Researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) have played a key role in developing a revolutionary switch capable of operating at unprecedented frequencies with minimal power consumption
Traditional silicon-based switches, ubiquitous in current telecommunications devices, have limitations in speed and energy efficiency.
These devices require a constant power supply to maintain their operational state, which proves inefficient for upcoming technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and virtual reality that demand faster and more reliable data transmission.
Switch technology
The newly developed switch uses a non-volatile material known as hBN (Hexagonal Boron Nitride), representing a paradigm shift in switch technology.
Unlike its silicon counterparts, this switch can achieve frequencies up to 120 GHz, double the capability of current devices, while significantly reducing energy consumption. Instead of relying on a continuous voltage source, it can be activated with a simple electrical pulse, leading to substantial energy savings.
Jordi Verdú, a researcher from UAB’s Department of Telecommunications and Systems Engineering, highlighted the groundbreaking nature of their achievement: “For the first time we have been able to demonstrate the operation of a switch based on hBN, a non-volatile material, in a frequency range of up to 120 GHz, which suggests the possibility of using this technology in the new 6G mass communications systems, where a very high number of these elements will be required.”
The switch’s functionality hinges on the principle of memristance, where the material’s electrical resistance changes in response to applied voltage.
The future of this technology
Previous experimental switches using hBN reached frequencies as high as 480 GHz but were limited to 30 cycles, a barrier now overcome by the UAB-led team’s approach. By layering hBN between 12 to 18 layers, they have achieved stability over 2000 cycles, making it viable for practical electronic applications.
This collaborative effort involved researchers from institutions worldwide, including the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), University of Texas at Austin, and institutions in Ireland. They have not only pushed the boundaries of switch technology but also paved the way for more sustainable telecommunications solutions.
With 6G technology on the horizon promising to revolutionise global communication networks, innovations such as these are crucial for meeting the escalating demands of a digitally interconnected world. The development of this advanced switch underscores the role of international collaboration and cutting-edge research in driving technological progress towards a smarter and more energy-efficient future.
As telecommunications continues to evolve, the impact of this breakthrough will likely extend beyond 6G, influencing diverse sectors from healthcare to smart cities, where reliable and high-speed data transmission is essential.
