LG Innotek has created what it claims is the first 5G communication module for vehicles using 5G Qualcomm chips for the automotive market.
The next-generation mobile technology offers not just higher download speeds but also low latency. Therefore, companies are experimenting with how 5G can be used to benefit other applications such as real-time mapping for autonomous vehicles, enhancing current vehicle connectivity, virtual reality, gaming, television and other entertainment content, and making emergency services more efficient.
In a vehicle, the 5G communication module would use 5G mobile telecommunications technology to enable the transmission of data between a vehicle and a cellular base station and wireless network connection. The module combines a communications chip and a memory and radio frequency circuit mounted on the inside of a vehicle or in a vehicle communication device on the roof.
LG’s 5G communication module, which runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive 5G platform, enables sharing of real-time traffic information, precise location measurement, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication and large amounts of data between other vehicles and data centers.
LG said that using 5G technology for automotive communication modules is difficult because of the higher frequency bands that the technology uses, which causes higher loss of signals compared to 4G LTE. Likewise, 5G technology also generates substantially more heat due to the transmission of larger amounts of data. As such, LG uses heat resistant materials and density modularized RF circuit design technology to help with these issues.
The module could be used in autonomous vehicles where the vehicles can detect obstacles at over 60 miles per hour and activate the urgent braking function. In an LTE communication module, braking starts after the vehicle moves about 4.5 ft. However, with a 5G module, braking begins in under 1 ft because the latency is lower.
LG said the module will accelerate the development of 5G for vehicles, eventually becoming a key component for autonomous vehicles and connected cars.
