New efficient radio could double WiFi and cellular bandwidth

Researchers at University of Texas, Austin have developed a new technology that could double wireless and cellular bandwidth by embedding a small and efficient radio wave circulator in cellphones and other wireless devices. The circulator enables full-duplex functionality, allowing devices to transmit and receive signals on the same frequency band simultaneously - an approach which hasn't been possible before.

The prototype circulator created by the researchers is only 2 centimeters in size and according to them may be further scaled down to a few microns. The materials used for the circuit include gold, copper and silicon, making it easier for integration in the circuit boards of modern communication devices.

"The scheme is based on the parametric modulation of three identical, strongly and symmetrically coupled resonators. Their resonant frequencies are modulated by external signals with the same amplitude and a relative phase difference of 120 degrees, imparting an effective electronic angular momentum to the system. We observe giant non-reciprocity, with up to six orders of magnitude difference in transmission for opposite directions. Furthermore, the device topology is tunable in real time, and can be directly embedded in a conventional integrated circuit," the team explains.

"With this technology, we can incorporate tunable nonreciprocal components in mobile platforms," said Nicholas Estep, lead researcher and a doctoral student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "In doing so, we may pave the way to simultaneous two-way communication in the same frequency band, which can free up chunks of bandwidth for more effective use."

"We envision micron-sized circulators embedded in cellphone technology. When you consider cellphone traffic during high demand events such as a football game or a concert, there are enormous implications opened by our technology, including fewer dropped calls and clearer communications," Estep added.

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