As we move forward in the digital age, the groundwork for 6G wireless technology is taking shape even as 5G systems continue to expand. With the capability to unite communication and computing, 6G promises to create a hyperconnected world, offering unmatched speeds, low latency, and a seamless blend of digital and physical experiences. By building upon 5G’s advancements, this next wave of technology is set to support even greater data throughput, security, and reliability. It’s expected to push boundaries by introducing capabilities like ubiquitous connectivity, integrated sensing, and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) processing.
Our daily routines increasingly depend on handheld devices powered by cloud-based AI and machine learning (ML) systems, all connected through existing 5G networks. Wireless technology has evolved from 2G’s modest kilobits per second (Kbps) to the impressive gigabits per second (Gbps) speeds of 5G. However, with 6G on the horizon, speeds will reach terabits per second (Tbps), driven by the growing number of connected devices and the demand for sophisticated AI processing. The impending upgrade requires hardware capable of handling data 50 to 100 times faster than current 5G networks, with carrier support for latency below 100 microseconds and enhanced coverage.
Transitioning to this new infrastructure entails updated RF designs and chipsets to accommodate frequencies up to 1 THz, even as efforts continue to improve data transmission efficiency per kilowatt. However, increased device density and data traffic will inevitably offset some of these energy gains. To meet these demands, current 5G technology includes innovations in mobile processors and network base stations, now composed of radio units (RUs), distributed units (DUs), and centralised units (CUs). These components, equipped with multicore processor chips and compute chiplets mounted on hardware accelerator cards, allow real-time antenna management and efficient protocol processing. As we move towards 6G, these components will need enhancements to handle larger volumes of complex data and simultaneous antenna management on a larger scale.
To stay ahead in the semiconductor industry, Alphawave Semi is collaborating with Arm to develop a robust chiplet using Arm’s Neoverse Compute Subsystems (CSS). These compute chiplets are designed to meet the rigorous demands of 6G and 5G infrastructure, cloud and edge computing, and enterprise networks. The combination of Alphawave’s silicon-proven IP with Arm’s CSS N3 results in chiplets capable of optimising workload efficiency, performance, and power usage across compute and accelerator chiplets.
Arm’s Neoverse ecosystem offers the foundation for next-generation wireless communications equipment. Its scalable vector extension (SVE) enables developers to adapt their code to different vector lengths, making it compatible with various architectures without requiring a rebuild to accommodate extra vector bandwidth. This is particularly beneficial for handling the complexity of 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) processing, which involves converting data and voice into digital signals for transmission across networks. As 6G approaches, requirements for speed, latency, and connectivity density will increase, necessitating upgraded base stations, edge data servers, and network architecture.
In supporting advanced network solutions, Arm’s Neoverse platform offers efficient performance within cloud and 5G networks. Through features like Memory Partitioning and Monitoring (MPAM), it shares system resources like cache and DRAM bandwidth, and it incorporates support for multi-die configurations, providing a low-latency connection to DDR and CXL memory pools. Alphawave’s collaboration with Arm further leverages these advancements, enabling faster, low-risk development cycles by combining ready-made dice with customers’ specialised chiplets.
The compute chiplet in Alphawave’s portfolio brings modularity to silicon package design, enhanced by a connectivity suite that includes PCIe, CXL, and memory subsystems. Built with Neoverse CSS N3, it offers scalability, power efficiency, and flexibility, catering to various application needs. Alphawave’s unique platform supports an Arm-based compute chiplet, multiprotocol I/O, and memory chiplets, creating versatile options for system-in-package (SiP) solutions. The modular design of these chiplets provides customers with off-the-shelf options to boost SiP performance according to specific bandwidth and connectivity requirements.
Alphawave’s strategic partnership with Arm marks a significant development for high-speed, energy-efficient wireless platforms. As 6G approaches, this collaboration strengthens Alphawave’s commitment to advancing complex wireless infrastructure and meeting the demands of emerging cloud and edge applications. In doing so, Alphawave positions itself at the forefront of enabling next-generation network capabilities.
Alphawave’s innovations reflect the rapidly evolving landscape of telecommunications, setting the stage for a future where 6G technology fundamentally enhances connectivity and computing in our daily lives.
Alphawave IP Group plc (LON:AWE) is a semiconductor IP company focused on providing DSP based, multi-standard connectivity Silicon IP solutions targeting both data processing in the Datacenter and data generation by IoT end devices.
