electronica Shanghai Highlights: Building a Robust Technological Foundation for 6G

While 5G enabled the high-speed flow of information, the core mission of 6G is to achieve a generational leap from Internet of Everything to Intelligent Connection of Everything. By incorporating the terahertz (THz) spectrum, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), and integrated space-air-ground networks, 6G is reshaping radio waves from simple communication carriers into digital tentacles for perceiving the physical world.

However, this exponential growth in performance does not come without a cost. As the spectrum pushes into the terahertz range and signal bandwidth crosses the 400 Gbps threshold, traditional engineering expertise and material systems are facing unprecedented physical bottlenecks. This is not merely an evolution of air interface protocols, but a systemic technological revolution spanning materials science, electromagnetic field theory, and artificial intelligence.

Addressing the Simulation Challenges of 6G RF

Compared to 5G networks centered on enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), 6G represents a generational leap in mobile communications, transitioning from Internet of Everything to Intelligent Connection of Everything. At the technical foundation, 6G not only maximizes spatial degrees of freedom through ultra-large-scale MIMO, but also introduces revolutionary architectures, such as extremely high frequency bands (from millimeter wave to terahertz), reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), and non-terrestrial networks (NTN). The introduction of ISAC transforms radio waves from mere information carriers into sensing mediums, empowering networks with environmental reconstruction capabilities.

This increased complexity also presents unprecedented simulation challenges. Traditional statistical channel models are no longer sufficient to characterize the non-stationary properties and high-frequency spatial correlations inherent in 6G environments. To address this, Keysight Technologies has introduced high-fidelity radio frequency (RF) and static scene modeling capabilities within its latest SystemVue platform, resolving the challenges of accurately characterizing multipath components in FR3 band channel modeling. At MWC 2026, Keysight Technologies and Qualcomm showcased high-fidelity RF digital twin technology, centered on the deep coupling of Channel Studio RaySim's ray tracing algorithm with massive MIMO precoding algorithms. By accurately capturing the reflection, diffraction, and scattering effects of the physical environment on electromagnetic waves, this integrated virtual-physical methodology reproduces real-world network throughput and coverage performance in the laboratory, effectively bridging the performance gap between algorithmic theory and live engineering networks.

Building the Material and Antenna Foundations for 6G

The efficiency of signal interaction is ultimately constrained by dielectric loss and signal integrity at the physical layer. According to electromagnetic field theory, as signal frequencies evolve toward the terahertz band, the skin effect causes current to concentrate on the conductor surface, significantly increasing resistive loss. Meanwhile, high-frequency electric fields induce frequent polarization switching of dielectric molecules. This microscopic molecular friction converts electromagnetic energy into thermal energy, leading to significant signal attenuation along the transmission path.

LCP (liquid crystal polymer) materials, characterized by their unique regular molecular arrangement, exhibit near-ideal low dielectric loss properties. As its molecular chains can form highly oriented crystalline-like structures during processing, LCP maintains excellent electrical stability even at extremely high frequencies. Furthermore, its near-zero water absorption rate effectively eliminates additional absorption loss caused by polar water molecules.

Addressing this core material, Sunway Communication has overcome technical hurdles in directional molecular alignment and multi-layer composite processes for high-frequency LCP, achieving vertical integration from base material modification to antenna modules. Meanwhile, addressing the vision for 6G space-air-ground integrated networks and ISAC, the company has proactively developed strategic reserves in LEO satellite communication phased array antennas, Antenna-in-Package (AiP), and reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) technologies, securing multiple core patents.

Sunway Communication continues to track the evolution of 3GPP standards and actively participates in technical discussions within the International Wireless Industry Consortium (IWPC). Its FR3 band (7-24 GHz) RF front-end module has entered the prototype verification stage.

Building for 6G Ultra-Large-Scale Transmission Channels

As 6G R&D enters the fast lane, the distributed training and inference of large AI models have imposed increasingly stringent requirements on backhaul traffic within data centers and base stations. As signal wavelengths shrink to millimeter or even micrometer scales, traditional physical interconnect components face significant challenges in phase consistency and impedance matching, where even minute mechanical tolerances can lead to severe signal reflection and waveform distortion.

To address this bottleneck, Molex's recently launched Cardinal multi-port high-frequency coaxial assemblies ensure strict signal phase matching in extremely high-frequency environments through precision rotary mechanical structures and low-loss dielectric supports. This is critical for the precise characterization of 6G multi-stream beamforming, as even minor phase shifts can lead to directional deviations in the synthesized beam, thereby impacting the system's spatial multiplexing efficiency.

The massive bandwidth provided by 6G will support real-time 3D digital twin modeling of vehicle environments, enabling autonomous driving to evolve from individual perception based on local sensors to swarm intelligence based on cloud-based collaboration. Consequently, Molex is optimistic that 6G's ultra-high reliability will reshape the V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) ecosystem. Its phased-array antenna system utilizes a 3D-MIMO architecture, with 128 array elements supporting adaptive switching across the 24–300 GHz frequency band. Through hybrid beamforming technology, a beam pointing accuracy of ±1.5° is maintained at speeds of 120 km/h, representing a five-fold increase in tracking speed compared to traditional LTE antennas and providing robust foundational support for vehicle-infrastructure cooperation.

Conclusion

As every atom in the physical world seeks its digital twin in cyberspace, 6G emerges as the bridge connecting the physical and virtual realms. Its deployment signals that communication technology has transcended individual device evolution, transforming into a systemic creation that integrates molecular engineering, wave mechanics, and machine intelligence. In this multi-dimensional evolution, the coupling of every precision component and every breakthrough in material processes is laying a solid foundation for the human vision of Intelligent Connection of Everything.

electronica Shanghai 2026 will take place from July 1–3, 2026, in Halls W1–W5 and N1–N5 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The exhibition will expand to nearly 120,000 square meters, with plans to welcome over 1800 high-quality domestic and international exhibitors, and an expected attendance of more than 70,000 professional visitors. On-site, numerous exhibitors will focus on 6G technology, showcasing cutting-edge achievements such as ISAC, high-frequency, high-speed connectivity, and the AI native network, ushering in the next generation of the telecommunications revolution through breakthrough innovation and empowering the new era of Intelligent Connection of Everything! Visitor pre-registration is now open! Click here to register: https://dwz.cn/B1uXgnu9