An international team of scientists, led by researchers from Beijing Universitydeveloped a chip capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 Gigahertz (GHz).
Unlike conventional processors, which use electricity to generate clock signs, this new model works entirely with light, paving the way for advances never seen in artificial intelligence, 6G communications and autonomous systems in the future.
The details of the research were recently published in the most renowned scientific journal Nature and showed an innovative approach to increase the efficiency and speed of computing.
How does the new chip work?
The performance of any processor is dictated by its clock, a rhythmic frequency pulse that synchronizes the execution of the instructions within the system.
In the case of conventional electronic chips, this clock is generated by electric oscillators, which can cause excessive heating e high energy consumptionbesides limiting speed gains.
The innovation presented by the Chinese team replaces the electrical signals with a “photon clock”, Which synchronizes operations using light. According to Chang Lin, assistant professor at the Institute of Information and Communication Technology at the University of Beijing and main author of the study, this advance allows to process much faster information than current systems.
Our chip uses light to generate signs of clock. As light travels much faster than electricity, information processing becomes significantly more efficient
Explained Lin to the newspaper Guangming Daily
Microcomb technology and its impact on computing
The key piece of this optical chip is a component called microcombwhich can synthesize unique frequency and broadband signs, covering a broad spectrum of frequencies.
The system operates through a ring integrated into the chip – similar to a running track – where light continuously circulates at the speed of light. The time it takes to complete a return on this circuit defines the accuracy of the internal clock, bringing synchrony at extremely high speeds.
The method not only exceeds the limitations of traditional electronic chips, but also makes it possible to operate in different frequency bands, including those used in 5G networks and future 6G networks.
What can 100 GHz optical chip change in practice?
The introduction of this new processor can represent a leap in various technological areas. Different from traditional chips, which operate in the house of 2 a 5 GHzthis optical model has already reached 100 GHza speed until 50 times larger. With this, some immediate improvements may include:
- AI training until 10 times fasterallowing more powerful and efficient neural networks.
- Redes 6g com Ultrabaix latencymaking data transmission almost instantaneous.
- Mobile devices faster and with lower energy consumptionreducing the need for frequent recharge.
- Autonomous vehicles capable of processing information real -timeincreasing traffic safety.
- Data Centers with lower energy consumptionreducing operating costs and environmental impact.
- Virtual reality e Increased With more fluid and immersive experiences, eliminating delays and improving systems response.
- Smartphones e tablets com lower battery consumptionwithout the need to change hardware with each new network technology.
- In the field of Medicine and Health medical diagnoses would be instantaneous with accelerated analysis of exams such as Magnetic Resonances and Tomographies.
- Cyber security With faster and safer data encryption, reducing real -time vulnerabilities.
The end of frequent hardware updates?
One of the great advantages of this innovative chip is its versatility for various applications without the need for frequent hardware substitutions.
With this technology, it will no longer be necessary to change the hardware of mobile devices every time there is an advance in communication networks
As we saw above, currently Most chips operate at speeds between 2 and 3 GHzbut the new model developed by the Chinese team exceeds 100 GHz.
This means that computers equipped with this technology can perform more calculations in less time, bringing greater capacity for demanding tasks such as the development of artificial intelligence and applications in quantum computing.
Reduction of energy consumption and impact on the technological sector
In addition to the impressive speed, optical chip should also dramatically reduce energy consumption, one of the great challenges of modern computing. The use of light for information transmission and processing eliminates energy losses associated with electrical resistance and heating of traditional circuits.
This factor can bring benefits not only to data processing centers, but also for mobile devices, communication networks and even autonomous systems such as smart vehicles.
According to the University of Beijing, technology can “Significantly reduce energy consumption and operating costs of mobile telephony base stations, as well as improving the accuracy and response of autonomous perception systems“.
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Optical chip scale challenges
Despite the advancement, the team of researchers still faces technical obstacles before technology can be widely adopted. Stability and viability of large -scale production are some of the points that still need to be optimized.
Currently, scientists are working on the manufacture of thousands of identical 20 cm (8 inches) wafers, a vital process to make the component accessible to the market.
If these challenges are overcome, this chip could represent a radical change in the way we deal with high -speed computing, paving the way for new generations of faster, efficient and sustainable devices.
Fonte: Nature
Source: https://www.adrenaline.com.br/hardware/chip-de-luz-de-100-ghz-supera-limites-da-atuais-da-tecnologia/
