LG Innotek has unveiled its all-new Automotive 5G Communication Module with satellite connectivity, through which it aims to enable high-speed communication for users at any location, at any time of the day.
The module itself supports satellite communication over 5G broadband (NR-NTN, with a bandwidth of approximately 30 MHz) that is installed in the vehicle to enable data communication with network infrastructure, such as base stations and satellites, using 5G technology. The module’s 5G broadband support allows it to maintain continuous communication via satellite, even when disconnected from terrestrial base stations. This then enables the high-speed transmission and reception of large volumes of data over a broadband network from anywhere.
In developing the module, LG Innotek utilizes its proprietary communication technologies, particularly its capabilities in developing optimized software for vehicle communication, and in designing radio frequency circuits that minimize signal interference and antennas that enhance data communication efficiency.
The LG subsidiary says that the component enables vehicles to send and receive large volumes of data, including voice audio, images and video, at high speeds, regardless of the user’s location or the time of day. When, for example, the vehicle is in a remote area where the communication infrastructure has been damaged by an accident or natural disaster, satellite connectivity allows for high-speed communication to be maintained and remain uninterrupted. As such, in the event of an accident, emergency rescue requests and vehicle status information can be transmitted more quickly, enabling prompt assistance and improving driver safety.
Another use case highlighted by LG Innotek was autonomous driving, where the chip can help enhance the performance of autonomous vehicles. Here, using satellite connectivity, vehicles can transmit and receive precise location information, and autonomous driving algorithms can be updated in real time, enhancing the overall driving accuracy and safety of the technologies that utilize them.
The 5G Communication Module was confirmed to be compliant with international standards, allowing it to be widely adopted across various countries and vehicle models. Among these standards are the latest 5G standard, Release 17, from the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the first international standard to extend 5G technology from traditional terrestrial networks to non-terrestrial networks, such as satellites.
The module is expected to enter mass production by Q1 2026, as LG Innotek aims to accelerate its expansion in the global automotive communication module market. At the same time, the company is actively promoting the product to automakers in North America and Japan.