From the Village to the Metaverse: Chinese 6G Chip Paves the Way for Internet Across the Entire Frequency Spectrum
One microchip instead of 9 antennas.
Chinese scientists have announced the creation of the world's first "all-frequency" 6G chip, capable of providing mobile data transmission at speeds exceeding 100 gigabits per second. As reported by the South China Morning Post, this breakthrough could help bridge the digital divide between cities and remote regions by providing connectivity across the entire range of wireless frequencies.
A team of specialists from Peking University and the City University of Hong Kong integrated the entire spectrum from 0.5 to 115 gigahertz onto a tiny plate measuring 11 by 1.7 millimeters. Previously, covering such a range required up to nine separate radio systems. The new chip combines millimeter and terahertz channels with low-frequency microwaves, allowing for easy switching between frequencies depending on the task: from stable coverage in remote areas to ultra-high-speed services for virtual reality or real-time surgery.
The technology is based on the fusion of photonic and electronic components. An electro-optical modulator converts radio signals into optical ones, which are then processed by photonic elements, and transmission is carried out through the frequency mixing of lasers with adjustable wavelength. All functional units are housed within a single microchip. Tests showed stable communication quality across the entire spectrum. The system adjusted its frequency within the 6 GHz range in 180 microseconds—hundreds of times faster than the blink of an eye. In single-channel mode, it managed to surpass the 100 Gbit/s threshold. For comparison, the average mobile internet speed in rural areas of the United States is about 20 megabits per second.
The chip is also equipped with a "frequency navigation" function—in case of interference or jamming, it automatically switches to a free channel. According to Professor Wang Cheng from CityU, this works as smoothly as an experienced driver changing lanes on a road.
The researchers note that the chip's architecture provides multi-target programmability and dynamic frequency tuning, maintaining a balance between size, power consumption, and performance. This is especially important in high-traffic areas like stadiums or concerts, where thousands of devices connect simultaneously. Moreover, this development lays the foundation for new types of networks where built-in artificial intelligence algorithms will be able to independently manage communication parameters and adapt to complex electromagnetic conditions.
The team's next goal is to create modules the size of a USB flash drive. Such devices are planned to be integrated into smartphones, base stations, drones, and Internet of Things (IoT) equipment, accelerating the practical implementation of flexible and intelligent 6G networks.
