Vodafone and the University of Málaga collaborate to direct mobile signals closer to smartphones using photonic computer chips

An advanced speed-boosting computer chip design that can direct a mobile signal straight to a user’s smartphone using light is being developed by Vodafone and the Photonics and Radiofrequency Research Lab - part of the Research Institute of Telecommunications at the University of Málaga (TELMA).

A key component of any mobile network is the radio unit which processes a signal sent and received between users with the help of electronic computer chips. Engineers from Vodafone and the university are co-developing the next generation prototype silicon chip designs based on microwave photonics technology that uses light instead of electricity to control and direct a mobile signal.

Advantages of light

This new process, known as advanced optical beamforming, takes advantage of light properties to process, steer, and precisely focus mobile traffic, such as video streaming sessions, to the user with pinpoint accuracy.

While some mobile masts are already equipped with beamforming technology to direct a signal towards a specific area instead of broadcasting it more broadly, the incorporation of photonics provides a significant advantage. It will provide a greater degree of accuracy, reducing signal loss and limiting interference from other frequencies.

Other benefits include improved energy efficiency and greater capacity to support many users without scrimping on the quality of service. A stronger, stable signal also means a device uses less power to stay connected, preserving battery life.

This collaboration is part of an associated project awarded to Vodafone under the European Commission’s Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) Programme, supported by the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism. Microwave photonic technology is emerging at an ideal time to benefit next-generation 5G-Advanced and future software-driven 6G networks. It is also better equipped for handling higher radio frequencies compared with current electronic systems.

Blueprint for new chips

Vodafone, supported by the University of Málaga, plans to publish a blueprint for photonic radio unit chips for mobile base stations within the next two years. The main objective is to offer customers continuous streaming services without buffering, even in crowded areas such as stadiums, transport hubs, or shopping centres.

Optical beamforming technology is also expected to contribute significantly to various low latency, high bandwidth industrial applications such as autonomous vehicles and factory robotics. Advanced radar and direct-to-device satellite communication systems, which account for the Earth's curvature, will benefit from its superior beam steering capabilities.

Two prototypes are being developed by the team. The initial prototype involves a passive chip as part of the preliminary proof-of-concept work. Subsequently, an enhanced active chip will be developed to replace the current beamforming component within a radio unit. Ultimately, Vodafone’s goal is to develop an improved optical radio unit (where most of the electrical elements will be replaced by optical ones), though that will require more time.

Disruptive technology

Upon completion of thorough testing and validation for commercial network use, a fully functional active beamforming chip will be capable of operating with up to 32 small radio antennas integrated into a single mast, with each antenna being individually controlled. This configuration enables flexible and precise steering of the light beam to multiple users, improving performance and lowering energy consumption while accommodating compact, integrated photonic designs.

This project aims to improve commercial communication networks and disrupt the current status quo using photonic beamforming radio units. Alongside the performance improvements, this new technology also supports Vodafone’s sustainability goals, enhancing services cost-effectively while also being eco-friendly.