Among these trends, RF connectors, F connectors and cables, as well as a series of wireless technologies, these trends may only continue. High-speed data, enterprise networks and industrial Internet of Things applications are taking full advantage of various forms of flexibility and durability.
Although most discussions around the Internet of Things (IoT) involve new commercial devices and applications, the essence of this new technology wave is to connect sensors, actuators and control systems through the Internet. This trend applies to consumer, commercial, enterprise and industrial systems. If possible, control/interface and communication are all completed through special systems, without the typical accessibility or open community development of Internet technology. The key use technology of this function is RF connection, mainly through RF transmission line or wireless communication. In the Internet of Things stack, RF connection is used for almost every hardware element, from device hardware, communication system, cloud/enterprise system to end user web/mobile application.
The goal of this paper is to discuss the universality and details of RF connection technology in the application of the Internet of Things. This discussion will include an overview of RF connection technologies and the location of these technologies in the entire Internet of Things stack.
The Internet of Things stack, sensors, actuators, device hardware, communication networks, network/mobile applications and enterprise systems can all rely on RF connections, whether through transmission lines or wireless communications.
1. External equipment: sensor, actuator and controller.
2. Equipment hardware: communication module;
3. Device firmware.
4. Communication system: long-distance network infrastructure, indoor network infrastructure, wireless communication.
5. Software platform.
6. Network/mobile applications.
7. Enterprise system.
8. Industrial system.
For the application of the Internet of Things, there are two main ways to use electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency part of the spectrum. Since the application of the Internet of Things usually uses RF energy at frequencies below 6GHz, RF connection methods include transmission lines, one-way, two-way and wireless networks. The common types of RF transmission lines in the Internet of Things include RF coaxial cables and connectors (cable assemblies) and ribbon cables (microstrip). In general, ribbon transmission lines are used for equipment enclosures and printed circuit boards to conduct RF coaxial cable components more effectively in hardware modules and special connector interfaces. They are widely used at all levels of the Internet of Things stack:
Connect the modules in the device or chassis.
As part of complex multi-pin connector components used in industrial/enterprise systems or tests.
As a low loss and anti-interference connection between sensor/actuator/control system and communication equipment.
Connect the wireless module to the antenna.
High-speed digital applications as high-fidelity interconnection.
Long-distance network application.
Indoor network application.
It is widely used in cellular networks, wireless networks and wireless broadcasting systems.
Mobile equipment and computer system, with wireless network and communication module.
Wireless radio frequency connection is another main use of radio frequency technology and the Internet of Things, and has realized a large number of Internet of Things applications. Otherwise, these applications are not feasible if transmission lines or other wired connections are used. Wireless RF connection allows Internet of Things devices and systems to be placed in mobile applications, modular systems and space, otherwise it will bring cost, complexity or operational challenges to wired connection. Wireless communication systems rely on various unique wireless communication standards.
RF connection technology can achieve high-quality signal transmission, anti-interference or highly flexible, low-power and mobile operation, depending on whether it uses RF transmission lines or wireless communication systems. Therefore, RF connection is very useful in the whole Internet of Things stack, mainly used to connect equipment and peripheral hardware, wireless network and communication, as well as enterprise and industrial systems.
Peripheral devices of the Internet of Things, especially sensors, actuators and controllers, are usually installed in or near key areas where information is obtained or functions are performed. The use of peripheral devices of the Internet of Things is increasing, which may include sensing temperature/humidity or other environmental information, activating door locks or security access, controlling motors or providing power for accessories. There may be more future applications. In each case, the fidelity of sensor information and control signals is very important in the future use of the Internet of Things. With the electrification and prosperity of electronic systems, the threat of electrical interference is increasing. It is a high priority to protect sensitive peripheral devices of the Internet of Things and ensure the communication of key data and control signals.
RF coaxial cable assembly is usually used to provide DC power and communication solutions for remote IoT peripheral devices, because the coaxial cable can handle low power and medium power loads to achieve high bandwidth signal communication. The shielding characteristics of RF coaxial components help to prevent the intrusion of interference signals, and also prevent the leakage of security threats common to other high-speed signal technologies (such as Ethernet). Because RF coaxial cable assemblies are used in extreme applications, such as military and aerospace, almost all applications can choose this certified solid connection. RF coaxial components can also be purchased and installed at a relatively low cost, and have various sizes and types.
