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Antenna-in-package (AiP) technology is essential for high-frequency telecommunications, as it enables the integration of antennas with RF components directly into semiconductor packages, unlike traditional discrete antennas. This advancement, tailored for mmWave applications and potentially extending into the sub-THz spectrum for 6G, promises much smaller footprints and enhanced performance.
AiP technology continues to evolve as it goes towards higher frequency. Design choices regarding types of antenna elements, substrate technology, materials, and integration of passive devices are pivotal. Furthermore, the maturity of the supply chain and the manufacturing scalability are two key areas that should not be overlooked. These two factors frequently act as a bottleneck for the adoption of new technologies, given their correlation with the final product cost.
Cost-effectiveness is a fundamental requirement in AiP technology. Achieving affordability involves utilizing cost-effective packaging materials and processes, along with essential miniaturization efforts for seamless integration into consumer devices such as smartphones. Additionally, meeting other prerequisites involves fabricating high-gain, broadband mmWave antenna arrays while simultaneously addressing electromagnetic compatibility, signal integrity, and power integrity concerns. Integration of quality factor passives into the package ensures optimal performance, with reliability maintained through efficient thermal dissipation. Scalability further enables module design adaptation to diverse application needs. More discussion regarding AiP technology can be found in IDTechEx's report, "Antenna in Package (AiP) for 5G and 6G 2024-2034: Technologies, Trends, Markets".
Overview of AiP for 5G and 6G market and challenges:
The AiP market is directly linked with the 5G mmWave and future 6G markets, as AiP is expected to be utilized in all 5G mmWave-based stations and 5G-enabled electronics like smartphones. While 5G technology is progressively being commercialized worldwide, the primary focus remains on mid-band (sub-6 GHz) deployments. IDTechEx reports that less than 10% of commercialized or pre-commercialized 5G services as of now are based on the mmWave frequency band. This is partly due to the challenges faced by mmWave deployment, as higher frequency signals are prone to attenuation in the air and are highly susceptible to obstacles in accordance with the laws of physics.
Telco operators prioritize creating cost-effective networks by maximizing coverage with minimal base stations. However, due to the shorter propagation distances of mmWave, approximately ten times more mmWave stations are required compared to 4G low-mid band stations to cover the same area. As a result, national 5G coverage predominantly relies on low/mid-band and sub-6 GHz bands. IDTechEx anticipates that mmWave bands will mainly serve data-intensive hotspots like crowded stadiums, supporting critical applications such as real-time streaming and uploading of high-definition videos.
Identifying a killer application(s) where mmWave technology can truly shine remains the greatest challenge for the industry at present. While the concept of integrating 5G mmWave with VR/AR for real-time remote gaming/work was initially promising, the market and the ecosystem for VR/AR devices have yet to mature sufficiently for 5G mmWave to capitalize on. To foster growth in the mmWave market, discovering compelling and financially rewarding business use cases is crucial. These cases must demonstrate how the advantages of 5G mmWave can justify the substantial investment required for deployment. While this process will require time, IDTechEx predicts that it will likely take another 3-5 years before witnessing a significant rise in such cases. However, with continuous innovation and exploration, the industry anticipates that the moment for widespread adoption and highly profitable opportunities for mmWave technology will inevitably arrive.
Looking ahead, 6G, the next generation of telecommunication technology, promises even greater advancements than 5G mmWave. Operating beyond 100 GHz and towards the terahertz spectrum, 6G is expected to offer Tbps data rates, microsecond-level latency, and extensive network dependability. Its capabilities extend beyond connectivity to areas such as energy harvesting, sensing, imaging, and precise positioning. However, 6G will face greater challenges compared to 5G mmWave in both technology development and market penetration, given its even higher frequencies. Overcoming these hurdles will necessitate the development of innovative technological solutions, including advancements in packaging technologies for antennas to minimize signal transmission issues. Additionally, there is a crucial need for stronger market identification of future applications to drive the adoption of 6G technologies. This entails not only identifying killer applications but also fostering the ecosystem necessary for their successful implementation.
