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How 5G Technology Works – A Quick Summary The theory behind how 5G works is electromagnetics, which at its core is the study of how electrically charged particles interact. The force created by this interaction is composed of fields, both electric and magnetic. When there is an electrical current, there are also electromagnetic fields. We are able to send signals through these waves, and engineers are able to create antennas that transmit or receive these electromagnetic fields. 5G networks operate in two ranges, 1) sub-6 GHz and 2) millimeter wave, which is between 30 and 100 GHz. When people talk about the amazing things that can happen at speeds up to 100 times faster than current wireless technology, they are talking about millimeter wave technology. Millimeter waves work best for high-bandwidth, short-range applications, because the waves don't travel as far as those at the lower frequency signals in 4G technology; the millimeter waves only work when there's a clear line-of-sight between the antenna and the device, and some are easily absorbed by humidity, rain, structures, and other obstacles. To get the millimeter waves, or 5G technology, to work on a large scale, more antennas with higher antenna gains are needed to boost the signal and capacity. Why Make the Move to 5G? User demand for faster wireless technology is here. And innovative, creative thinkers are devising and discussing ways to improve communication so much that it will actually change the way we live, work, and play. These improvements require 5G technology. With it, we will leap from the lower frequency signals used by 4G and earlier technologies to extremely high frequencies that: ► Transmit data MUCH faster ► Use smaller antennas ► Lower response time ► Provide more stable connectivity 5G Challenges Create Opportunities for Antenna Design The introduction of 5G technology creates exciting opportunities for people in the electrical engineering, design, PCB fabrication, and manufacturing worlds. Whether designing or manufacturing antennas for placement throughout a building or throughout a city, those experienced with 4G technologies are leaping into new areas. Some of the significant differences between antennas for 4G and 5G include: 1. 5G antennas need to work well together 2. 4G antennas depend on large-scale base stations; 5G will depend on substations 3. Antenna arrays are needed on base stations and mobile devices for directivity 4. More sophisticated circuits and modeling are needed 5. A cleanroom is needed for the manufacturing process of smaller antennas 6. High-fidelity manufacturing processes are needed to meet millimeter wave electronics needs Of course, challenges come with risks and to remain competitive, companies look to reduce risk wherever possible. One way that antenna designers and manufacturers can dramatically cut the time and costs associated with the prototype phase is with simulation software. Highlights of Mobile Generations ► 1G: Analog telecommunications standards ► 2G: Pre-internet set of standards governing wireless telephone calls ► 3G: Surf the internet on a smartphone ► 4G: Video streaming and the launch of apps ► 5G: Download full-length movies in mere seconds