LG Innotek introduced the world’s first 5G communication module for cars

South Korean company LG Innotek introduced an automotive communications module that supports 5G networks. According to the manufacturer, this is the world’s first 5G module for cars. It is built on Qualcomm’s element base.

The design of the module includes a modem, memory and radio frequency circuits – a total of about 480 components. The module provides real-time traffic information exchange, accurate location determination, V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything – between the vehicle and surrounding objects) communication and the transfer of large amounts of data. In other words, it performs the key functions necessary for fully autonomous driving without driver involvement.

The manufacturer notes that using 5G technology for an automotive communication module was not easy, because it uses high frequencies, which leads to greater signal loss than using LTE (Long Term Evolution, 4G mobile communication technology). Another problem is high heat dissipation.

However, 5G provides an important advantage: the module introduces a delay of 1 ms or less, which is an order of magnitude less than the delay of the LTE module. As a result, for example, if a self-driving vehicle moving at a speed of 100 km / h detects an obstacle and activates the emergency braking function, in the case of the LTE module, braking starts after the vehicle has traveled 1.4 m, and with the 5G module – only 2.8 cm.

The dimensions of the module are 40 x 50 x 3.5 mm, so it can be easily installed anywhere inside or outside the car. Compatibility with LTE modules allows you to replace existing LTE modules without changing the design of the system.

The module can be used regardless of the region or type of vehicle, since it complies with the 3GPP Release 15 standard.