23 November 2022Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
By David Gray, Mycronic.
For years, we’ve been hearing: “5G is coming and it’s going to transform our world!” Is this realistic or is it just hype? According to Mycronic experts, this is certainly not hype. New 5G technology, with up to 100 times faster speeds than today’s 4G, will open exciting new possibilities for consumers and businesses, but it is already placing tough demands on manufacturers.
“Right now, we’re seeing the first waves of 5G devices hitting the market,” says Ivan Li, Sr VP of Mycronic’s assembly solutions high volume division. “These devices use a high-band spectrum that offers faster connectivity, ultra-low latency and the ability to handle a lot more data.”
5G investments are accelerating
Li explains that latency is the lag time in the transmission that can disrupt the user experience – whether it’s for advanced gaming, streaming of videos, e-health, or connected vehicles. Now, with greater transmission speeds, 5G networks will dramatically enhance the experience by reducing that lag. And while the rollout of 5G mobile networks has been slightly delayed due to the recent global pandemic, the ramp-up in investments is accelerating.
“In my view, 5G is the technology leap that will form the backbone for future technology innovation, including the 3D Metaverse. It’s real and it’s happening now!” Li says.
High-volume dispensing and protective coatings
From his front-row position in the electronics hub of Shenzhen, China, Li and his team are in a unique position to see the manufacturing challenges of 5G playing out in real time.
“For consumer electronics, the challenge is to create robust, well-protected smartphones, wearables, and devices. Here is where Mycronic’s fully automated high-volume dispensing and protective coating equipment is being widely adopted by leading manufacturers,” he says.
“But this is not all,” says Li. “Suppliers of infrastructure like 5G radio base stations, switches and routers must also be able to mount layers of advanced components on complex printed circuit boards. This may require full-line SMT solutions, including jet printers and specially tailored dispensing solutions.”
Die bonding and electrical PCB testing
Finally, he notes that Mycronic’s Global Technologies division is developing crucial die bonding solutions for 5G network components, and electrical tests for the bare board PCBs used.
“5G rollout across the globe continues to demand that manufacturers produce increasingly smaller products, with higher speed and bandwidth,” says Li. “The 5G technology requires high-performance optical devices, such as transceivers embedded in datacentres, to allow data to flow in and out at maximum speeds.”
To be able to handle miniaturisation with accuracy and speed, Li points to exciting new developments at Mycronic’s MRSI unit (part of Global Technologies division), which provides cutting-edge die bonding equipment for customers manufacturing such optical devices. “MRSI’s die bonders help them overcome significant challenges to deliver increasingly smaller packaging housing with smaller dies and higher density,” he concludes.
Yamaha reveals software innovations to boost printing, mounting, and intelligent factory Truth Electronic Manufacturing
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Yamaha Robotics Europe SMT Section has added new features to native equipment software and Intelligent Factory tools that accelerate equipment programming, increase production efficiency, and enhance factory productivity.
Read more...UltiMaker introduces defence-grade 3D printing RS South Africa
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Leading at launch are the UltiMaker S6 Secure and UltiMaker S8 Secure, two robust solutions designed to deliver trusted and reliable, on-demand production capabilities.
Read more...The future is built by hand
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Choosing a trade or technical path does not just open doors for your future self. It opens doors for the people you will serve, the systems you will maintain, the businesses you will grow, and the communities you will strengthen.
Read more...September exclusives at PCBWay: Big savings on PCBs and 3D printing PCBWay
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
[Sponsored] This September, PCBWay is bringing you two exciting, limited time offers that showcase both style and versatility. Whether you are designing with PCBs or prototyping with 3D printing, these will help you create more while spending less.
Read more...Understanding solder paste viscosity and thixotropy Truth Electronic Manufacturing
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
A solder paste’s viscosity and thixotropic properties, a measure of its resistance to flow, influence its performance in different production environments.
Read more...Global electronics trade in an age of disruption
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Governments should invest in domestic strengths, coordinate with international partners, and align trade and industrial policy with the realities of a globally connected electronics sector.
Read more...The new tool design of IWISS Startech Industrial
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Rooted in IWISS’ dedication to reliability, comfort, and efficiency, the company’s new design refresh elevates craftsmanship by incorporating a rich cultural influence.
Read more...Microtronix revives defunct cell phone plant Microtronix Manufacturing
Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
In a significant move for South Africa’s struggling electronics manufacturing sector, local technology firm Microtronix has breathed new life into a formerly defunct cell phone manufacturing facility.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version