Tyndall experts help create new chip for future 6G communication

The study represents an important advancement in RF semiconductor tech, says Tyndall expert Andrés Fontana.

In a breakthrough that could help boost the journey towards next-generation 6G communication, researchers from Tyndall National Institute have helped develop a new microchip that can continuously adapt to changing network demands, while consuming minimal standby power.

6G networks are expected to handle significantly more data than today’s communication systems while operating with greater flexibility and lower energy consumption, while the overall radio-frequency tech market is expected to grow to nearly €70bn by 2030.

But achieving this will require new wireless hardware capable of delivering high performance, energy efficiency and real-time adaptability.

Earlier this year, Nvidia announced a new joint project with global telecommunication leaders including BT, Cisco and Deutsche Telekom to fast-track 6G infrastructure ready to handle AI workloads – something expected to be even more widespread in the coming years.

While in July, Dublin-based Pilot Photonics was approved for a recommended investment of up to €10.4m from the European Innovation Council to scale its photonic chip technology that uses laser light to generate extremely pure wireless signals, built for AI data centres, satellite communications, and 5G and 6G mobile networks.

Tyndall experts, adding this this, have developed a new type of programmable microchip, which integrates switches directly on to fully functional millimetre-wave communication circuits.

“This research represents an important advance in radio-frequency (RF) semiconductor technology,” explains Andrés Fontana, a senior postdoctoral researcher at the institute.

“By integrating novel two-dimensional materials with gallium nitride microchips, we have demonstrated a new class of programmable, ultra-low-power devices that could support the flexible, high-performance wireless systems needed for future 6G satellite and terrestrial communication networks.”

The research was conducted in conjunction with researchers from Tyndall, University College Cork, the National University of Singapore, Argentina’s Universidad Tecnológica Nacional and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

Their study, called ‘Reconfigurable mmWave microchips co-integrating hBN switches on GaN’, was recently published in Nature magazine. The microchip was successfully demonstrated in several key radio-frequency components used in wireless communication systems, confirming its suitability for real-world applications, the institute said.

“This publication in Nature highlights the strength of international collaboration in addressing some of the most important challenges facing future wireless communications,” said Prof Dimitra Psychogiou, the head of the advanced technologies group at Tyndall.

“This breakthrough demonstrates how innovative materials and device engineering can help shape the next generation of 6G and satellite communications.” The project was partially funded by Research Ireland.

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