Weaving chip magic into tomorrow's digital fabric

Semiconductors are powering India's 5G revolution, bridging divides, and paving the way for breakthroughs in Al, 6G, and quantum computing

- BY SHETAL MEHTA

The semiconductor industry is transforming the global communications landscape, especially with the deployment of 5G technology. These chips provide the essential foundation for the functionality of high-speed networks, powering devices, and infrastructure that enable faster data transfer, reduced latency, and improved reliability. They play a pivotal role in advancing 5G networks and are increasingly shaping the future of emerging technologies beyond 5G.

SEMICONDUCTORS: THE BACKBONE OF 5G NETWORKS

Semiconductor chips are the foundation of 5G networks, enabling seamless data transmission, processing, and storage of massive data at unprecedented speeds. Key chip types include System-on-Chips (SoCs), Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFICs), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits, and power management chips. These components collectively support 5G's key capabilities, such as faster speeds, efficient spectrum utilisation, and reduced latency.

RFICs enhance connectivity by enabling devices to operate across multiple frequency bands, ensuring robust and reliable communication. SoCs integrate these functionalities with graphics processing, memory, and Artificial Intelligence (Al) capabilities, creating compact and cost-effective solutions for modern devices. As India's 5G rollout accelerates, the demand for these advanced chips is projected to grow rapidly, with analysts estimating that the country could reach 900 million 5G subscribers by 2030. This growth is driven by increasing smartphone adoption and expanding industrial applications.

ADVANCES IN CHIP TECHNOLOGY DRIVING 5G