Dr Marzieh Veyseh of Arctic Semiconductor How 5G Technology May Improve and Impact Our Lives

5G’s ultra-low latency and high-speed connectivity are crucial for the full potential of AI. Like the nervous system in the human body, 5G connects devices instantly, enabling real-time data processing. In smart cities, for example, AI can optimize traffic flow and enhance public safety by analyzing data from various sensors. The benefits of AI heavily depend on this instant connectivity, which only 5G can provide.

5G infrastructure is being installed around the world. At the same time, most people have not yet seen what 5G can offer. What exactly is 5G? How will it improve our lives? What are the concerns that need to be addressed before it is widely adopted?

In our series, called, How 5G Technology May Improve and Impact Our Lives, we are talking to tech and telecom leaders who can share how 5G can impact and enhance our lives.

As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Marzieh Veyseh.

Dr. Marzieh Veyseh is CTO of Arctic Semiconductor, a pioneer in low-power chipsets for 5G wireless and satellite communication. Dr. Veyseh’s remarkable 18-year journey in wireless communication technology has been marked by pioneering ideas and impactful patents that have driven advancements in network performance. Serving as Chief Technology Officer at Arctic Semiconductor for a decade, she has spearheaded groundbreaking product development, excelling in architecture design, research, and product development. Marzieh’s expertise shines in designing advanced transceiver products and system methodologies, such as ML-based Digital Pre-Distortion for Power Amplifiers and calibration software, which have been instrumental in Arctic’s commercial success.

As a co-founder of Arctic Semiconductor, Marzieh’s entrepreneurial vision played a pivotal role in the company’s path to prominence. Her transformative leadership has been recognized with the Titan Women in Business Award in 2022 in the “A Transformational Shift of The Modern CTO” category. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation cements her status as an innovator in the field, inspiring future generations and propelling the evolution of wireless technology. Marzieh’s dedication and visionary approach continue to shape the landscape of wireless communication, ensuring Arctic Semiconductor remains at the forefront of technological innovation.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started?

My journey began with a deep-seated passion for math and science, leading me to pursue electrical engineering at a top university in my home country. Graduating at the top of my class at just 21, I embarked on a quest for knowledge, immigrating to the United States to further my education.

I was part of the founding team of Arctic Semiconductor, then called SiTune, in 2007 while working as a graduate student pursuing my PhD in wireless communication. During my PhD years, I was focusing on novel cross-layer communication systems for high density IoT networks utilizing my hardware and radio expertise combined with networking and algorithm competence. After graduating in 2012, I worked as a wireless scientist for Hitachi R&D focusing on low power WiFi radios for factory monitoring. Then I decided to re-join SiTune and that was really the beginning of my interest in entrepreneurship — it started with my love of research and now it has turned into a lineup of cutting-edge innovative products, with more than 43 company patents, and a diverse set of markets including 5G telecom, aerospace, satellite, consumer electronics and instrumentation and medical devices. With nearly two decades of experience in system design and wireless communication, I’ve played a pivotal role as the co-founder, CTO/CPO of Arctic Semiconductor.

Throughout my career, I’ve remained dedicated to driving innovation in both hardware and software, enhancing system performance while streamlining complexity and cost. My commitment to identifying market gaps and addressing them efficiently has been a guiding principle. In essence, my journey in the semiconductor industry has been defined by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a commitment to delivering tangible solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

One of the most interesting stories from my career illustrates the core principles of entrepreneurship: persistence and the willingness to pivot when necessary. Throughout my career, I have faced many challenges in gaining buy-in and moving forward with technical ideas. Through these experiences, I have learned a crucial lesson: persistence in your vision is essential, but so is the ability to adapt and change course when necessary. True entrepreneurship involves a balance between unwavering determination and strategic flexibility.

Early in the development of our products, we encountered significant market challenges. One of the most difficult issues a startup can face is a shift in the market, even when the products meet specifications. Remaining committed to our vision, I advocated for leveraging our technology to develop products and solutions for the 5G market, despite skepticism about the industry and market trends. After thorough analysis and brainstorming sessions, we decided to pivot our approach, adopting new technologies and realigning our goals. This decision was challenging but proved to be the turning point, leading to one of our most successful innovations.

Navigating this journey as a women added another layer of complexity. I often faced subtle biases and dismissive attitudes. Instead of allowing these behaviors to deter me, I chose to focus on my capabilities and the value I brought to the table. By articulating my ideas with clarity and conviction, I was able to transcend these barriers.

This dual lesson of resilience and adaptability has been fundamental in my career. It has shown me that success is determined by competence and determination. Moreover, my experiences have reinforced the importance of advocating for inclusivity and diversity. By leading by example, I aim to inspire others to pursue their dreams and help create a more inclusive industry.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“The only way that we can live is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.” — C. JoyBell C

This quote emphasizes the importance of resilience in embracing change, learning from challenges, and being open to new experiences. It encourages pushing oneself out of comfort zones, which aligns with my journey of immigrating to pursue my passion and continuously striving despite obstacles.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Reflecting on my journey, I am deeply grateful for the mentorship of my PhD advisor. His guidance was instrumental in shaping my approach to innovation. He taught me to embrace out-of-the-box thinking and underscored the fundamental importance of wireless communication for the future of the modern world. His encouragement to explore innovative ideas laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial path.

Additionally, I am thankful for the collective support from the investors and advisors we have worked with over the years. Each has imparted invaluable lessons from different perspectives — be it from industry experts, executives, or university professors. Their diverse insights have helped me to balance technical and product-oriented innovation. This broad range of perspectives has enabled me to approach challenges with a holistic view, ensuring that our solutions are not only technically sound but also market relevant.

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

Three character traits that I think are instrumental in anyone’s career as a business leader are persistence, adaptability, and visionary thinking.

In the early stages of Arctic Semiconductor, we faced numerous challenges, including a significant market shift that threatened our initial product designs. Despite skepticism, I remained committed to our vision. Through thorough analysis and strategic pivots, we overcame these obstacles and developed one of our most successful innovations, demonstrating the importance of persistence.

Adaptability has also been crucial, particularly during our transition to focus on the 5G market. Recognizing the potential of this emerging technology, we realigned our goals and adopted new strategies despite initial resistance. This flexibility allowed us to stay ahead of market trends and capitalize on new opportunities.

Finally, visionary thinking has driven our innovation strategy from the beginning. By anticipating future trends and focusing on groundbreaking technologies, we have been able to develop solutions that not only meet current needs but also position us as leaders in the market. These traits — persistence, adaptability, and visionary thinking — have collectively enabled me to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and drive continuous innovation within our company.

Are you working on any new or exciting projects? How do you think that will help people?

At Arctic Semiconductor, we’re working on several cutting-edge transceiver products: IceWings, SnowWings, SilverWings, and an exciting new product we’ll be announcing soon. IceWings is the lowest power 4x4 analog transceiver on the market, supporting a wide frequency range from 600MHz to 7.2GHz, with integrated fractional synthesizers and programmable baseband filters. SnowWings features super wide bandwidth and direct RF sampling conversion with a 3GS/s ADC and a 4GS/s DAC. SilverWings is a versatile all-in-one transceiver that supports Digital IF conversion in the receive path and High IF conversion in the transmit path, eliminating the need for complex software calibration.

Last year, we began mass production of our first 5G silicon chipset, IceWings, which has been chosen by several customers for its high performance and low power consumption. Our low-power universal RF chipsets, developed over three years, provide exceptional signal quality and efficiency, aiding manufacturers in building radio equipment for 5G infrastructure, IoT applications, and satellite communication. IceWings is now powering a new small cell platform that has passed 3GPP specifications and will soon be widely available.

I believe that 5G will fundamentally change global communication, but its rollout has been slow due to high infrastructure costs. Developing low-cost, low-power solutions is critical to accelerating this process. Our products enable true, all-encompassing connectivity, whether used in base stations, direct-to-satellite communication, fixed wireless access, the automotive industry, or IoT applications. True connectivity is essential for implementing AI that utilizes instantaneous data. Data is the most important requirement to feed valuable AI functions, and true tactile data needs thousands and millions of objects transferring information instantaneously. All our products essentially enable this connected world by offering cost-effective, high-performance, fully integrated radios deployable in millions of units. This connectivity will bridge gaps in areas where traditional fiber optics or cable installations are not feasible, especially in rural or hard-to-reach locations, and support the seamless integration of terrestrial and satellite networks, ensuring comprehensive coverage and enhanced connectivity for all users.

Ok wonderful. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. Like 4G, 5G has many different facets, and I’m sure many will approach this question differently. But for the benefit of our readers can you explain to us what 5G is? How is 5G different from its predecessor 4G?

5G, or fifth-generation wireless technology, is the latest iteration of cellular networks, designed to significantly enhance the speed, coverage, and responsiveness of wireless communications. Unlike 4G, which primarily focused on increasing data speeds, 5G aims to provide a comprehensive upgrade to the entire network infrastructure. This includes not only faster speeds but also lower latency, greater capacity, and improved energy efficiency, making it a transformative technology for the digital world.

One of the key differences between 5G and 4G is the increase in speed and capacity. While 4G offers peak download speeds of around 1 Gbps, 5G promises peak speeds up to 20 Gbps, which is up to 20 times faster. This means faster downloads, smoother streaming, and more responsive online interactions. Additionally, 5G aims to reduce latency to as low as 1 millisecond compared to 4G’s 50 milliseconds. This near-instantaneous communication is crucial for applications requiring real-time feedback, such as autonomous driving, remote surgery, and immersive virtual reality.

5G also brings significant improvements in network efficiency and capacity. Designed to support up to 1 million devices per square kilometer, 5G can handle a much higher density of connected devices, which is essential for the Internet of Things (IoT). It utilizes a broader range of frequencies, including sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands, offering greater bandwidth and speed but requiring more infrastructure. Moreover, 5G introduces network slicing, allowing the creation of multiple virtual networks within a single physical network, each customized to meet the specific needs of different applications.

The advancements of 5G will revolutionize various industries and aspects of daily life. Enhanced mobile broadband will improve media consumption experiences, from ultra-high-definition video streaming to immersive augmented and virtual reality. Low latency and high reliability will enable critical applications like telemedicine, autonomous vehicles, and smart city infrastructure. Additionally, the massive connectivity capabilities will drive the proliferation of IoT devices, making our homes, workplaces, and cities smarter and more efficient. In essence, 5G is not just an incremental improvement over 4G but a transformative technology that will reshape how we interact with the digital world, driving innovation and connectivity to new heights.

Can you share three or four ways that 5G might improve our lives? If you can please share an example, for each.

5G will transform our lives by enabling advanced AI, improving healthcare, providing rural connectivity, and enhancing consumer experiences. Its ability to deliver instantaneous and comprehensive connectivity is the key to unlocking these benefits. Here are some examples:

1. Enhanced AI Integration

5G’s ultra-low latency and high-speed connectivity are crucial for the full potential of AI. Like the nervous system in the human body, 5G connects devices instantly, enabling real-time data processing. In smart cities, for example, AI can optimize traffic flow and enhance public safety by analyzing data from various sensors. The benefits of AI heavily depend on this instant connectivity, which only 5G can provide.

2. Improved Healthcare and Telemedicine

5G will revolutionize healthcare with advanced telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. Medical professionals can perform high-definition video consultations and remote surgeries with real-time robotic tools. For instance, a surgeon in a city can operate on a rural patient using a 5G-controlled robotic arm. Continuous monitoring of chronic conditions using wearable devices provides real-time data for proactive, personalized care.

3. Connectivity for Rural Areas

5G can bridge the digital divide by providing high-speed internet to rural areas through fixed wireless access. This “fiber optics over the air” approach ensures rural communities have the same connectivity as urban areas. Farmers can use 5G for precision agriculture, and rural schools and businesses can benefit from improved internet access, enhancing education and economic opportunities.

4. Enhanced Consumer Experiences

5G will enhance consumer experiences with ultra-high-definition video streaming, immersive VR, and AR applications. Gamers can enjoy seamless multiplayer experiences with no lag, and sports fans can watch events in 8K resolution. Augmented Reality (AR) applications can offer real-time overlays of information on the physical world, transforming how we interact with digital content in our daily lives.

Keeping “Black Mirror” in mind, can you see any potential drawbacks about this 5G technology that people should think more deeply about?

5G undoubtedly enhances our mobile and computing capabilities, providing a pathway for new technologies like AI, automation, and advanced broadband communications. However, it is crucial to evaluate the ethical implications of these applications. While 5G itself is merely an enabler, the technologies it supports can raise significant concerns.

For example, the increased connectivity and data collection facilitated by 5G can lead to privacy and security issues. The vast amounts of data generated and transmitted could be vulnerable to hacking or misuse. Additionally, the deployment of AI and automation, powered by 5G, may exacerbate job displacement and deepen societal inequalities if not managed responsibly.

Moreover, the pervasive nature of 5G networks could lead to increased surveillance, potentially infringing on personal freedoms and privacy. The ethical implications of such surveillance need to be carefully considered to avoid dystopian outcomes reminiscent of “Black Mirror.”

Despite these potential drawbacks, humans have always found ways to leverage the benefits of new technologies. Understanding these possibilities is the first step in designing methods and systems that can control and manage their effects. By being proactive in addressing these concerns, we can harness the full potential of 5G while mitigating its risks, ensuring that this technology serves to enhance our lives in a responsible and equitable manner.

Some have raised the question that 5G might widen the digital divide and leave poor people or marginalized people behind. From your perspective, what can be done to address and correct this concern?

5G inherently promotes extended connectivity for rural areas and underserved regions where expensive cable and fiber are not feasible. It also enables direct-to-satellite technologies, making connectivity available in hard-to-reach regions and even in politically restricted situations where limited internet access causes societal issues. However, addressing the digital divide in the context of 5G technology is crucial to ensure its benefits are accessible to everyone, including marginalized and underserved communities. Governments can play a pivotal role by implementing policies and funding initiatives to promote widespread 5G access, such as subsidies for infrastructure in rural and low-income areas.

Improving digital literacy is essential to ensure all individuals can benefit from 5G technology. Educational programs that teach digital skills and promote understanding of new technologies can help marginalized communities leverage 5G for economic and social benefits. Investing in infrastructure to support 5G in underserved areas, including technologies like fixed wireless access, is vital. Additionally, companies can adopt corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on reducing the digital divide by investing in underserved communities and supporting digital inclusion programs. By implementing these strategies, we can work towards a more inclusive and connected society, ensuring equitable access to 5G technology for all.

Based on your experience and success, what are the 5 things you need to create a highly successful career in the telecommunication industry?

1. Technical Expertise: Your technical expertise in the field of choice is crucial for navigating 5G wireless complexities.
2. Innovation and Adaptability: Your focus on innovation and product development showcases your ability to drive progress and adapt to technological shifts, essential in dynamic sectors such as semiconductors.
3. Leadership and Collaboration: Your leadership and collaboration skills, evident from co-founding and executive roles in semiconductor firms, are essential for guiding teams to success in 5G projects.
4. Business Acumen: is vital for navigating competitive markets and driving growth in 5G.
5. Diversity and Inclusion: Your commitment to diversity and inclusive workplaces, particularly in hiring and supporting women in leadership roles, highlights the value of diverse perspectives for innovation and success in the 5G industry.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

If I could inspire a movement, it would be focused on promoting global access to quality education. Education is the foundation of personal growth, economic empowerment, and societal progress. By ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or location, has access to quality education, we can unlock countless opportunities and address many societal challenges. This movement would strive to eliminate barriers to education such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of infrastructure. It would advocate for inclusive and equitable education systems that cater to diverse learning needs and empower individuals to reach their full potential. Ultimately, this movement would aim to create a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute positively to society.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Follow Arctic Semiconductor at http://www.arcticsemiconductor.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/situne-corporation/

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.