World’s smallest on-chip low-pass filter to revolutionize wireless communication

WASHINGTON - Scientists at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have designed the world’s smallest on-chip low-pass filter which is 1,000 times smaller than existing off-chip filters.

A low-pass filter is a circuit that allows low-frequency signals to pass through while reducing unwanted high-frequency signals from passing through.

The new filters occupy a small area on integrated circuit chips, which can be found in portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, vehicle-mounted radars, as well as speed guns used in traffic monitoring.

Professor Yeo Kiat Seng, Head of Circuits and Systems at NTU’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, is the man behind the idea.

“This new low-pass filter can lead to a significant improvement in signal quality as it removes nearly all unwanted interferences and noise in the environment,” said Yeo.

“This results in clearer reception and enhanced clarity for mobile phone users and users of wireless applications such as Bluetooth and other mobile devices. For example, if you are speaking to your friend on your mobile phone in a noisy food centre or in a train, you would still be able to hear him clearly,” he added.

The filter also consumes less power and can be easily incorporated into existing integrated circuit chips at almost no cost. (ANI)