Low-Loss Materials Drive Future of 5G, 6G, and Radar

IDTechEx forecasts rapid growth in demand across industries

Transmission losses become more critical as communication systems move to higher frequencies, making low-loss materials essential for maintaining signal strength and integrity. These materials are vital for technologies such as 5G mmWave, future 6G telecommunications expected around 2030, and automotive radar systems used in advanced driver assistance. Data centers are also shifting toward ultra-high data rates beyond 200Gbps, requiring reliable substrates to preserve performance. According to IDTechEx, demand for low-loss materials in 5G and automotive radar could rise sevenfold over the next decade, with a CAGR of 21.3%.

Materials for 5G and 6G

The rise of mmWave 5G and eventual 6G will accelerate the need for low-loss materials. They will be used not only in RF components and PCBs but also in advanced packaging solutions. One key trend is antenna-in-package (AiP), where shrinking antenna elements can be integrated directly into packages, reducing RF path length and minimizing losses. AiP requires specialized substrates, redistribution layers, EMI shielding, and mold underfill materials.

The report provides forecasts by frequency and material type, covering epoxy, PTFE, ceramics, and polyimides for smartphones, base stations, and customer equipment. Research institutions and suppliers are already preparing for 6G, exploring materials with lower dielectric loss and constant values. Potential applications include reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, which could reshape wireless connectivity. Commercialization of 6G is expected to begin around 2030.

Automotive Radar Applications

As vehicles integrate more sensors, radar systems have become central to autonomy and safety. Current long-range radar operates in the 76-81GHz band, with development underway for 140GHz systems. Industry trends such as system integration and cost pressures highlight the need for affordable, reliable low-loss materials. These must maintain stable dielectric properties across frequencies and temperatures while offering durability and manufacturability.

Materials must also provide thermal and moisture stability, consistent electrical performance, and competitive costs. IDTechEx’s report includes detailed forecasts for material demand in automotive radar over the next decade. Radar adoption continues to expand with advanced driver assistance systems, making material performance a critical factor. The industry is expected to rely increasingly on specialized substrates to meet these requirements.

High-Speed Digital Infrastructure

Data centers and high-performance computing environments demand strong signal integrity at ever-higher speeds. Low-loss materials are used in substrates for servers, storage networks, transceivers, routers, and high-speed channels. Multilayered structures with dense traces require careful material selection to withstand repeated thermal cycling during manufacturing. Companies such as Kyocera and Isola are focusing on these applications to meet rising demand.

Benchmarks in the report cover over 150 products, analyzing dielectric constant, loss tangent, thermal conductivity, expansion coefficients, and moisture absorption. Organic materials such as PPE, LCP, and hydrocarbons are gaining popularity as alternatives to PTFE. Inorganic materials like glass and ceramics remain promising for long-term applications due to their electrical and thermal properties. The report provides a comprehensive 10-year forecast segmented by application and material type.