Article #6 of Mastering RF Engineering: RF technology powers everything from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to radar, sensing, geolocation, and directed energy systems. This article explores the most essential RF applications, how they work, and their growing impact on modern technology and infrastructure.

Understanding RF Applications: Communication, Sensing, Power Transfer and Beyond

When most people think of 5G, they think of cellular networks. Yet from its inception, 5G was never meant to be just a cellular upgrade. In reality, 5G was designed around a confluence of requirements and technologies for enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC).Cellular technology has successfully delivered on the first two ( i.e., broadband speed and low latency) through LTE-M, NB-IoT, and 5G New Radio. But LTE-M and NB-IoT only address the mMTC side of the 5G vision and don’t meet the requirements of URLLC. Current 5G cellular systems cover eMBB and URLLC, but the industry still lacks a single technology that can satisfy both mMTC and URLLC in the same deployment. NR+ fills that gap with a 5G approved technology that supports massive device density and low-latency operation together.That’s why NR+ (New Radio Plus) is so promising! Formally standardized by ETSI as DECT-2020 NR and recognized by the ITU as part of the 5G family, NR+ is the world’s first non-cellular, non-operator 5G standard. It delivers URLLC-class performance with sub-millisecond PHY-layer latency and mMTC-class scalability of more than one million devices per square kilometer.Designed specifically for massive IoT and private networks, NR+ provides the missing piece of the 5G vision.<h2>What is NR+ and Why It Matters?</h2>NR+ was developed to address the mMTC use case of connecting huge numbers of devices that each transmit small amounts of data. It is built on a clean, globally harmonized 1.9 GHz DECT band, a slice of spectrum often referred to as the “golden frequency.” Whereas cellular deployments incur ongoing operator fees for data services, NR+ operates in a coordinated DECT band with no recurring connectivity costs. The annual DECT Forum membership remains similar to what companies already pay for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth alliances, but unlike those shared unlicensed bands, the DECT spectrum provides a clean, globally harmonized channel reserved specifically for NR+ technology.Technically, NR+ inherits the best of cellular radio design without the baggage of operator dependencies. It uses an OFDM/HARQ physical layer, supports native IPv6 networking, and achieves throughputs in the 1 to 5 Mbps range depending on implementation and revision. Current deployments achieve ~1 ms latency between radio links and multi-kilometer range per hop under line-of-sight conditions. Because the network forms a mesh, each hop extends coverage even further for city- or campus-wide deployments.<h2>Nordic and the Radio</h2>At the hardware level, Nordic supports NR+ with the nRF91x1 System-in-Package (SiP) family, which offers terrestrial cellular (LTE-M/NB-IoT), non-terrestrial (satellite), and NR+ technologies. With access to multiple radio domains in one package, developers can design a single platform that supports public, private, and even satellite networks.The initial nRF91x1 portfolio features 1 MB Flash and 256 kB RAM along with integrated security elements and advanced power management for battery-sensitive IoT applications. Nordic provides the NR+ PHY-level implementation, along with firmware and development tools through its nRF Connect SDK.Importantly, firmware engineers can reconfigure the same nRF91x1 hardware to operate in LTE-M, NB-IoT, satellite, or NR+ mode. In that way, device manufacturers can leverage a single design and bill of materials for all deployment models (e.g., operator networks, private 5G NR+ installations, or hybrid systems that combine both). While the current nRF91-series does not yet support simultaneous operation across NR+, satellite, and cellular modes, the shared hardware platform allows manufacturers to select the desired mode at production or deployment. Nordic thus reduces SKU count and gives developers a stable and scalable hardware basis for emerging non-cellular 5G ecosystems.<h2>Wirepas and the Network Intelligence</h2>If Nordic provides the voice, <a href="https://wirepas.com/blog/the-hidden-cost-of-wiring-in-building-automation/" target="_blank">Wirepas supplies the network intelligence</a>. Wirepas’ Mesh software brings its proven low-power mesh technology to the new NR+ radio layer. Together, this pairing helps devices to become part of a self-organizing, self-healing, and dynamically load-balancing network proven to connect up to millions of nodes within a single domain.Whereas traditional topologies depend on a single gateway or coordinator, NR+ and Wirepas networks give customers freedom to deploy any number of gateways, and each device selects the gateway that best fits its immediate environmental conditions. Each node continuously evaluates its local radio environment and selects the most efficient parent connection based on current conditions. If a gateway or node fails, nearby devices instantly reroute to maintain continuous operation with no centralized control or routing tables.Multi-gateway redundancy guarantees reliability with minimal maintenance overhead. Each device is aware of its own conditions and can make local decisions to overcome interference or congestion. Such behavior is difficult for infrastructure-dictated systems in large, heterogeneous environments. With this unprecedented capability, operators can deliver networks that configure and repair themselves without human intervention.From a business standpoint, Wirepas also keeps total cost of ownership low; they require no operators and no recurring spectrum fees. Combined with Nordic’s hardware, Wirepas’ decentralized network brain makes large-scale private IoT deployments practical and economically viable. <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f5Gq1EHrTnI?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe> <h2>Spectrum and Performance</h2>One of NR+’s biggest technical advantages lies in its spectrum. The 1.9 GHz DECT band is globally harmonized and reserved exclusively for DECT and NR+ operations. Compared to the overcrowded 2.4 GHz ISM band used by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or the fragmented sub-GHz allocations that vary by region, the 1.9 GHz band offers a clean, interference-free environment across nearly all markets.This “golden frequency” allows NR+ to support high transmit power and low interference with remarkable range. Field measurements have demonstrated 6.2 km of rooftop-to-rooftop, line-of-sight connectivity in a small town, and longer line-of-sight links of up to 15 km in rural open-terrain testing. Even in dense urban environments, NR+ can achieve hundreds of meters of reliable coverage.NR+ supports multiple topologies (e.g., mesh, star, point-to-point, and hybrid), meaning developers have flexibility for different deployment needs. It also offers a symmetrical uplink and downlink structure that simplifies hardware design and unlocks cost-effective bidirectional communication.<h2>Why NR+ Is Different from Other IoT Options?</h2>To appreciate NR+’s uniqueness, it helps to contrast it with existing IoT networking technologies.Wi-Fi and Zigbee need centralized controllers and shared 2.4 GHz channels, which suffer from interference, short range, limited bandwidth, and lack of scalability. They work well for smaller local networks but quickly become unmanageable as node counts rise. Bluetooth Mesh, while decentralized, requires frequent message retransmissions that drain batteries and congest the airwaves.Cellular IoT technologies such as LTE-M and NB-IoT excel in wide-area coverage but depend on operator infrastructure, licensed spectrum, and recurring fees. These dependencies make cellular IoT impractical for large-scale private deployments.By contrast, NR+ offers the best of all worlds. It delivers long-range, consistent bandwidth, and high scalability in a self-managed and battery-efficient network that operates on globally available spectrum. While today’s commercial mesh stacks focus on mains-powered devices, the underlying NR+ PHY still supports low-power operation. Nordic and Wirepas are both developing battery-operated use cases that will mature with the ecosystem. Each NR+ node can sense its local conditions and adjust its frequency, power, or routing accordingly. Centralized networks simply can’t achieve this level of adaptive behavior. Such autonomy unlocks large, distributed deployments without complex coordination or manual tuning.For engineers, this translates to easier deployment and maintenance. For businesses, it means decreased operational costs and higher resilience.<h2>Conclusion</h2>5G has always been more than cellular, and NR+ proves it. By addressing the mMTC pillar of the 5G vision, NR+ unlocks massive, low-cost, and operator-free connectivity that cellular networks were never designed to deliver. It overcomes the interference challenges of 2.4 GHz systems and the regional fragmentation of sub-GHz deployments, providing a globally consistent foundation for industrial and utility IoT.Together, Nordic Semiconductor and Wirepas are making NR+ both practical and accessible. Nordic’s nRF91x1 platform delivers the radio flexibility and developer ecosystem to support cellular, satellite, and NR+ modes from a single hardware base, while Wirepas’ 5G Mesh SDK adds intelligence, self-healing, and scalability.For engineers and organizations looking to build private, resilient, and future-proof IoT networks, NR+ offers a clear path forward that's available today. Learn more at the Nordic Semiconductor booth at<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Events/2026/CES-2026" target="_blank"> CES 2026. </a>

NR+ is the first non-cellular 5G standard enabling massive IoT with low latency, long range, and operator-free private networks — powered by Nordic and Wirepas for scalable, resilient deployments.

NR+: The Non-Cellular 5G Standard Powering Massive IoT

Modern vehicles are evolving into mobile computing platforms where vast networks of sensors, displays, and control systems interact in real-time. This has converted automobiles into interconnected ecosystems that constantly capture, process, and transmit large volumes of data. In this regard, modern cars depend on reliable, high-throughput connectivity to function as intended.The global automotive sensors market is projected to grow from approximately $29 billion in 2025 to $35 billion by 2027, at a compound annual growth rate of about 10.1%. 1 As vehicles incorporate more sensors and real-time systems, the volume of data they generate and process is outpacing the capabilities of traditional network infrastructures. Meeting this challenge requires a new generation of connectivity solutions capable of handling high data rates with robustness and efficiency. This article discusses how <a href="https://www.mouser.com/new/te-connectivity/te-gemnet-differential-connector-systems/" target="_blank">TE Connectivity’s GEMnet</a> differential connector systems fulfill the data transmission requirements in modern vehicles by providing robust, high-speed communication links that support advanced sensing, visualization, and infotainment systems.<h2>The Bandwidth Explosion in Modern Vehicles </h2>Modern vehicles generate and process massive volumes of data as they integrate multiple high-resolution cameras, radar, LiDAR, and advanced display systems. These components continuously stream high-definition data to support safety features, driver assistance, and immersive infotainment. Cameras are among the most data-intensive sources. The global vehicle camera market, valued at around $8.8 billion in 2023, is expected to reach $22.5 billion by 2032. Advanced driver-assistance and vision-based safety features are among the few causes for such growth. Moreover, the average camera counts per vehicle have risen from 2.6 in 2021 to a projected 4.6 by 2027, with experimental prototypes already employing 11-12 cameras. Fully autonomous models may rely on 20 or more cameras, along with radar and LiDAR arrays, to ensure comprehensive environmental awareness. 3, 4, 5Moreover, HD cameras are also extending into new areas, such as 4K and 8K dashcams. For instance, the 4K dashcam market is forecasted to grow to $2.54 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of roughly 11%. 6 Similarly, LiDAR and radar sensors are becoming more precise and frequent. Large-format infotainment and passenger displays also require continuous video transmission.These developments have altered vehicle data requirements to the extent that previous generations of cars could rely on megabit-scale communications. Still, today’s connected, partially autonomous platforms require multi-gigabit throughput and highly deterministic transmission performance. This dependency on high-bandwidth data flows is making traditional communication protocols obsolete.<h2>Why Legacy Architectures Fall Short?</h2>Conventional automotive communication architectures were not designed for the data-intensive use cases. Technologies such as 1 Gbps Ethernet, CAN, or traditional Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) were adequate when vehicles transmitted only control messages or limited multimedia content. However, these systems encounter performance ceilings when required to handle continuous 4K or 8K video streams from multiple sensors. When these networks are pushed beyond their capacity, latency, jitter, and buffering increase, leading to inconsistent data transmission. The disruptions can compromise real-time perception systems, where slight delays in video or LiDAR data can affect functions such as lane-keeping assistance or collision avoidance.The limitations extend to physical interfaces as well. Interface-specific limitations compound the issue. For instance, although HDMI connections are capable of high-resolution transmission, these are bulky, fragile, and unsuited to withstand the vibration, temperature fluctuations, and moisture typical of automotive environments. Similarly, LVDS lacks scalability for higher-resolution video. Its bandwidth ceiling and short transmission distance restrict its use in multi-camera or high-resolution applications, and increasing cable count also adds to harness complexity and weight. Therefore, these legacy interfaces cannot provide the throughput, robustness, or scalability required for advanced automotive systems, which demand communication links that combine high bandwidth, low latency, and environmental durability.<h2>The GMSL Technology </h2>Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link (GMSL) is a high-speed SerDes-based interface developed to meet the bandwidth and reliability needs of modern vehicle electronics. It enables the simultaneous transmission of video, control data, and power through a single lightweight coaxial or shielded twisted-pair cable. This means that multiple signal paths and bulky connectors are not needed.GMSL helps manufacturers lower material costs and improve overall system efficiency by reducing cable count and weight. Moreover, the streamlined harness design also improves assembly flexibility and allows engineers to route high-speed links efficiently across constrained vehicle architectures.Another significant advantage of GMSL technology is its resilience to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Its differential signaling design minimizes crosstalk and ensures stable signal integrity in the electrically noisy environments of modern vehicles. This results in reliable, low-latency data transmission essential for safety-critical functions such as camera-based driver assistance, real-time perception, and infotainment systems. GMSL is becoming a go-to choice for OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers developing high-bandwidth automotive networks due to its robustness, scalability, and compact architecture.However, even with GMSL’s efficiency and scalability, automotive engineers still face several integration challenges. These are not limitations of the GMSL protocol itself but rather the practical engineering hurdles that OEMs may face when implementing it in real-world vehicle environments.<h2>Engineering Challenges with GMSL Networks </h2>Designing a robust network around GMSL has multiple hardware-level challenges. For instance, a major challenge can be harness complexity as engineers need to balance flexibility with durability and keep overall cable weight to a minimum. In large vehicle platforms, routing multiple high-frequency cables through tight spaces without introducing signal crosstalk or mechanical strain can become difficult.EMI management and shielding are also critical. The same high-frequency signaling that enables multi-gigabit throughput also makes the system more susceptible to interference from electric motors, battery systems, and other vehicle subsystems. Maintaining clean signal integrity usually requires specialized shielding materials and grounding strategies.Similarly, engineers must select between coaxial and shielded twisted pair (STP) cabling depending on space constraints, EMI tolerance, and cost considerations. In each case, cable compatibility or ensuring impedance matching between cables and connectors is essential to preserve signal integrity at high frequencies.Connectors in GMSL networks should maintain consistent electrical performance despite constant vibration, temperature cycling, and exposure to humidity or contaminants. If not properly engineered, connectors can become the weakest link in the network, leading to signal loss, intermittent failures, or long-term reliability issues.In most implementations, the connector ultimately defines the reliability and bandwidth consistency of the entire GMSL link, making high-performance connector systems vital for ensuring long-term stability and compliance with automotive standards. In many cases, the connector becomes the critical bottleneck if not engineered correctly.<h2>TE Connectivity GEMnet: Built for Automotive Data Demands </h2>Addressing the physical integration challenges of GMSL networks requires connector systems that can deliver both electrical precision and mechanical durability. TE Connectivity’s GEMnet differential connector systems are engineered specifically for these requirements. They provide consistent performance in high-speed SerDes applications such as GMSL, A-PHY, and other multi-gigabit automotive data links.The GEMnet architecture is optimized for differential-pair transmission up to 15 GHz, enabling data throughput of up to 56 Gbps. This bandwidth capacity supports the requirements of modern automotive sensing and visualization systems, including high-resolution cameras, LiDAR modules, and infotainment displays. The connectors maintain controlled impedance across mating interfaces, which minimizes signal reflections and ensures reliable transmission in extended cable runs.The GEMnet designs are mechanically robust as each connector is built to tolerate continuous vibration, temperature cycling, and exposure to contaminants common in automotive environments. Their compact and lightweight construction reduces the overall harness mass. The housings and terminal materials are selected for long-term stability under thermal and mechanical stress, preventing micro-fretting and maintaining low contact resistance over the vehicle’s lifetime.Moreover, GEMnet connectors provide strong electromagnetic shielding to limit radiated and conducted noise. This feature helps preserve data integrity in the dense, interference-prone electrical ecosystem of modern vehicles. The system’s modular configuration also allows engineers to scale their designs to different data-rate requirements or system architectures without extensive redesign.TE Connectivity’s GEMnet series provides engineers with a foundation for implementing next-generation automotive networks by combining signal fidelity, environmental resilience, and design flexibility. When we integrate these connectors into GMSL-based systems, they address many of the practical challenges that otherwise limit performance.<h2>Application Areas: Where GEMnet Shines?</h2>The combination of high bandwidth, compact form factor, and strong shielding performance allows GEMnet connectors to be integrated across a wide range of automotive systems. For instance, they are used in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), where multiple high-resolution cameras and radar units generate continuous data streams that need to be transmitted without latency or frame loss. GEMnet connectors maintain signal integrity across these links, supporting precise, real-time environmental perception required for adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and collision-avoidance functions.In infotainment &amp; passenger display systems, GEMnet supports high-quality video transmission for 4K and 8K displays distributed throughout the vehicle cabin. Its low insertion loss and controlled impedance ensure stability of high-definition content over long cable runs. Similarly, in digital dashboards and head-up displays (HUDs), GEMnet connectors provide the reliability needed to convey critical driver information instantaneously and without data distortion.In AR/VR-based cockpit systems, real-time rendering and low-latency data delivery are important. GEMnet connectors support the transmission of large visual datasets while maintaining resistance to interference. Their consistency allows designers to implement immersive interfaces and driver-monitoring technologies without compromising reliability.<h2>Future-Proofing Automotive Connectivity </h2>The ability to manage vast visual and sensor information with precision and reliability is becoming central to modern automotive design. In this environment, GMSL provides a solution for high-speed, low-latency communication across complex and advanced in-vehicle networks.The long-term reliability of these systems depends not only on the communication protocol but also on the physical components that support it. In this regard, connectors and cabling help maintain consistent bandwidth and shielding performance across the vehicle’s lifetime. TE Connectivity’s GEMnet connector systems address these requirements by providing the mechanical durability and electrical performance needed to sustain high-frequency data transmission in demanding automotive conditions.Manufacturers can create vehicle architectures that support future generations of high-resolution sensors and data-driven systems by aligning proven GMSL technology with robust connector designs. Engineers and OEMs interested in exploring these solutions can find TE Connectivity’s GEMnet connector systems available through Mouser Electronics. For detailed specifications and ordering information, visit <a href="https://www.mouser.com/new/te-connectivity/te-gemnet-differential-connector-systems/" target="_blank">Mouser’s TE Connectivity product page</a>.<h1>References</h1><ol><li>Tajammul Pangarkar (2025) Automotive Sensors Statistics 2025 By New Sensing Tech. [Online] Market.US. Available at: <a href="https://scoop.market.us/automotive-sensors-statistics/" target="_blank">https://scoop.market.us/automotive-sensors-statistics/</a> (Accessed on: October 20, 2025)</li><li>TE Connectivity GEMnet Multi-Gig Differential Connectors [Online] Mouser Electronics. Available at: <a href="https://www.mouser.com/new/te-connectivity/te-gemnet-differential-connector-systems/" target="_blank">https://www.mouser.com/new/te-connectivity/te-gemnet-differential-connector-systems/</a> (Accessed on: October 20, 2025)</li><li>Automotive Electrical &amp; Electronics / Automotive Camera Market. [Online] Fortune Business Insights. Available at: <a href="https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/automotive-camera-market-101912" target="_blank">https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/automotive-camera-market-101912</a></li><li>Vehicle Cameras Market Analysis &amp; Forecast: 2025-2032. [Online] Coherent Market Insights. Available at: <a href="https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/vehicle-cameras-market-4341" target="_blank">https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/vehicle-cameras-market-4341</a> (Accessed on: October 20, 2025)</li><li>Anne-Françoise Pelé (2023) Cameras, Radars, LiDARs: Sensing the Road Ahead. [Online] EETimes Europe. Available at: <a href="https://www.eetimes.eu/cameras-radars-lidars-sensing-the-road-ahead/" target="_blank">https://www.eetimes.eu/cameras-radars-lidars-sensing-the-road-ahead/</a> (Accessed on: October 20, 2025)</li><li>4K Dash Cam Global Market Report 2025. (2025) [Online] The Business Research Company. Available at: <a href="https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/4k-dash-cam-global-market-report" target="_blank">https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/4k-dash-cam-global-market-report</a> (Accessed on: October 20, 2025)</li></ol>

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High-Bandwidth Automotive Connectivity with GEMnet Connectors by TE Connectivity

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