Designing for Communication Systems

Across industries, the “edge” of the network has expanded rapidly over the past several years. More and more devices are now connected, and the companies that design and manufacturer these products are tasked not only with integrating a wider array of communications options, but also ensuring compliance with a growing body of standards.

A sophisticated combination of sensors, antennae, and communications protocols enable this level of edge connectivity—and with it, the collection of an unprecedented amount of data about products and the environments in which they operate.

For designers and engineers, the challenge of incorporating these new Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless communications capabilities into their designs has been compounded by the fact that many of these standards are still in development, and can rapidly change as new technology emerges.

In this special digital issue, we have gathered articles and other content focused on the expanding role of communications in product design, as well as standards emerging around connected device interoperability, connected vehicle communications, and the impact that emerging 5G technology may have on the design process itself, as well as the way product data is collected and used in digital twin applications. 

We also take a look at how IoT systems are impacting Wi-Fi design consideration, and how access to higher bandwidth wireless networks could improve the use of augmented and virtual reality solutions.