www.ecelectronics.com 6G CONNECTIVITY 19 www.power-mag.com Issue 2 2024 Power Electronics Europe Although 6G is still in its infancy, its development promises to usher in unparalleled speed, capacity and connectivity advancements. Imagine having access to lightning-fast internet speeds of up to 1 terabit per second (TBPS), far surpassing the 20 gigabytes per second (GBPS) offered by 5G. With 6G technology, consumers can expect to experience faster data transfer and streaming, leading to more efficient and effective communication between devices. Additionally, 6G will support many connected devices, perfect for the rapid development of internet of things (IoT). The possibilities are endless, but we have a long way to go before 6G becomes a reality. So, how can electronics manufacturers prepare for what lies ahead? Rethinking networks Though it is hard to predict what 6G will look like, we can expect new and innovative possibilities — including holographic communications, intelligent network operations and computing convergence. As tomorrow’s ground-breaking applications (like the metaverse and augmented reality) will require increased connectivity, the utilisation of edge and cloud infrastructure will play a massive role in deploying 6G networks. The benefits that 5G already offers will also be delivered by 6G, with much higher performance. Beyond that, 6G will enable intelligent, hyperconnected, decentralised and highly secure networks with exceptionally high capacity and coverage. This means that 6G networks will have access to more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and enhanced support for sophisticated mobile devices than 5G. Evolving PCB design 6G’s emergence will significantly impact printed circuit board (PCB) design. With 6G technology expected to operate at frequencies of 100 GHz and above, PCB manufacturers may need to invest in new tools to create increasingly complex elements and structures suitable for these high rates. PCB engineers may also need to seek new materials with multilayer capacities that can withstand these high radio frequencies without overheating or hindering performance. Additionally, many PCB designs for 6G-enabled IoT electronics and other devices must include millimetre-wave (mmWave) circuits. Boosting IoT capabilities The rollout of 6G will take the IoT to new heights and deliver the bandwidth needed to supercharge the metaverse: the virtual reality network of connected 3D visual worlds. From virtual meeting spaces to 3Drendered social media pages, the possibilities are endless. We can expect an influx of new 6Genabled smart devices, too. With seamless connectivity, businesses can harness data on an unprecedented scale to transform Is It Too Soon to Prepare For 6G Connectivity in Electronics Manufacturing? Move over, 5G. There is a new network connectivity on the block… by Phil Simmonds, CEO of EC Electronics.
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