boston, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As the world waits for the next generation of communications technology, 5G, to take off, key stakeholders are preparing for the future of communications technology, 6G. This may seem premature given that 5G infrastructure and base station deployments are not yet close to peak. In fact, IDTechEx predicts that mmWave 5G high-frequency, high-performance bands will become widespread within the next few years. However, for 6G technology to ultimately be deployed globally within a decade, it will take a large number of stakeholders across the supply chain (i.e., telcos, component suppliers, material suppliers, governments, academics, etc.) Major research and development activities must now take place. This includes the research and development of low-loss materials, which IDTechEx explores extensively in its report “Low-loss materials for 5G and 6G 2024-2034: Markets, trends and forecasts”.
Thoughts on 6G and its current status
First, to understand why 6G frequency bands are so promising, it’s important to understand 5G frequency bands. 5G frequency bands include sub-6GHz bands (3.5-6 GHz) and millimeter wave (mmWave) bands (24-40 GHz). While these 5G bands can offer faster data rates, lower latency, and enhanced reliability to end users, 6G can go a step further. 6G will likely include frequency bands spanning the THz (terahertz) range (0.3 to 10 THz), enabling Tbps (terabits per second) data rates, microsecond delays, and widespread network reliability. will be able to provide it. Compared to 5G, 6G is expected to have 50 times higher data rates and 100 times faster speeds.
With these benefits, it’s no surprise that research into 6G technology has accelerated since 2019. The first major milestone happened in 2017 when Huawei started its 6G research. Since then, major government authorities such as the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have opened up terahertz frequencies for research, and the Chinese government has begun its 6G research efforts. Additionally, partnerships and consortia are being formed to make it an important hub for future innovations in 6G technology. Recently, the AI-RAN Alliance was launched to effectively combine artificial intelligence (AI) and wireless communication technologies. It includes many notable founding members, including Samsung Electronics, Arm, Ericsson, Microsoft, Nokia, NVIDIA, SoftBank, and more. northeastern university.
Overcoming 6G’s key technical challenges
The two biggest challenges that need to be addressed regarding 6G technology are:
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Signal propagation distance is very short
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Signal loss due to line-of-sight obstacles (buildings, trees, etc.)
For the former challenge, minimizing transmission losses will require various technological advances, including material innovations for 6G. Broadly speaking, materials innovation serves as a key building block for the development of other technological advances. For THz communications, low-loss materials that help minimize signal loss are critical to enabling new 6G technologies and applications.
Prospects for low loss materials for high frequency 5G applications. Source: IDTechEx
Initiatives for low-loss materials for 6G
Although the exact performance targets required for 6G are still unknown, it is expected that the next generation of low-loss materials will need to at least exceed the performance of current ultra-low-loss materials. Therefore, some researchers are approaching the challenge of 6G low-loss materials from the starting point of low-loss materials currently in commercial use. These materials approaches allow the incorporation of new structures and modifiers into industry standard dielectric materials such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and reinforced epoxy thermosets.
Some companies are considering the need for low-loss materials for integrated packaging. As telecommunications components continue to be integrated into smaller packages, the need for materials that facilitate such packaging increases. Organic materials such as polyimide (PI) and poly p-(phenyl ether) (PPE) have been developed as build-up materials for substrates.
However, more serious research efforts are being conducted on inorganic materials for integrated packaging. A number of papers have been published demonstrating the feasibility of using glass as a substrate for antenna-integrated die-embedded packages, which can potentially reduce signal loss in interconnects. Additionally, many papers have investigated new ceramic compositions for low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) for 6G applications.
Finally, other research approaches utilize less conventional materials, such as low-cost thermoplastics, silica foams, and wood-based composites. The diversity of approaches considered by IDTechEx not only shows the level of interest in low-loss materials for 6G, but also shows how diverse the future prospects for low-loss materials for 6G are.
Market forecast for low-loss materials for 5G and 6G
The IDTechEx report, Low Loss Materials for 5G and 6G 2024-2034: Market, Trends and Forecasts, examines the technology developments and market trends driving growth in the market for low loss materials for next generation communications. IDTechEx has identified the future of low-loss materials for 5G, carefully segmenting the market by frequency (sub-6 GHz vs. mmWave), six material types, and three application areas (smartphones, infrastructure, and CPE). We forecast revenue and area demand and offer 60 different products. prediction line. For more information on low-loss materials for 5G and 6G, including material benchmarking research, player analysis, market drivers and barriers, and a detailed 10-year market forecast, read the IDTechEx report.
For more information about this report, including downloadable sample pages, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/LowLossMats.
For the complete portfolio of 5G-related research available from IDTechEx, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Research/5G.
IDTechEx provides trusted, independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have helped clients understand new technologies, their supply chains, and market requirements, opportunities, and forecasts. For more information, please contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com.
About IDTechEx
IDTechEx helps customers guide their strategic business decisions and profit from emerging technologies through research, subscription and consulting products. For more information, please contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com.
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