*This Editor’s Note will appear in the May Edition of ECN.
Wireless technology has become a ubiquitous part of our everyday lives. Landline telephones seem like relics that belong in museums, and the prospect of not being constantly connected to the internet is completely foreign.
This became even more evident during my recent visit to the New York International Auto Show. Beyond the unveiling of new autonomous and electric technology, wireless tech was a huge component being integrated into vehicles. Whether it was WiFi hotspots or wireless charging for your phone, virtually every automaker had some cord cutting innovations on display. For example, Ford is now offering Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant to its lineup. There is also an app for most vehicle manufacturers that allows users to lock and unlock doors, remote start the car, and provides valet access. Volvo’s XC40 even allows you to share the car with friends and family through the Volvo On Call app, which enables the owner to email an invitation to someone with a timeframe and temporary digital key.
The wireless industry is also buzzing with anticipation for 5G technology. I was in attendance April 9-10, at the IEEE Wireless and Microwave Technology Conference (WAMICON) in Clearwater Beach, Florida, and the onset of 5G was a central focus of the conference. While 5G promises to improve and speed up the user experience on mobile devices, its implementation is not without its challenges.
At conference, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Thomas Cameron, Director of Wireless Devices at Analog Devices, and one of the plenary speakers. He pointed out that massive MIMO weight, size, power constraints, and costs are all challenges the industry must deal with for an efficient and effective roll out of 5G. Handset manufacturers will also face similar issues when designing new devices. “One of the beautiful things about this spec is that it’s designed to handle so many uses cases,” said Cameron. “Some we haven’t even thought of yet.”
As the ins and outs of 5G networks are being developed, ECN features many articles on the subject to provide some insight on what is to come. Our issue focus on p. 6, “Fact or Fiction: What’s Real in 5G New Radio,” by Sheri DeTomasi, Keysight Technologies, Inc., analyzes the truth and myths of what 5G technology will offer. Beginning on p. 10 are our feature articles that continue to explore 5G as well as display technology and passive components. “Innovative Display Technologies on the Road,” by Daniel Ma, Texas Instruments, on p. 18 details the introduction of AMLCD and AMOLED panels into vehicle displays.
As more wireless technology hits the market, it will be interesting to see what other cords will be cut.