Researchers from China and the United States have unveiled a pioneering 6G chip that delivers internet speeds exceeding 100 gigabits per second—approximately ten times faster than 5G and hundreds of times faster than current average commercial internet speeds.
The ultra-compact chip, developed jointly by scientists at Peking University, City University of Hong Kong, and the University of California, Santa Barbara, measures just 11 millimeters by 1.7 millimeters. It operates across an unprecedented frequency band from 0.5 GHz to 115 GHz, encompassing wireless signals traditionally handled by nine distinct radio systems.
Central to this breakthrough is an electro-optic modulator that efficiently converts radio signals into optical ones, coupled with optoelectronic oscillators that generate ultra-wideband radio frequencies. These innovations enable the chip to dynamically adjust frequencies at speeds far beyond current technologies, supporting applications ranging from high-definition 8K video streaming to real-time AI network management.
While commercial rollout of 6G networks is expected in the 2030s, this advancement lays vital groundwork for the next generation of wireless communication, promising ultra-low latency and ultra-high bandwidth that will transform connectivity worldwide. Experts highlight the potential for this technology to bridge digital divides by supporting seamless communication in both urban and remote rural areas.
Professor Wang Xingjun of Peking University noted the urgency in addressing 6G development challenges, emphasizing that next-gen networks must harness diverse frequency bands to meet explosive device demand and enable applications such as virtual reality and robotic surgery.
This world-first “all-frequency” 6G chip prototype represents a major leap forward in the telecommunications field, accelerating the journey toward smarter, faster, and more ubiquitous wireless networks for the future
Source: Sciencealert
