LG Innotek Develops World's First Wi-Fi 6E Module for Vehicles

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] LG Innotek announced on the 2nd that it has developed the world's first 'Vehicle Wi-Fi 6E Module' applying next-generation Wi-Fi technology. With this development, LG Innotek has secured a favorable position in the vehicle communication module market led by Japan.

The 'Vehicle Wi-Fi 6E Module' is a short-range wireless communication component that connects the infotainment system controlling driving information and multimedia content with internal smart devices and external routers. By applying next-generation Wi-Fi 6E (6th generation extended) technology using the 6GHz high-frequency band, it achieves data transmission speeds approximately three times faster than before.

This product is in a module form combining communication chips, RF (radio frequency) circuits, etc., and multiple units are installed inside and outside the vehicle for audio, video, navigation, or smart antennas. Passengers can wirelessly connect movies, games, and more from their smartphones to the car's display and audio system or conveniently update software such as navigation.

Especially with the spread of autonomous driving technology, as cars evolve into spaces for entertainment and relaxation, the technological competition for core components like vehicle Wi-Fi modules is becoming increasingly fierce. The interior of vehicles is densely packed, and due to structures like car seats, implementing Wi-Fi 6E wireless communication technology performance has been challenging, preventing its application in vehicle communication modules.

However, LG Innotek succeeded in developing the world's first 'Vehicle Wi-Fi 6E Module' through advanced RF and antenna technology. LG Innotek designed RF structures and antennas that minimize communication interference, enhancing data transmission and reception performance.

LG Innotek's Wi-Fi 6E communication module for vehicles, developed as the world's first / Photo by LG Innotek

Improved Communication Performance, Durability, and Application Convenience

By applying the 'Vehicle Wi-Fi 6E Module,' passengers can conveniently enjoy high-definition movies or AR/VR games through the car's internal display. Currently commercialized Wi-Fi modules often experience slow speeds or interruptions when transmitting high-definition videos.

The data transmission speed of this product is about three times faster than existing Wi-Fi 5 modules, reaching 1.2Gbps. The network connection time is also reduced to 2ms (2 thousandths of a second), about one-seventh of the previous time. Thanks to this, there is no speed degradation or interruption during high-definition video transmission.

Additionally, higher frequencies allow for greater data transmission volumes, and Wi-Fi 6E technology can use the 6GHz band, improving data speeds. Even with multiple users connected simultaneously, there is no buffering or interruption, and with proprietary RF and antenna design technology, communication interference does not occur even inside densely packed vehicles.

Moreover, this product is highly durable, maintaining performance under rapid temperature changes from -40°C to 85°C. It has the advantage of not easily deforming due to heat generated during content transmission or when cars are parked outside in the middle of winter.

The module is also easy to apply. It is small and slim, compatible with existing modules. LG Innotek packed about 200 components, including communication chips and RF circuits, into a product one-sixth the size of a credit card. It is compatible with existing Wi-Fi modules, so it can be swapped into existing component locations without system design changes.

LG Innotek's Wi-Fi 6E communication module for vehicles, developed as the world's first / Photo by LG Innotek

LG Innotek: "Accelerating the Evolution of Vehicle Infotainment with Innovative Products"

LG Innotek plans to actively target the global vehicle communication components market through the world's first 'Vehicle Wi-Fi 6E Module' development. The strategy is to quickly catch up with Japanese companies holding the top one and two global market shares and secure a leading position.

According to global market research firm TSR, global demand for vehicle Wi-Fi communication modules is expected to expand by about 70%, from 51.2 million units in 2020 to 87.3 million units in 2025.

To this end, LG Innotek is actively promoting to global vehicle parts companies in domestic markets as well as North America, Europe, Japan, and China, aiming for product commercialization in 2022. In particular, through cooperation with German Infineon Technologies, a supplier of vehicle Wi-Fi 6E chips, LG Innotek plans to actively pursue joint marketing activities.

Kim Sung-guk, Executive Director of LG Innotek's Automotive Components Division, said, "The importance of automotive infotainment in the next-generation mobility era is increasing," adding, "'Vehicle Wi-Fi 6E Module' will accelerate the evolution of infotainment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.