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Our modern world is more connected than ever before. The rapid growth of wireless connectivity and the recent introduction of the 5G communication network means that antennas will be a vital part of every design. 

Join us as we look at this technology with Lily Chang of Molex to discover more about antennas and the future of wireless connectivity.

Watch as we talk about some of the hottest applications for antennas in the electronics industry, walk through hypothetical installations, and discussed some of the challenges that engineers face when integrating antennas into their designs. We also talked about some of the exciting products that Molex are working on that will allow engineers to take advantage of the latest in antenna technology.

The Internet of Things or IoT has been enabled by the growth of high-speed wireless connectivity. The IoT is a global network of machines that communicate with each other via the internet. For the first time, data can be processed and shared by machines with little need for human intervention.

Although the IoT is used by a huge range of devices, many of us are most familiar with this technology around the home. Everyday household appliances are now equipped to share data with each other and to enable control by the homeowner using a smartphone. Whether an air conditioning unit that can be controlled remotely or a smart meter that monitors our energy consumption, these devices are using 5G connectivity.

The greatest potential for IoT-enabled devices can be found outside the home. With the rollout of 5G technology, the IoT has found potential applications in almost every industry, from agriculture to medical care. The latest generation of connected devices is able to deliver faster and more efficient services.

The Importance of Antennas

Wireless communication depends on RF (radio frequency) signals to transfer data. Whether it uses Bluetooth, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) or the latest 5G network, devices that send or receive data need antennas. The rapid growth in the number of IoT devices has created the need for antennas that can be integrated into compact electronics. Molex is one of the industry’s largest manufacturers of antennas and can provide solutions for a huge range of applications.

The automotive industry is going through a revolution at the moment, not just in terms of electrification but in the growing sophistication of the connected vehicle. Manufacturers are employing the latest antennas to create a wireless network in which cars, smartphones and other road users will share information to improve road safety. Nor are commercial vehicles being left behind, and manufacturers are using the same technology to create vehicles that play an active role in the supply chain and logistics network.

The supply chain forms part of what is known as the smart factory. This is the name given to a manufacturing plant that employs the IoT in which all operations are connected to create a complete picture of the manufacturing process. Machines, robots and raw materials are all taking advantage of wireless communications to make the factory more efficient and improve the flexibility of the manufacturer.

These systems include the latest autonomous vehicles which use the IoT to manage the movement of raw materials around the facility. The factory floor is just one part of the supply chain, and the latest automotive-grade antennas allow delivery vehicles to use 5G or satellite communications to track shipments once they leave the factory.

All these applications show how vital antennas will be to future technology. 

 

Connector Geek is Dave in real life. After three decades in the industry, Dave still likes talking about connectors almost as much as being a Dad to his two kids. He still loves Lego too. And guitars.
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