Advanced semiconductors are crucial for the next generation of 5G technology, driving high-speed and low-latency connections. As the relationship between 5G and semiconductors deepens, and the need for 5G systems and devices escalates, finding these essential components is becoming more difficult.”
What is 5G?
5G is the latest generation of wireless technology, offering faster speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced reliability, with the potential to transform numerous industries.Ā
5G technology is also driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution and delivers:Ā Ā
- 1,000 times more mobile data capacity per areaĀ
- 100 times more connected devicesĀ
- 100 times faster user data speedsĀ
- 10 times longer battery life for low-power, large-scale machine communicationsĀ
- 5 times lower end-to-end latencyĀ
How Does 5G Technology Work?
Similar to other cellular networks, 5G technology divides its coverage area into geographic sub-regions called cells. Each cell has local antennas that connect all wireless devices within it to the internet and telephone network using radio waves. To achieve its high speeds, 5G operates on low- and midbands of the radio spectrum (below six gigahertz) and also taps into new parts of the spectrum, known as ‘millimeter waves.’ These waves, broadcast at frequencies between 30 and 300 gigahertz, were previously used only for satellite and radar communications.Ā
5G and Semiconductors
5G technology is requiring semiconductor fabs to keep up with the growing demand for more connected devices and smart products. These fabs are responsible for producing the high performing chips and wafers that power these devices with a great capacity for memory and storage.Ā
This requires manufacturing equipment and gas delivery systems used in fabs to be designed for greater complexity, ensuring higher precision and maintaining process integrity.Ā
5G Technology ā The New Standard
5G is now the standard for modern devices making the relationship between 5G and semiconductors more important than ever.Ā
Before 5G, most cellular communications occurred in frequency bands below 3GHz, with a maximum channel bandwidth of 20 MHz. However, as smartphones became widespread and the demand for mobile data surged, it became clear that the industry needed to expand beyond the 3GHz range.Ā
5G emerged to address the need for greater capacity to handle the unprecedented data volumes. It operates in the 30 GHz to 300 GHz frequency range, known as millimeter waves (mmW), with wavelengths between 10mm and 1mm. This enables faster speeds and higher capacity compared to 4G. But for high-tech innovators, 5Gās most critical advantages are its extreme reliability and ultra-low latency, which make it ideal for IoT applications like machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, capable of managing the large data volumes required for mission-critical control systems.Ā
For semiconductor companies, the rise of 5G and semiconductors goes hand in hand. Keeping up with the demands of 5G-enabled technologies requires increasing chip memory to handle larger data loads and support specialized applications. Additionally, the surge in 5G innovations is driving the need to scale up semiconductor production, as companies race to capitalize on the new opportunities that 5G presents.Ā
Smartphones, 5G, and Semiconductors
Smartphones are a key driver of the 5G revolution. With more smartphones entering the market each year, Tech Insights predicts that by 2024, 71% of all smartphones will be 5G-enabled. Additionally, the demand for chips and radio frequency (RF) frontend modules for 5G and 5G mmWave technology is expected to double in premium smartphones, which will significantly boost 5G semiconductor revenue, projected to rise from nearly zero in 2018 to $31.5 billion by 2023 according to Silicon Semiconductor.Ā
However, smartphones are just one part of the 5G landscape. The advent of 5G has led to a major shift for semiconductor companies, as they now need to develop more advanced chips for a wide array of applications across numerous industries. Various sectors producing connected industrial and consumer products are integrating 5G technology, including cutting-edge innovations like:Ā
- Autonomous vehiclesĀ
- Asset trackingĀ
- Smart city managementĀ
- Wearable technologyĀ
- Artificial intelligenceĀ
To support the development of these more sophisticated chips, semiconductor manufacturing processes must meet ultra-high purity standards. With today’s stringent requirements, precision and reliability are paramount in ensuring the success of 5G applications across industries.Ā
High Purity Gas
As 5G sets the benchmark for connectivity and semiconductor complexity increases, only the most advanced semiconductors are suitable for use. These devices have become more sophisticated and efficient, with their reduced sizes enabling technologies to shrink and become more powerful.Ā
Technological advancements have continued to lead to more densely packed semiconductor wafers, making precision critical. Every part of the material is vital, and engineers must maintain exceptional purity and precision to ensure the components function properly.Ā
The right gas purification technology, such as ARM Purificationās purifiers, is essential. This technology can eliminate contaminants to parts per trillion (PPT) levels, ensuring that impurities do not affect production. Additionally, the gas delivery equipment used in fabrication must also meet the highest standards of precision and purity.Ā Ā
Embracing the 5G Revolution
Supply Chain connect forecasts that the global 5G value chain will generate $13.2 trillion in economic output by 2035. This expansion of 5G technology is expected to have a significant impact on 5G and semiconductors, driving increased semiconductor sales as fabs ramp up production to meet demand across both emerging and established markets.Ā
The Future of 5G
5G will support four use cases, each important for realizing its promise of significant improvements in network performance. These uses include:Ā
Enhanced Mobile Broadband: 5Gās faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity pave the way for on-the-go ultra-high-definition video, virtual reality, and other advanced applications.Ā
Internet of Things (IoT): 5G will revolutionize IoT by supporting a massive number of connections with minimal power consumption.Ā
Mission-Critical Control: Devices that require absolute reliability benefit from 5Gās reduced latency and enhanced resilience, making these time-sensitive applications more dependable.Ā
Fixed Wireless Access: 5Gs high speeds offer a viable alternative to wired broadband in many areas, especially where fiber optics are not available.Ā
The future of 5G technology is powered by advanced semiconductors, which play an important role in enabling high-speed, low-latency connectivity. However, as the demand for 5G infrastructure and devices continues to grow, the sourcing of these semiconductors becomes increasingly challenging.Ā Ā
At Microchip USA, our team are experts at navigating the global market to locate hard-to-find components and secure them at the best prices. We leverage our extensive network and industry insights to provide timely and cost-effective solutions, ensuring that your projects remain on track.Ā
Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you in powering your 5G initiatives and more!Ā
