But we're not there yet.
For now, the benefits of 5G are most evident in personal devices such as smartphones and home appliances such as smart thermostats. But as 5G deployments gain momentum, the impact will be huge. Data-intensive applications that benefit from real-time communication will see significant progress. These include self-driving cars, robotic surgery, medical wearables, traffic management, and of course IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) in today's smart factories.
What does all this have to do with connectors?
Electrical connectors are a key part of the infrastructure that enables 5G connectivity. They act as a vital link between the cables that carry data and the devices that communicate information, which are growing exponentially. Advances in high-speed data transmission have driven innovations in connector design in terms of performance, size, and electromagnetic signal interference (EMI) shielding. Different versions and sizes are used in communication applications, but the M16 connector has become the preferred choice for 5G antennas.
For cell tower antennas, the need for faster and more reliable data transmission has driven the development of connectors that can support specific requirements. Developed by the Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG). AISG defines a "Long Range Electrical Tilt" (RET) communication interface for cell phone antennas. The AISG standard helps define the AISG connector for RS-485 (AISG C485) for outdoor applications. 4AISG standards are redefined in terms of electrical and mechanical properties, environmental conditions and materials.
The updated AISG standard includes the following:
Electrical characteristics:
Rated voltage 32 V
The current carrying capacity of each contact is 5 A
Contact resistance (≤ 5 mΩ)
Insulation resistance (≥10) 8Ω
Mechanical characteristics:
IP68 protection class
>100 insertions and removals
The maximum insertion and withdrawal force is 60 N
Keying method
Resistance to vibration and impact
The holding force of the cable is 80N
Environmental Conditions:
Resistance to harsh environments (temperature, salt spray, sunlight and rain)
Material and other characteristics:
A nickel casing surface is recommended
Gold or silver contact plating
Crimped or welded ends
8 pins, using 4 or 5 pins
M16 x 0.75 screw locking system
EMC shielding
As 5G networks and other high-speed data transmission applications continue to scale up each year, the size of connectors is also getting smaller. The challenge for circular connectors is to save space and weight, and handle lightning-fast speeds, while continuing to provide reliability and durability to withstand the harsh conditions 5G cell towers will face. This requires design engineers to strike a balance between performance and reliability. The best balance depends heavily on the application and working with the customer to ensure that all criteria are met. Today, however, nearly every market - not just communications - demands high performance and durability in smaller packages, so design investments are critical to vendor success.
EMI shielding
Because buildings and other physical objects can block 5G radio frequencies, millions of phones, computers, and smart devices could suffer huge outages due to EMI. The most effective defense against EMI is filtering at the connector interface. Optimized 360° EMC (Electromagnetic compatibility) shielding of the M16 connector provides the highest integrity for sensitive signals and power connections. The shield layer is metal and can be used as a cable clamp or shield ring.
Effective shielding meets the attenuation requirements of DIN 47250-6. Attenuation refers to the loss of signal strength in a network cable or connection during transmission. It is usually measured in decibels or voltages.
The market outlook for circular connectors is optimistic
As of the end of 2019, the global connector market was valued at $64.17 billion. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.7% from 2020 to 2027, and the market size will exceed $98 billion by 2027. The diagram includes all connector types - electrical, I/O, circular, printed circuit board (PCB), etc. Circular connectors account for about 7% of the total market, with sales of $4.3 billion in 2020. While the COVID-19 pandemic hit most markets, circular connectors declined by only 1.4% and are now recovering with encouraging momentum. With the expansion of 5G, IIoT and other Industry 4.0 applications, the demand for higher performance, smaller and lighter connectors will also increase.