog. They tend to be lossy and hence unfit for transmission in their natural form. To transfer them from one point to another, they need to be converted into digital signals and modulated suitably.<span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 758px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUyNTkzMDkwMTQ0LTE2NTI1OTMwOTAxNDQucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii" alt="RF-communication-block-diagram"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Fig. 2: Block diagram of a basic RF communication system</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr">Analog-to-Digital converters are used to convert the analog signal available at the source into digital data. This digital signal data is then modulated by superimposing it on top of a high-frequency carrier wave. The modulated signal is transmitted via a transmitter antenna through the communication channel. While passing through the communication channel, a certain amount of noise gets added to the signal, which causes distortion in it. When the signal mixed with some noise reaches the receiver, it is demodulated, decoded, and passed through a Digital-to-Analog converter to recover the original message.</p><p dir="ltr">On a very superficial level, the process remains more or less the same, but the hardware and the method used to actually carry out the process drastically varies between each wireless communication system.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Understanding RF Signal degradation</h2><p dir="ltr">The noise generated by the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT devices has wreaked havoc with sensors and communication systems.<sup>[1]</sup> Systems emitting the radiation and the ones that are affected by it must be designed specifically to reduce the emissions and be tolerant to external radiation, respectively.</p><p dir="ltr">Just like other EM waves, RF too exhibits some characteristic behaviors like reflection, refraction absorption, diffraction, and scattering. Due to these factors (which naturally take place in the environment sometimes), the RF signals tend to undergo a change in their frequency, wavelength, time period, phase, or maybe all of them and a few others.<span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 758px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUyNTkzMDkxMTMwLTE2NTI1OTMwOTExMzAucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii" alt="rf-wave-behavior-properties-scattering-reflection-diffraction-refraction-absorption"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Fig. 3: Behavior and interactions of RF waves</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr">An important parameter to measure signal clarity is Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). SNR, as the name suggests, is a measure of how dominant noise is in a particular signal. As the value of SNR approaches unity, the quality of the signal and the transmission increase. SNR along with Received Signal Strength&nbsp;<iframe id="66757a52af77e394067be55a" width="250" class="specs-iframe" height="440" src="https://wevolver.com/iframe/specs/advantech-wlnna-series-evaluation-kit?iframe=true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe> Indicator (RSSI) and noise floor levels are the three parameters widely used to determine the overall quality of RF signals.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Towards a connected future</h2><p dir="ltr">The biggest challenge today is not about discovering new ways to increase the raw data rates. It’s all about protecting signals from degradation. Attenuation and losses that occur through the communication channel must be controlled to make use of the existing hardware to its fullest.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2><p dir="ltr">Cutting-edge technologies that require a high-speed network connection are driving wireless data transfer needs to new heights like never before. At the same time, there is a rapid increase in the number of devices deployed in homes and industries. These factors contribute to the complexities of building the perfect wireless communication system for present times.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">This series takes you through the historical developments, challenges, enabling technologies, and some applications of RF communication. Throughout the series, the focus shall be on Wi-Fi 6/6E and the technologies enabling the latest wireless local area networking standard.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">However, references, explanations, and comparisons related to other RF communication technologies like 5G, Bluetooth®, &nbsp;Zigbee® and Matter will be added as and when needed. We’ll also share an article containing excerpts from an interview with industry pioneer Cees Links, in which we discuss where the communication industry is headed. Finally, we’ll take a look at Bulk Acoustic Wave filters and how they improve RF communication system design.</p><p dir="ltr"><em>This article is based on an <a href="https://www.mouser.com/news/qorvo-wifi6-app-ebook/mobile/index.html" target="_blank">e-magazine</a> published by Mouser and Qorvo. It has been substantially edited by the Wevolver team and Electrical Engineer <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/ravi.rao" target="_blank">Ravi Y Rao</a>. It's the introductory article to the Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions Series. Future articles will introduce readers to some interesting applications of the technology in various industries.</em></p><ul><li dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><em>The introductory article <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/next-gen-wi-fi-applications-and-solutions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">provided an overview of wireless communication and the subsequent articles of the series.&nbsp;</a></em></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The first article&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-evolution-of-wi-fi-networks-from-ieee-80211-to-wi-fi-6e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>explored the origins and the evolution of WiFi to showcase how the wireless local area networking standard improved over time.</em></a></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The second article was&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-design-philosophy-behind-wi-fi-6e-recent-trends-in-wireless-networking/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>focused on recent trends and the design philosophy behind WiFi 6/6E.</em></a><em>&nbsp;The article explains why even with a marginal improvement in raw data rates, WiFi 6/6E is the biggest upgrade yet.</em></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The third article dives into the technicalities of WiFi 6/6E.&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/six-technologies-enabling-wi-fi-6e/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>It explains the 6 enabling technologies of WiFi 6/6E including OFDMA, BSS Coloring, TWT, Beamforming, 8X8 MU-MIMO, and 1024-QAM.</em></a></li><li dir="ltr"><em>The fourth article is a&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/future-of-wireless-communication-wi-fi-6e-or-5g/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>comparison between WiFi and 5G based on some of the key performance parameters.&nbsp;</em></a><em>It tries to form a perspective regarding which technology is suitable for different use cases.</em></li><li><em>The fifth article features a discussion on where the wireless communication industry is headed to. <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-next-generation-of-wi-fi-in-conversation-with-cees-links/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Concepts like mesh WiFi networks are explored with excerpts from an interview with Cees Links, General Manager of the Low Power Wireless Business Unit in Qorvo and one of the leading pioneers of WiFi.&nbsp;</a></em></li><li><em>The final article introduces the readers to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/baw-filters-for-performance-improvements-in-wi-fi-5g-and-rf-applications" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">concept, benefits, and applications of BAW filters in WiFi, 5G, and other RF communication systems designs.</a></em></li></ul><h2 dir="ltr"><em>About the sponsor: Mouser Electronics</em></h2><p dir="ltr"><em><a href="https://eu.mouser.com/" target="_blank">Mouser Electronics</a> is a worldwide leading authorized distributor of semiconductors and electronic components for over 1,100 manufacturer brands. They specialize in the rapid introduction of new products and technologies for design engineers and buyers. Their extensive product offering includes semiconductors, interconnects, passives, and electromechanical components.</em></p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjUyNTkzMDg5MzY4LTE2NTI1OTMwODkzNjgucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii" alt="mouser-electronics-logo"></p><h2 dir="ltr">References</h2><p dir="ltr">[1] Paul Pickering, ‘Factory 4.0: The Biggest Problem May Be the Noise You Can't Hear’, Mouser Electronics, [Online], Available from: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.mouser.com/applications/industry-4-0-noise/" target="_blank">https://www.mouser.com/applications/industry-4-0-noise/</a></p>

Introducing the Next-Gen Wi-Fi Applications and Solutions Series: Dive into the world of cutting-edge wireless communication. This new series introduces and explains the developments in Wi-Fi, 5G, and other RF technologies.

Next-gen Wi-Fi applications and Solutions

<p dir="ltr"><em>This is the second article in a </em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/protecting-wired-communication-in-iot" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>7-part series</em></a><em> examining circuit protection. The series examines the challenges of high-speed circuit protection, as well as the many products and solutions used to solve them. This series is sponsored by<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/mouser.electronics" target="_blank">&nbsp;Mouser Electronics</a>, an online distributor of electronic components. Through their sponsorship, Mouser Electronics shares its passion for technologies that enable a safe and connected world.&nbsp;</em></p><p>Ports provide a connection to the outside world, primarily for a device looking for data or power. Ports create an opening that becomes an easy entry point for electrical stress. Electrical stress is the moment when the electrical charge is too high for the insulation. &nbsp;Electrical stress can cause serious damage to electrical systems and protections must be put in place to ensure the safety of both the system and its surrounding environments. This article examines the common reasons for electrical stress and ways to protect general ports.&nbsp;</p><p>Common electrical stress points include lightning strikes to a power line that causes a surge to travel down the power line itself and into the device. Even strikes nearby can induce a voltage spike on the power line. Other types of common electrical stress include:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Static electricity:. Typically referred to as electrostatic discharge (ESD), this stress occurs when two objects come into contact. It’s what happens when you get a shock from a door handle after walking on particular floor surfaces. In automotive, ESD events can result in sub-micron damage to the device that can lead to device failure.&nbsp;</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Short circuits:&nbsp;They are typically caused by a power cross, where two wires either come into contact with each other or another or wire connections that have come loose. This causes a large amount of current to flow suddenly. This surge can cause damage.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">General overvoltage events:. These events occur daily from everyday activities such as turning on motors or lights. This inductive load-switching can wear out electronics over time and cause damage.</p></li></ul><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM1Mjc0MzAzMTU1LUlNQUdFIDEtMDEgKDUpLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p><span class="fr-inner" contenteditable="true"></span></p><p><strong><em>Figure 1:</em></strong><em>&nbsp;Common electrical stress points would be things such as lightning strikes to a power line that might be traveling down the power line itself and into the device. It could even strike nearby and induce a voltage spike on the power line or even the data lines that need to be protected. Image credit: Littelfuse</em></p><h2>Circuit Protection Technologies</h2><p dir="ltr">Research has resulted in safer and safer compact circuits. These advances have occurred in a variety of ways from better insulation to converting textile fabric into circuits. However, the risk of electrical stress cannot be totally mitigated and so further protective measures must be taken. Various approaches can be taken depending on the applications. The chart below identifies some of the technologies, which can apply to power, and communication ports (Figure 2).</p><div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM1Mjc0Njg3Nzg2LUlNQUdFIDItMDEtMDEtMDEgc21vbC5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></div></div></div><p dir="ltr"><span contenteditable="true" id="isPasted" spellcheck="false"><strong><em>Figure 2:</em></strong><em>&nbsp;Wide array of Littelfuse circuit has a wide selection of protection solutions for power and communication ports. Image source: Wide Littelfuse solutions for power and communication ports.</em></span></p><p dir="ltr">Top of the chart is listed various ports based on the data speed, from the slowest on the left side to the fastest on the right. The chart identifies which technologies to consider when looking for optimized port protection.&nbsp;</p><h2>How are different ports being protected?</h2><h3 dir="ltr">Ethernet</h3><p dir="ltr">Protection for ethernet ports varies based on the level of exposure to electrical hazards. For indoor applications, with minimal exposure to potential hazards, a single ESD protector may be sufficient. A single diode array placed after the transformer can protect the Ethernet PHY in this case. If the application is outdoors where the environment will be harsher, the risk of damage due to an environmental electrical hazard is increased. A fuse is needed to help protect during a power cross event when the power line makes contact with the communication lines. Additionally, a gas discharge tube (GDT) such as the CG6 will help protect against dangerous surge events associated with lightning strikes. A diode array, such as the LC03, then adds another level of protection, further clamping the surge and protecting the PHY from damage.</p><h3>RS-485</h3><p dir="ltr">The protection of an RS-485 line varies by exposure level. For indoor or intra-building applications, a polymeric positive temperature coefficient device (PPTC) and diode-array combination will provide sufficient over-current and over-voltage protection. However, if the port connects outdoors, such as in a rooftop unit heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and condensins (HVAC unit) - a higher level of surge protection is needed such as a coordinated protection scheme with GDTs and <a href="https://www.mouser.com/new/littelfuse/littlefuse-multipulse-sidac/" target="_blank">SIDACtors</a>. &nbsp;A PPTC provides overcurrent protection and acts as a coordinating element between the GDT and the SIDACtors. The PPTC ensures that the SIDACtor reacts first, providing fast protection until the GDT can react.</p><h3>CAN, LIN, SIM, µSIM</h3><p dir="ltr">As the use of electronics in automotive has increased, so has CAN and LIN bus prevalence. These communication lines require ESD protection, typically provided by diode arrays. For these automotive-related applications, it is important for all electronic components to pass the rigorous standards of AECQ and its included tests.</p><h2 class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM1OTMwMTQ1OTIzLUlNQUdFIDMtMDEgKDYpLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><strong><em>Figure 2: Wide array of Littelfuse circuits has a wide selection of protection solutions for power and communication ports. Image source: Wide Littelfuse solutions for power and communication ports.</em></strong></p><p>Power Ports</p></h2><p dir="ltr">Power ports are terminals connecting an electrical network or circuit to an external circuit. Ports, although coming in a range of designs contains metal strips that make contact with prongs, an insertion into port when plugging in allows this transmission of energy to happen efficiently and effectively.</p><h3 dir="ltr">AC Power ports</h3><p dir="ltr">AC power input ports although extremely common do have a relatively high hazard potential. Fuses and varistors are used to protect against overcurrent and overvoltage events, respectively. The exact sizing of those devices varies depending on how much power or precisely where it will be connected to line power. Designers will not need the same protection for a device plugging into a wall in a home, as the protection a motor might need in an industrial setting, but the selection criteria basics remain the same for each situation. For most electronic equipment, a cartridge or cylindrical fuse is sufficient to provide overcurrent protection. The varistor is the first line of defense against voltage transients. &nbsp;It needs to combine a good balance of surge capability, speed to react, and be small enough to be placed in the circuit.&nbsp;</p><h2 class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM1Mjc0NTE2OTgwLUlNQUdFIDQtMDEgKDUpLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><p>Figure 4: AC Input Protection.</p>DC Power</h2><p dir="ltr">DC inputs are very similar to AC but require different specific considerations (Figure X). DC inputs have different options depending on the power levels one will see. Protection could be as simple as a TVS diode for transient protection of a 12VDCdc or 24VDC input. For DC inputs of portable electronic devices, ESD protection can be provided by a tvs diode array &nbsp;and a resettable PPTC can be used for overcurrent protection. Similarly, to AC-power input ports, fuses provide overcurrent protection, and varistors and GDTs provide surge protection to DC input ports with high voltages, such as 48VDC or higher. Similar to AC-power input ports, DC inputs for high voltages, such as 48 Vdc and higher, fuses provide overcurrent protection, and varistors and GDTs provide surge protection.&nbsp;</p><div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM1Mjc0NzU3NjIxLUlNQUdFIDUtMDEgKDMpLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></div><h2 dir="ltr">Figure 5: DC Input Protection</h2><h2 dir="ltr">Summary</h2><p dir="ltr">This article has outlined the different methods to protect general ports from electrical stress. Specific circuit protection technologies must be applied correctly to different applications. Location, environment, and volage are all aspects to consider when designing for optimal port protection.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">This article was initially published by Mouser and Littlefuse in an<a href="https://eu.mouser.com/news/littelfuse-highspeed-interface/littelfuse-circuit-protection-ebook.html#p=1" target="_blank">&nbsp;e-magazine</a>. It has been substantially edited by the Wevolver team and electrical engineer Fahad Farooq. It's the second article of a 7-part series examining circuit protection. &nbsp;Future articles provide an overview of how to protect wired communication, the change of USB standards, and the importance of protecting against electrical stress in industrial automation environments.</p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/protecting-wired-communication-in-iot" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Article one</a> gave an overview of general ports.&nbsp;</p><h2 dir="ltr"><em>About the sponsor: Mouser Electronics</em></h2><p dir="ltr"><em><a href="https://eu.mouser.com/" target="_blank">Mouser Electronics</a> is a worldwide leading authorized distributor of semiconductors and electronic components for over 1,100 manufacturer brands. They specialize in the rapid introduction of new products and technologies for design engineers and buyers. Their extensive product offering includes semiconductors, interconnects, passives, and electromechanical components.</em></p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjM0ODQxMDI2NjQxLWxvZ28gYm90dG9tIGJhbm5lciBvay5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p><br></p>

Article #2 of our Circuit Protection Series: A short guide to ports, electrical stress, and solutions. 


General Port Protection Against Electrical Stress

This is the fourth article in an eight-part series exploring 5G. The series will explain key terms and technologies and provide an overview of current and future applications for 5G connectivity.

Understanding the 3GPP Release 15 5G Standard

<p><em>This is the second in an eight-part series exploring 5G. The series will explain key terms and technologies and provide an overview of current and future applications for 5G connectivity.</em></p><p><em>The articles were originally published in an e-magazine, and have been substantially edited by Wevolver to update them and make them available on the Wevolver platform. This series is sponsored by Mouser, an online distributor of electronic components. Through their sponsorship,&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/mouser.electronics" target="_blank"><em>Mouser Electronics</em></a><em>&nbsp;supports a more connected future fuelled by knowledge and innovation.&nbsp;</em></p><h1>Introduction</h1><p>The 5G mobile communications standard is designed to fulfill several performance and use case requirements currently not possible in 4G networks, including:</p><ul><li>Enhanced broadband that brings fiber-optic speeds and bandwidth to over-the-air (OTA) connections</li><li>Low latencies and extreme reliability for realtime OTA process control</li><li>Much higher device densities that will enable the massive Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity that is anticipated in smart cities</li><li>More energy efficiency to meet the increasing demand for low-power connectivity</li><li>High-speed adaptability for high-speed mobile applications</li><li>On-demand network scalability to meet the requirements of many industrial use cases</li></ul><p>Specifications outlined in 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP&trade;) Release 15 provide details for 5G New Radio (NR), which addresses the 5G air interface, and 5G Core, which deals with network functions. Both 5G NR and 5G Core are required to meet 5G performance expectations. This article looks at how 5G differs from 4G with respect to its performance, radio access technology, and network core functions. It further reviews how 5G specifications make new applications possible and how the 5G standard impacts component designs.</p><h1>How Does 5G Differ from 4G?</h1><p><img class="fr-fic fr-dib" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiAid2V2b2x2ZXItcHJvamVjdC1pbWFnZXMiLCAia2V5IjogImZyb2FsYS8xNjA0MzQ3MzU5ODIyLUlsbHVzdHJhdGlvbiAwMy0wMSBlZGl0ZWQuanBnIiwgImVkaXRzIjogeyJyZXNpemUiOiB7IndpZHRoIjogOTUwLCAiZml0IjogImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 788px;"></p><p>Meeting 5G&rsquo;s performance expectations requires additional spectrum as well as different waveforms and a flexible framework that allows service multiplexing and more dynamic multiple access capabilities. 5G meets these requirements through a new approach to scalable waveforms that works across a range of frequencies, creating an entirely new approach to session and network management.</p><h2>5G NR Increases Flexibility and Reduces Overhead</h2><p>5G NR applies a common waveform framework that scales across a range of bandwidths. Several techniques contribute to 5G&rsquo;s spectrum efficiency, flexibility, and reduced power consumption. Key differences between 5G NR and 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) include:</p><ul><li>Scalable orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (ODFM) numerology. ODFM is a widely used waveform for encoding digital communications. Its waveform numerology defines the structure and timing of information resources that the waveform carries, such as the number of subcarriers and the subcarrier spacing. Both 4G LTE and 5G NR use ODFM, but there are big differences. In 4G LTE, the numerology is always fixed; in 5G NR, the numerology is scalable for optimization in different bandwidths. This means that the subcarrier size and spacing are scalable to fit bandwidths that different frequencies provide. It also enables scalable TTI, which makes it possible to adjust latencies from very low for short-duration transmissions to longer latencies that make transmitting large data packets more efficient. Scalable ODFM numerology is the heart of 5G&rsquo;s scalability and flexibility.</li><li>Self-contained subframes. Introduced in the 5G NR specification, these structures enable the inclusion of data along with their transmission acknowledgments in the same subframe, further reducing latencies. They also enable the multiplexing of different kinds of subframes, and they support blank subframes to accommodate undefined future services. Self-contained subframes can also contain beamforming data specific to a transmission, which supports multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antenna transmissions and reduces interference.</li><li>Device-centric mobility. In LTE networks, receiving devices measure reference signals that base stations transmit to decide where to connect. Base stations transmit reference signals continuously, regardless of the presence of a receiving device&mdash;which requires processing overhead on the receiving device and excess power consumption by the transmitting equipment. In 5G transmissions, receiving devices transmit a reference signal when they need a network connection, and this reference signal triggers communication and handoff activities using appropriate transmitting equipment. This arrangement reduces power consumption and the number of reference signal broadcasts.</li><li>New cell architectures and antenna designs. To support larger numbers of connected devices, uninterrupted communications, and shorter operational ranges available from high-frequency bands, 5G will require denser cell architectures than are found in 4G LTE networks. Typical deployments could include a mix of macro-cells operating in low frequencies for wide outdoor coverage, small cells operating indoors and outdoors in mid-frequency ranges, and micro-cells (room sized) operating primarily indoors at millimeter wavelength frequencies. Beamforming techniques using massive MIMO (mMIMO) antenna arrays will provide uninterrupted coverage and much higher transmission efficiencies than 4G LTE produces with previous MIMO variations. 5G antenna designs will also produce more signal processing at the antennas to manage mobile device handoffs between cells.</li></ul><p><img class="fr-fic fr-dib" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiAid2V2b2x2ZXItcHJvamVjdC1pbWFnZXMiLCAia2V5IjogImZyb2FsYS8xNjA0MzQ3NTYwMDQxLTUtMDEgKDEpLmpwZyIsICJlZGl0cyI6IHsicmVzaXplIjogeyJ3aWR0aCI6IDk1MCwgImZpdCI6ICJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 788px;"></p><h2>5G Core Virtualizes 4G Evolved Packet Core Network Architecture</h2><p>To meet <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/a-forward-glance-at-5g-applying-backwards-thinking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5G performance specifications</a>, especially as they relate to use case flexibility, scalability, and reliability, the 5G Core network has been redesigned from the ground up in a way that completely supplants the 4G Evolved Packet Core (EPC). Whereas 4G EPC relied on physical network elements, 5G Core is a cloud-native virtualized architecture that uses multi-access edge computing to deliver network functions as services to a network&rsquo;s edge. Key features and capabilities of the 5G Core architecture include:</p><ul><li>Separate control plane and user plane functions. This separation and reallocation of functions previously performed by EPC service and packet gateways enable a redistribution of packet processing functions to a network&rsquo;s edge. The result is better traffic management and scalability.</li><li>Redesign of session management functions. Mobility management and session management are now performed by different network elements, and new identity and authentication functions have been added. All this improves session management to deliver uninterrupted service in various operational scenarios&mdash;for example, as user equipment is moving through a small cell network or at high speeds. These session management enhancements create a reliable service flow in complex environments that contain dense IoT arrays and user equipment with diverse data formats.</li><li>Network slicing. This technology enables 5G to offer a &ldquo;slice&rdquo; of the network as a dedicated service for a particular use case, customer, or industry. User equipment can simultaneously access multiple network slices. A network slice maintains all necessary functionality and quality across domains and technologies to efficiently allocate available resources for each use case.</li></ul><p><img class="fr-fic fr-dib" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjA0MzQ4NDg4ODcxLTYtMDEgKDEpIGVkaXRlZC5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 788px;"></p><h1>New Applications and Business Cases Possible with 5G</h1><p>The 5G standard enables a range of simultaneous communications that are highly reliable and optimized for use case performance and power consumption. This standard opens the door to a host of new smart services and partnerships that could not previously be accommodated on monolithic 4G networks.</p><p><strong id="isPasted">Recommended reading:&nbsp;</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/5g-infrastructure-enables-new-and-radical-applications" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5G Infrastructure Enables New and Radical Applications</a></span></p><h2>Use Case Possibilities: Life in a 5G World</h2><p>To illustrate some of the possibilities in a 5G world, consider a simple example of an architect&rsquo;s commute to work one morning in her autonomous vehicle (AV). It happens that she has scheduled a conference call to take place during her commute because this was the only time her clients in Spain and her supplier in Singapore could meet.</p><p>Seamless Communications<br>The architect can carry on with her meeting as her AV navigates itself to her office. It does this by using a 5G vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications platform for low-latency communications. The AV&rsquo;s communications platform is cloud-based and interacts with other vehicles and traffic control infrastructures, using data from sensor inputs for real-time situational awareness and navigational updates.</p><p>While the AV drives, the architect reviews her project plans, then puts on her headset to enter a virtual three-dimensional (3D) conference call that uses a 5G broadband full-duplex connection. During the meeting, the AV enters a tunnel on the route to work. There is no interruption in the meeting or the vehicle&rsquo;s control systems because the tunnel is lined with small cell mMIMO antennas, which maintain a continuous contact for all communications while the vehicle is moving underground. Soon after the AV enters the tunnel, its calculated arrival time triggers a signal that turns on a coffee machine in the architect&rsquo;s office.</p><h1>Tasks Accomplished</h1><p>Despite all the activity, the meeting goes as planned. The AV arrives at its destination, locates an available parking space, parks itself, engages the electric-charging equipment, and verifies the payment account information. Thereafter, the architect walks into her office, pours a cup of hot coffee, and updates her project plans based on information her supplier in Singapore provides.</p><p>This example shows how 5G technology&rsquo;s ubiquitous real-time command, control, and communications capabilities will reshape the way process control and workflows operate. It will also open the door to entirely new models. Fully entering this world, however, will still require a lot of engineering work.</p><h1>Engineering Challenges for 5G Components</h1><p>5G performance requirements combined with 5G network and device architectures are placing new demands on component design. Many design constraints are interdependent. They include:</p><ul><li>Processing power and throughput. Many aspects of 5G technology require more processing power, including scalable waveforms, higher data throughput, smaller cells that require complex session and handoff management, beamforming, network slicing, and higher connected device densities. More processing power requires more robust software, which in turn consumes power and generates heat.</li><li>Power consumption. Although 5G devices are expected to use power more efficiently, they will also do more work. Early base stations with MIMO antennas and prototype 5G phones will consume two to three times more power than their 4G counterparts.</li><li>Heat. More power consumption means more heat generation, which requires more heat dissipation to avoid damaging components.</li><li>Component complexity. 5G components are more complex, with more filters and amplifiers to operate at more frequencies and with more complex waveforms. This complexity introduces risks of creating larger components when space is already at a premium, especially in user equipment.</li><li>Component density and compact designs. Packing more complex components into more compact designs increases component density, which makes heat dissipation more difficult.</li></ul><p>These challenges can have a cascading effect of design constraints. For example, in a device like a mobile phone, if components take up more room, there is less room for a battery, so the battery must be smaller. But, if the device needs more power, smaller batteries mean less available power, which in turn means a shorter service time between charges. Many of these heat, power consumption, and component size challenges are being addressed through new techniques and materials&mdash;for example, through:</p><ul><li>Transceivers that employ new phase-shifting techniques&mdash;which allow more accurate beam steering, tighter beam resolution, near-zero gain variations across a large MIMO antenna array, higher data rates, and package size reductions through components that share circuit elements&mdash;eliminating the need for switches,</li><li>More efficient high-frequency power amplifiers that use gallium nitride (GaN) transistors and a variety of techniques for reducing nonlinearization when operating at less than full power, and</li><li>New techniques for developing reconfigurable and tunable wideband filters that are compact and cost-effective.</li></ul><h1>Conclusion</h1><p>5G communications are here, and initial deployments have already begun, but clearly a lot of engineering work remains to be done before 5G technology can deliver all the possibilities that its specification implies. Initial deployments focusing on FR1 (&lt;6GHz) will be the proving ground for new 5G systems and components going forward.</p><p><em>This article was originally written by&nbsp;</em>Mustafa Ergen <em>for Mouser and substantially edited by the Wevolver team. It&#39;s the first article of a series exploring 5G. Future articles will explore how 5G differs from existing technology and how the potential of hyper-connectivity will be applied in entertainment, smart cities, and industry and how to get there.&nbsp;</em></p><p id="isPasted"><em>Article One gives <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/a-forward-glance-at-5g-applying-backwards-thinking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">an overview of 5G.&nbsp;</a></em></p><p><em>Article Three</em><em>&nbsp;discusses&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/where-does-5g-fit-in-the-connectivity-ecosystem" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>how systems engineers can evaluate the viability of 5G in the existing connectivity ecosystem.</em></a></p><p>Article Four <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/understanding-the-3gpp-release-15-5g-standard" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">examines the relevant standards associated with 5G.</a></p><p><em>Article Five&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/5g-infrastructure-enables-new-and-radical-applications" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>showcases the radical applications 5G will enable.</em></a></p><p><em>Article Six <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/ecosystems-of-5g-engineering-infrastructure" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">looks at the ecosystems of 5G infrastructure.</a></em></p><p><em>Article Seven&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/5g-antenna-design" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>dives into 5G Antenna Designs.</em></a></p><hr><h1><em>About the sponsor: Mouser Electronics</em></h1><p><em><em>Mouser Electronics is a worldwide leading authorized distributor of semiconductors and electronic components for over 800 industry-leading manufacturers. They specialize in the rapid introduction of new products and technologies for design engineers and buyers. Their extensive product offering includes semiconductors, interconnects, passives, and electromechanical components.</em>&nbsp;</em></p><p><em><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjA0MzQ4NTgwOTg1LW1vdXNlciBsb2dvIGZvb3Rlci5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></em><br></p><p><br></p>

standards

Profiles