You’ve probably noticed that your Wi-Fi speed slows down as the number of people or devices using the network increases. The same goes for large systems. When too many people gather in one area, cell phone towers can’t handle the influx. Massive wireless traffic congestion is on the horizon, as the number of connected devices increases exponentially and the arrival of AI is likely to make the problem even worse. Now, scientists at the University of Florida are considering a potential solution: making chips 3D.
Most wireless communications rely on “planar” processors. This means that the processor is essentially flat. Because they are two-dimensional, they can only handle a limited range of frequencies at a time. But unlocking a manufacturing process that allows chips to be built in three dimensions could allow the hardware to handle multiple frequencies simultaneously. It could lead to a revolution.
The problem can be compared to traffic moving through a city, said Roosbe Tavrian, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Florida who developed the new processor.
“City infrastructure can only handle a certain level of traffic, and problems arise as the amount of cars continues to increase,” Tabrizian said in the paper. press release. “We are starting to reach the maximum amount of data that can be moved efficiently. The planar architecture of the processor is no longer practical because it is limited to a very limited frequency range.”
Research published in journals nature electronicsdescribes a new approach that leverages semiconductor technology to house multiple processors built for different frequencies on a single chip. This breakthrough has several benefits. Best of all, it increases performance while reducing the amount of space the chip takes up. Planar chips only get bigger if you make them wider, but the ability to make chips that increase capacity in three dimensions rather than two means the technology is much easier to scale. Masu.
“Think of it like lights on the road or in the air,” Tabrian says. “It’s going to be a mess. He’s one chip built specifically for one frequency doesn’t make sense anymore.”
As this technology matures, all devices will be able to work better and faster. This is a significant development as he works on everything from smart cities to adding 12 smart devices to his apartment.
