Electronics Weekly
A live test featured the car equipped with the company’s IoT-NTN-based Telematics Control Units (TCUs). LG said it demonstrated uninterrupted, conversation-level voice communication switching between terrestrial and non-terrestrial network environments.
“Our IoT-NTN technology represents a leap forward for seamless, reliable connectivity for vehicles in the most remote or challenging environments,” said Lee Sang-yong, head of VS R&D laboratory at the LG Vehicle Solution Company.
“By enabling real-time voice communication via satellite, we’re not only enhancing driver safety but also laying the groundwork for the next generation of connected mobility solutions.”
The demo of the technology took place at the recent 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) conference in the French capital. LG set up both NTN and TN zones for the back and forth comms.
For its part, 5GAA association brings together automotive and tech companies looking to develop ‘cellular Vehicle-to-Everything’, or C-V2X, technology. LG was a founding member in 2016.
AI
The South Korean company highlights that its latest system incorporates AI-powered voice compression technology. It states this significantly reduces the size of voice messages, overcoming data limitations. Whereas previously satellite communications were confined to short emergency text messages, it can expand capabilities to include voice transmission, said LG.
It records voice message transmission speeds as being ten times faster, enabling two-way conversations.
In emergency situations, LG envisages, vehicle occupants can press a single emergency call button. This can send a voice-based distress signal. Essentially, describing the situation by voice without typing a text message or performing additional actions.
IoT-NTN
IoT-NTN is an communications network system that integrates satellite communication or high-altitude platform stations.
Basically, such a system ensures connectivity via satellite in areas unreachable by terrestrial networks (TN) such as 3G, 4G and 5G.
Potentially, it supports applications like autonomous driving, vehicle tracking, remote control and emergency communication.
Geographically, this particularly applies to remote environments such as deserts, oceans and mountainous regions. Or even disaster-affected areas where terrestrial infrastructure is compromised.
Satellite D2D
In terms of satellite-based vehicle comms, we reported last week that Intelsat and Cubic³ were progressing a satellite connectivity service for all types of vehicles. For example, heavy plant and agricultural machinery, as well as cars.
And at the end of last year Viasat, the satellite communications specialist, announced it was joining the 5GAA. The company is is eyeing the strategic advantage of using direct-to-device (D2D) comms, which will enable edge devices to connect to satellites without dedicated satellite hardware.
The company highlighted that satellite and cellular technologies are on a pathway to convergence with 3GPP’s Release 17 standard. This outlines an approach covering devices like phones, vehicles and industrial machinery.
Possible automotive applications involving satellite-based communications include enabling emergency calls, breakdown support, and use of collision sensors.
Images: LG
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