The rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is predicted to reach nearly 30 billion by 2030. However, the segment poses some challenge like interference between the various connected devices operating on shared frequency bands. Japanese researchers have lately come up with a solution and said to reduce the size of filters which are used to prevent interference. The solution is believed to reshape the functioning of smartphones and other devices.
Smartphones currently requires several filters to maintain clear signals across various wireless communication standards. The filters frees up valuable space inside the phone. It adds complexity as well as cost. Meanwhile, the demand for additional filters is increasing with the increase of connected devices. Miniaturizing the components is further becoming important for future devices.
Researchers from Japanese telecom giant NTT and Okayama University have created an ultrasonic circuit that could replace the multiple filters. The use of “valley pseudospin-dependent transport” is making it more significant. It is a topological concept and allows sound waves to travel in one direction without losing quality. It eliminates the backscattering issue and ensures clear as well as uninterrupted communication between devices.
The research team of NTT is now working to integrate multiple filters on a single chip and the initial chip size is expected to be around one square centimeter. Future versions are hoped to shrink even further. The primary aim is to incorporate up to 20 ultrasonic circuits in smartphones.
Commercialization of the technology could revolutionize smartphones and also the IoT systems. It is believed to offer a more streamlined and efficient approach in managing wireless communications.
