Breakthrough wireless silicon-chip design
28 February 2001
News
Researchers in Lucent's Bell Labs have created what they believe are the first 'all-silicon' chips for the receivers in base stations that get radio signals from mobile devices, such as cellphones or handheld computers. Radio receivers in current use now generally have 10 to 20 chips made of gallium arsenide, which is a substantially more costly semiconducting material than silicon, yet is needed to satisfy the high-performance requirements.
The new receiver, which is comprised of only three silicon chips - roughly the size of a small coin - is 100 times smaller than the gallium arsenide-based radio receivers. The silicon chips are also 10 to 100 times less expensive to manufacture, said the researchers.
The all-silicon fabrication approach also may lead to the combination of a base-station radio receiver and DSP on a single chip - further reducing base-station cost and moving closer to creating a system-on-a-chip solution for base-station radio receivers, claims Lucent.
www.bell-labs.com
Further reading:
From the editor's desk: AI – a double-edged sword
Technews Publishing
News
As with any powerful tool, AI presents challenges, some of which, if not carefully managed, threaten to undo the potential that it can offer.
Read more...
Global semiconductor sales increase
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has announced global semiconductor sales were $57,0 billion during the month of April 2025, an increase of 2,5% compared to the March 2025.
Read more...
Avnet Abacus announced new president
Avnet Abacus
News
Avnet Abacus has announced that Mario Merino will succeed Rudy Van Parijs as president of Avnet Abacus, effective 1 July 2025.
Read more...
Avnet Abacus wins multiple prestigious awards
Avnet Abacus
News
The awards from Molex recognise outstanding performance, collaboration, and significant growth in the challenging market conditions of 2024.
Read more...
Components distribution slowdown Q1 2025
News
European components distribution (DMASS) experienced a continued slowdown in the first quarter 2025.
Read more...
Semiconductor sales increase 17% YoY
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) recently announced global semiconductor sales were $54,9 billion during the month of February 2025, an increase of 17,1% compared to the February 2024 total.
Read more...
Silicon Labs – Q1 results
News
Silicon Labs, a leading innovator in low-power wireless, recently reported financial results for the first quarter, which ended April 5, 2025.
Read more...
Strengthening industry through strategic partnerships at KITE 2025
Specialised Exhibitions
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition is not just an exhibition, it is a powerhouse of industry collaboration where visitors and exhibitors gain access to authoritative insights, technical expertise, and high-impact networking opportunities.
Read more...
Solar Youth Project calls on industry to step up
News
With the second cohort completed training and the first cohort returning for their final module, host companies are urgently needed to turn the training into a long-term opportunity.
Read more...
Conlog powers SA’s future with national smart meter rollout
News
Conlog recently secured the RT29-2024 contract from National Treasury, which is seen to be a major milestone towards modernising SA’s utility infrastructure.
Read more...