Vodafone and the University of Malaga Plan to Develop Photonic Chips

Vodafone Group and the University of Malaga will jointly develop a new generation of mobile signal technology using photonic computer chips. They would be designed to improve network performance and energy efficiency across future 5G-Advanced and 6G infrastructure.

The collaboration is focused on developing silicon based on microwave photonics, which uses light rather than electricity to process and control mobile signals. To this end, engineers at Vodafone and the Photonics and Radiofrequency Research Lab at the University of Malaga are developing two prototypes. A passive chip for proof-of-concept testing will be followed by an upgraded active chip intended to replace the existing beamforming component in radio units.

The efforts are centered around advanced optical beamforming, a method that uses the properties of light to focus mobile traffic, such as video streaming, directly toward users with pinpoint accuracy. Once testing and validation are complete, Vodafone’s active beamforming chip will be able to support up to 32 small radio antennas on a single mast, with each one controlled independently to boost signal precision and network performance.

Vodafone stated the chips will support higher capacity to support many users, improved user experience, and lower power consumption, enhancing coverage even in high-traffic areas such as stadiums, transport hubs, and shopping centres. While the partners plan to publish a blueprint for photonic radio unit chips within two years, the long-term aim is to develop an optical radio unit that replaces most electrical parts with optical components. Additionally, the company hailed the technology’s role in future 5G-Advanced and 6G networks.