High-frequency electronic designs were once dominated by large transmitters and receivers, often providing communications and radar systems with limited voice and data capabilities. But ongoing trends of heightened integration and increasing miniaturization are combining wireless functionality with many emerging and innovative electronic technologies. These advances make optimum use of available frequency spectrum even as they tackle higher operating frequencies.
Industry trends in RF/microwave design feature innovative integration of supporting technologies for added functionality without significantly increasing size, weight, or power consumption. These companion technologies include artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cognitive radio (CR), Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) equipment, and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. Integrating multiple technologies provides benefits in many industries, including commercial, industrial, medical, military, and deep space users.
Trends for electronic designs with reduced size, weight, and power (SWaP) have been driven by aerospace and defense (A&D) requirements. However, demand for products tracking such trends has carried over to many other industries, resulting in highly miniaturized, densely integrated designs that include those for small signal and power circuits.
Components like newer system-in-package (SiP) and system-on-chip (SoC) devices as well as well-established integrated circuits (ICs) and discrete components support the miniaturization. Still, achieving printed-circuit boards (PCBs) with dense circuit layouts require thoughtful circuit material selection due to considerations such as thermal management and circuit material expansion and contraction with temperature and humidity.
Integration of RF/microwave circuits and systems with emerging electronic technologies like AI/ML, CR, IoT, and O-RAN requires a system-level view of available resources to enable them to work together. The different technologies working within a system are often related in operation; e.g., how AI/ML technology makes possible the rapid processing of the copious amounts of data collected by IoT sensors.
Because of close relationships, electronic and mechanical proximities within a design are often necessary for optimum operation, with minimal signal losses and phase shifts by minimizing the electrical lengths of cables and other interconnections. Below are articles that take closer looks at four key emerging technology areas, and they include examples of how these wireless-fueled technologies are being used in beneficial applications.
