IBM scientists announced that they have created a small, low-cost chipset that could allow wireless electronic devices to transmit and receive ten times faster than today's advanced WiFi networks. Using the IBM-pioneered chip-making technology called Silicon Germanium, the chipset is able to send and receive information in a portion of the radio spectrum that is both unlicensed and can carry a much higher volume of data.

This is a key advantage as data-intensive digital media formats, such as HDTV, become more pervasive. Several electronics companies are exploring the potential of including these chipsets in their products.

IBM's SiGe transmitter and receiver ICs with antennas shown both in process and in its final LGA standard plastic package

The final LGA packaged transmitter and receiver size comparison

"In the past, wireless has always lagged in speed compared to wired communications, making it frustrating for users who want to enjoy the same access and applications regardless of where they are," said Dr TC Chen, VP, Science and Technology, IBM Research. "This new technology has the capability to reduce or eliminate this 'download divide,' realizing the full potential of wireless communications and changing the way we live."

Scientists refer to the portion of the radio spectrum from roughly 30 to 300 GHz as 'millimeter wave frequency bands,' since the actual length of the electromagnetic wave in a signal in these bands is measured in millimeters. Electronics makers have been looking for ways to exploit this portion of the radio spectrum, recognizing its potential for carrying vast amounts of information.

IBM's design and use of silicon germanium technology permits a high level of integration in the chips themselves. The embedding of the antennas directly within the unique chipset package helps further reduce system cost since fewer components are needed.

As an example, a prototype chip set module, including the receiver, the transmitter, and two antennas, would occupy the area of a dime. By integrating the chipset and antennas in commercial IC packages, companies can use existing skills and infrastructure to build this technology into their commercial products.

Some applications that might now be possible using this 60 GHz technology include wireless personal-area networks (PANs) for intra-office communications in the 10m and below range. PANs are designed to support wireless Gb Ethernet, wireless display, wireless docking station, synchronization of PDAs with desktops/laptops, and wireless downloading of pictures from a camera.

Similarly, the technology could enable wireless broadband video distribution, in which a 60-GHz link could be used to stream an uncompressed high-definition video signal from, for example, the DVD player to the plasma display mounted on the wall.

DQC NEWS BUREAU

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