The result of this project is particularly important for chip manufacturing, as it demonstrates that advanced technologies can be developed using reliable and more cost-effective production solutions.
The "heartbeat" of next-generation communication
Chips are the foundation of every electronic device — from smartphones and computers to washing machines. These semiconductors contain integrated circuits that embody engineering ideas enabling devices to function as we would expect them to— from data processing to signal transmission. Without chips, the modern technological world simply wouldn’t exist.
“Through joint projects with scientists and young researchers from Taipei Tech, we set a goal — to improve and develop transmitters and receivers for satellite communication systems operating in a relatively high frequency range of 10–12 GHz. Our ambition was not only to achieve good performance parameters but also to demonstrate that such solutions can be implemented using not the newest and most expensive technologies, but rather well-researched, reliable, and relatively low-cost manufacturing technologies. This opens up opportunities to create competitive products at lower costs enabling scientific and industrial development,” says one of the chip developers, Professor Dr. Vaidotas Barzdėnas, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Communications Technologies.
Once the first research was completed, scientists realized that this goal was achievable, and they proved it by designing a voltage-controlled frequency generator chip.
Such a chip is particularly important in modern electronic devices because its main function is to generate a highly accurate frequency and amplitude signal.
"This type of generator can be considered the ‘heart’ of communication equipment, since the signal it generates — like a heartbeat — sets the rhythm for the entire system. What makes this chip unique is that the generated frequency can be tuned across a very high and wide frequency range, which is crucial for next-generation communication systems," explains a VILNIUS TECH professor.
International collaboration: from idea to prototype
Chip design in electronics is one of the most complex processes. It requires not only deep engineering knowledge but also significant practical skills and experience. Theoretical knowledge alone is not enough — circuit schematic design must be carried out, computer-based functional modeling performed, and engineering inaccuracies checked as well as corrected repeatedly until the desired results are achieved.
"Every mistake can be extremely costly, because chip manufacturing is a complex and expensive process, which has no room for errors or inaccuracies. Moreover, the chip production stage alone takes 2 to 4 months. As a result, from the initial idea to the first prototype can take one to two years. In this case, the development of the chip — from concept to prototype — took about a year and a half," the researcher explains.
Chips are mostly designed using computers, employing specialized professional software packages. These allow for precise modeling of circuit behavior and verification of their functionality even before manufacturing begins.
The developed chip was prepared for production and manufactured in Taiwan, at TSMC — the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturing company. Currently, it is being tested in Lithuania, at VILNIUS TECH, in the Faculty of Electronics, at the Advanced Electronics Design Laboratory, utilizing their equipment and modern measurement instruments.
"We developed this chip in collaboration with Taipei Tech, with the work split equally between both sides. Our team was responsible for designing one part of the circuit, while the Taiwanese partners developed the other part. This task structure allowed each side to focus on their respective areas of expertise and efficiently implement complex technical solutions. Since the workload was evenly divided, the outcome is a combination of both teams’ contributions. From our team, I would like to highlight the contributions of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vytautas Mačaitis and his student — now a master's student — Benas Petrulis. They put in the most effort, dedication, and technical expertise, which were especially important for the successful implementation of the project," says Professor Dr. Vaidotas Barzdėnas.
A first step toward a commercial product
Although the developed chip is a major achievement, the team of inventors emphasizes that this is only the first step. "It’s still too early to talk about a final product. We have quite a bit of work ahead before we develop all the functional parts of the transmitter–receiver system that is crucial for a commercial product," explains the VILNIUS TECH researcher.
This achievement not only strengthens Lithuania’s potential as a high-tech country but also sends a message to young people and businesses. "I believe this can inspire young people in Lithuania to take an interest in engineering and pursue their own technical ideas. We also encourage companies to explore chip technologies, as this increases competitiveness in the global market," says Prof. Dr. Vaidotas Barzdėnas, adding that more ideas from VILNIUS TECH scientists will soon be implemented, which could have a significant impact on the electronics industry.
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