In the world of ever evolving technology, one of the most exciting arenas of innovation is the automotive industry. With the latest technologies and other cutting-edge solutions, next generation connected vehicles can now benefit from a significantly enhanced driving experience.

But first, what exactly is a connected vehicle, and how does it play a role in the larger context of today's increasingly sophisticated mobility solutions? Simply put, connected vehicles are those that use wireless communication to connect to other systems and devices on the same network. This allows them to exchange information with one another and make decisions based on real-time data. As a result, they can be used for many purposes, from providing more efficient navigation to remote monitoring of vehicles, a boon for fleet management and road safety.

To facilitate this kind of connection, vehicle telematics must be able to support the most advanced technologies. In this article, we will take a closer look at the technologies that are key to enabling this kind of connection.

Advancements in Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication

One of the most important technologies for next generation connected vehicles is the Internet of Things (IoT). With IoT, vehicles can communicate with each other as well as with other devices in their vicinity. This communication can be used to detect traffic jams, send out alerts about hazardous conditions, or even open up vehicle-to-vehicle communication for a range of other services.

IoT is also an important part of vehicle telematics since it facilitates remote control and monitoring of vehicles. Through wireless networks, fleet managers can keep track of their fleets and easily manage them from a distance, thus preventing issues such as theft or accidents from happening as the manager is able to remotely track the vehicles. With the help of IoT, vehicle manufacturers and other companies can also develop applications that improve the overall driving experience. From infotainment systems to navigators, these apps can help drivers be more aware of their surroundings while they are on the road.

Automotive Software Platforms

Another technology that is essential for enabling next generation connected vehicles are automotive software platforms. These are used to develop and deploy applications, such as infotainment systems and navigators in the vehicle. Automotive software platforms act as a bridge between various systems and components in a vehicle, IoT devices included. These platforms can integrate and manage information from various sources, such as sensors, cameras, and communication systems, and use that information to provide advanced features and capabilities, such as autonomous driving and advanced safety systems. In addition, automotive software platforms are designed to be flexible and scalable, so that they can easily adapt to the changing needs of a connected vehicle. This allows next generation connected vehicles to remain up-to-date and provide their users with the latest features available.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Connected Vehicles

Finally, next generation connected vehicles will also progressively gain access to the latest AI technologies. AI can be used to analyse large amounts of data and make decisions based on the gathered information. This is especially useful, as it can help manufacturers develop systems in connected vehicles that are more advanced and efficient than ever before. AI-powered applications such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) use sensors to detect objects in their environment, providing the vehicle with valuable context to assist drivers in making better decisions while driving, while also reducing the risk of accidents. In addition, AI can also be used to enhance vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, helping to reduce emissions and improve overall road safety.

How Does Wi-Fi 6 and 5G Frequency Range 1 Factor into Connected Vehicles?

By leveraging the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 and 5G Frequency Range 1, connected vehicles can provide a high-speed and reliable connected experience, enabling new and innovative use cases that can enhance the driving experience and make the roads safer. We explain more about these two technologies below:

Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is a new standard in Wi-Fi technology that offers faster speeds, higher capacity, and improved efficiency over previous Wi-Fi standards. In connected vehicles, Wi-Fi 6 can be used to provide high-speed connectivity for passengers and support real-time IoT and telematics applications such as remote vehicle control and monitoring as well as infotainment systems. Wi-Fi 6 also offers improved performance in crowded and high-density environments, making it ideal for in-vehicle connectivity.

5G Frequency Range 1 (FR1)

5G FR1, also known as a sub-6 GHz frequency range, offers high-speed connectivity and low latency, making it ideal for supporting real-time applications in connected vehicles. 5G FR1 can be used to connect vehicles to the internet and support vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, which is crucial for enabling advanced features such as autonomous driving and advanced safety systems. Of the many things 5G FR1 brings to the table, its low latency and improved responsiveness are some of the most valuable features for connected vehicles.

The Impact of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) in the Automotive Sector

In the greater scheme of things, the growth of the PCB industry in this sector will be a major factor in the success of next generation connected vehicle technologies. PCBs are an integral component in the development of automotive electronics, as they are the ones that hold together all the vital sensors and components required for the operation of a connected vehicle. The PCBs used in these vehicles must be fast, reliable, and power-efficient to ensure that the connected vehicle functions reliably and safely. To this end, manufacturers are investing heavily in developing new PCB technologies that meet the needs of next generation connected vehicles.

Work with PCI to Unlock the Potential of Next Generation Connected Vehicles

To take advantage of the full potential of next generation connected vehicles, manufacturers need to partner with a reliable PCB manufacturing company. At PCI, our team is dedicated to providing high-quality and technologically advanced printed circuit boards for automotive applications. We offer a wide range of PCBs for different types of connected vehicles, ensuring that your electronics components are reliable, power-efficient, and of the highest quality. With our expertise in the design and manufacturing of PCBs, we can help you develop a custom solution for your next project. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you develop a solution that meets your specific requirements.

Summary

The latest wireless standards, such as Wi-Fi 6 and 5G FR1, are essential for enabling next generation connected vehicles. These standards provide faster, more reliable connections than ever before, allowing vehicles to access data quickly and accurately. They also allow for a wider range of services and capabilities, such as real-time navigation and location tracking. By embracing the latest technologies available in the market today, vehicle manufacturers can ensure that their next generation of connected vehicles are equipped with the features needed to provide an optimal user experience. In addition, partnering with a trusted PCB manufacturing company can help manufacturers develop custom solutions, helping them unlock the full potential of their vehicles. By working together with PCI, you can rest assured that your next generation connected vehicle will have the best possible technology and components to maximise its capabilities.