China positions itself at the forefront of the 6G race, competing with global players like the U.S., South Korea, and Europe in developing the next-generation terahertz communication infrastructure.
China has announced a groundbreaking achievement in 6G technology with the launch of the world’s first all-frequency 6G chip, capable of delivering mobile internet speeds above 100 Gbps. The revolutionary chip, developed by researchers from Peking University and City University of Hong Kong, integrates frequencies from 0.5 GHz to 115 GHz into a compact photonics-powered semiconductor, paving the way for AI-native wireless networks, smart cities, metaverse applications, and ultra-reliable high-speed communications.
Closing the Digital Divide With 6G Connectivity
Unlike conventional hardware that requires multiple systems to cover different frequency bands, this 11mm x 1.7mm chip combines microwave, millimeter-wave, and terahertz communication into a single device. This innovation promises seamless switching between low frequencies for rural and remote area coverage and high frequencies for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and space communications.
Professor Wang Xingjun of Peking University emphasized that the growing demand for connected devices, IoT networks, and edge computing requires next-generation wireless solutions that leverage multiple bands. The new chip addresses these challenges with massive bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and global coverage potential.
Photonics at the Core of 6G Revolution
At the heart of this breakthrough lies photonics-electronic fusion, which enables superfast frequency tuning and interference-free performance. A broadband electro-optic modulator converts wireless signals into optical signals, which are then processed using photonic components. This architecture allows the chip to:
- Tune 6 GHz frequencies within 180 microseconds (hundreds of times faster than a blink).
- Deliver single-channel data speeds above 100 Gbps.
- Switch seamlessly between frequency bands using AI-driven frequency navigation to avoid interference.
Future of 6G and AI-Native Wireless Networks
Experts believe this innovation marks a major step toward global 6G deployment by 2030, powering smart factories, autonomous mobility, immersive metaverse experiences, AI-driven healthcare, and nationwide IoT ecosystems. By bridging urban-rural connectivity gaps and enabling AI-native wireless networks, China’s 6G chip could redefine the future of connectivity and digital transformation worldwide.
