As the move towards 5G and beyond accelerates towards a state of reality, so the need for advanced phase stable interconnects that enable higher frequencies to be reached increases in tandem. At this year’s International Microwave Symposium (IMS2019), interconnect pioneers Junkosha have launched their latest mmWave cabling solution, the MWX004, in a bid to go beyond the 145 GHz barrier, a unique capability in the marketplace and one that places it at the forefront of cable assembly innovation.

In a 5G world, both humans and devices will require wireless connectivity, such as IoT sensors throughout smart buildings and cities, alongside connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) on smart highways. This increased capacity for 5G networks calls for both an amplification of, and more efficient use of, the available frequency spectrum through the application of innovative technologies. Designed for applications including LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) based systems such as CAVs, Junkosha’s latest interconnect provides Vector Network Analyser (VNA) manufacturers with the capability to test very high frequency networks that are at the heart of tomorrow’s highly sophisticated systems.

“With this latest mmWave interconnect, Junkosha is meeting the needs of customer groups who are moving towards upgrading their equipment to contend with the higher frequencies demanded by a 5G enabled world and beyond,” explains Joe Rowan, president and CEO of USA and Europe for Junkosha. “Featuring characteristics including advanced phase stability, the highest performing dielectric material and high flex life thanks to Junkosha’s precision engineered expanded-PTFE tape wrapping technology, this new interconnect continues to push the boundaries beyond today’s needs to those of tomorrow, and a future that is connected far beyond the devices of today.”

The use of mmWave frequencies in 5G systems are essential to enable higher data rates and the transfer of large amounts of data from systems such as Autonomous Vehicles and other machine-to-machine devices. As a result, major telecommunications service providers are specifying components required for 5G networks, including highly sophisticated cabling interconnect solutions that endure at the highest frequency levels.

“The fast-approaching broad deployment of 5G networks will necessitate sophisticated instrument testing and cabling of the highest quality to ensure the faster connections, higher throughput, and greater capacity inherent in the promise of 5G,” said Marc Bouvrette, president of Gap Wireless. “Our vendor partner Junkosha delivers the calibre of high-speed cabling that service providers will rely on to support 5G networks.”