3M in 5G: 3M Solutions for 5G Network Infrastructure Challenges

5G communication promises deeper, more reliable connectivity and technology that will revolutionise medicine, automotive, electronics, and other industries. Once the 5G network infrastructure is built out, the experiences that mankind would be able to have will be mind-boggling. Faster movie downloads on our phones are just the beginning- we’re talking real-time connectivitiy solutions that will expand the internet of things and allow in-the-moment, critical operations – think of automated cars or doctors performing sensitive surgeries from hundreds of miles away via live feed.

But building out a fully functioning network is going to take significant infrastructure not to mention time. Additionally, there are several challenges to building out this 5G network infrastructure.

How is 3M helping networks meet these 5G Network challenges?

3M technology innovations from across 14 core disciplines have helped provide solutions to some of these 5G challenges. For example, we are repurposing longtime expertise in controlling electromagnetic interference (EMI) for electronics to aid signal integrity and strength. Currently, four new products being developed are initially focused on infrastructure design challenges and signal integrity:

Beam control (increased area coverage)

• by putting a 3M™ coating over the antenna array, our product can help networks access more of the area and improve coverage.

mmWave hybrid absorber (design challenge and signal integrity)

• 5G technology devices are more compact, with improved functionality, leading to increased heat and noise. Our hybrid absorber helps networks with their EMI control and heat removal.
• This absorber can be utilized in various applications, a couple of examples being RF/mmWave infrastructure components and modules, optical transceivers, internal cavities, and heat sink coupling (to help with EMI shielding).

PIM Reduction Kit (signal integrity)

• 3M has a very simple solution to reduce external passive intermodulation (PIM) issues. We have a PIM kit with weatherproofing tapes and a magnetic absorber for PIM mitigation to help maintain 5G network performance.

Transparent 5G antenna: (inconspicuous solution)

• Stadiums, restaurants and other venues don’t want antennas destroying their ambiance. 3M™ Transparent Conductor Film is a thin transparent conductive film that utilizes proprietary 3M technology that provides networks with high power, high current, low surface resistivity, low PIM antenna concealment designs. This film is made specifically for antenna designers to create inconspicuous antenna products for indoors and outdoors applications.

So, what’s the approximate timeline for us to be able to help networks develop effective network infrastructure?

Even the industry experts have various takes on this most frequently asked question, but most of them tend to agree that consumers and enterprises will enjoy the full benefits of this new generation of mobile communication within 5 years, while critical applications like autonomous driving or remote surgery will need more time.

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