World-first gigabit wireless chip designed in Victoria
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22 February 2008
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The world’s smallest two-way gigabit wireless chip was unveiled in Victoria today, heralding a new era in ICT innovation, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Theo Theophanous said today.
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Mr Theophanous said the revolutionary 5x5 mm chip is the first in the world to encompass digital, analog and radio frequency circuitry and an antenna all on the one CMOS technology chip.
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“The gigabit wireless chip will transform next generation wireless networks, create a platform for future technology developments and will help redefine people’s work-life balance,” MrTheophanous said.
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“To have digital, analog and radio frequency circuitry and an antenna component on a single CMOS chip is a global breakthrough, again confirms Victoria’s position as a centre for global innovation.
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“Ultimately, this gigabit wireless chip will dramatically change the economics of wireless technology, providing consumers with ten times the data at only one-tenth of the cost of existing solutions.
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The chip was designed and developed at the Victoria Research Laboratory of National ICT Australia (NICTA), Australia’s ICT research centre of excellence.
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“This new technology will dramatically change the way data and content-rich information is managed in the office and the home, as well as enabling new applications,” Mr Theophanous said.
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“The possibilities are endless. Imagine a future where you can download movies onto a handheld device within seconds while sitting in an entertainment kiosk, without no wires or physical connection. That movie could then beam directly onto a screen for instant viewing.”
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Mr Theophanous said the gigabit wireless chip came to life through collaboration with technology giants, the Brumby Government and the global semiconductor industry, including IBM, Synopsys, Cadence, Anritsu, Agilent, Ansoft and Suss MicroTech.
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“This international effort only further enhances Victoria’s global reputation for leading innovation and growing our capacity to deliver jobs in the ICT industry,” Mr Theophanous said.
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Project leader of the development team Professor Stan Skafidas said that consumers were set to benefit from a new and improved experience through this wireless technology.
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“Our achievement in developing the world’s first 60 GHz, RF CMOS integrated circuit on the 130 nanometre process has solved some fundamental technical challenges,” Professor Skafidas said.
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“This achievement has been innovation in its purest form, right from the start.”
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