Fluoromaterials attracting attention in 5G

The advent of 5G will greatly improve our communication. Daikin’s fluoromaterials enable high-speed, high-capacity, low latency, and the simultaneous multi-connections required of 5G.

The 5th Generation Mobile Communication System (5G) is a communication technology that enables the high-speed transmission of high-definition and large-capacity content that is not possible with conventional 4G technology.

5G services are already available, but several challenges have slowed their adoption.  One is the high frequency range*used in 5G, where there is a high rate of loss of radio waves.  Specifically, transmission loss, in which a portion of energy is lost, increases in components such as printed circuit boards and communication cables. Daikin’s fluoromaterials can solve the transmission loss issue.

*High frequency range refers to the millimeter-wave frequency band of 28 GHz or more, as opposed to 800 MHz to 2.4 GHz currently in use.

Fluoropolymers are known for low dielectric constants and small dielectric loss tangents (tan δ). A small dielectric loss tangent reduces transmission loss and improves electrical signal delay. With these excellent electrical properties, fluoropolymers are the material of choice in printed circuit boards and cables for smartphones, base station antennas, data center routers, and switches.

Fluoropolymers also excel in flame retardancy and weatherability, and have a low refraction index.

For example, data centers that need a highly secure environment require flame-retardant materials that do not burn easily when a fire occurs. Fluoropolymers are used as insulation materials for the LAN cables used in data centers, mainly in North America, because of this high flame retardancy.

The weatherability of fluoropolymers shows less deterioration when exposed to rain and ultraviolet rays. In base station antennas, Daikin’s materials are less likely to deteriorate over time which reduces the person-hours needed for maintenance and inspection.

Finally, due to the low refraction index of fluoropolymers, they can be used as cladding materials for the plastic optical fiber (POF) used in automotive audio systems. The use of POF for conductors reduces weight and improves design flexibility.

The use of optical wireless communications with shorter wavelengths is also expected in the next-generation of communications, 6G. Daikin continues to innovate and is developing fluoropolymers with even lower dielectric constants and loss tangents, as well as materials with lower refraction indexes to be used in optical communications.

Daikin is committed to advancing 5G and 6G communications services and businesses.