Published on : Dec 17, 2018
Researchers of the Langevin Institute have developed a way of using simple Wi-Fi signals into wave-based computations and to perform analog processes. Previously it was discussed that using analog processors in computers would to be less energy-intensive. But digitalism won out and computers were built in such a way to represent information digitally. Now, a few engineers have begun to show their keen interests on the matter of analog processing.
The major advantages of using analog processors are - making use of the amplitude in waves. The waves which are mostly found in light and electronics circuits. Analog processors also rely on waveform shaping instead of brute force crunching. The processors are integrated with metamaterials which causes efficiency at matrix processing. But using metamaterials showed difficulties in many aspects due to its fabrication issues.
Researchers Taking Approach towards Setting Wi-Fi Signals For Faster Processing
Researchers are carrying out their experiments to find a way in making analog processors with a simpler approach. They are focused on experimenting with four standard Wi-Fi routers and a box to stimulate a home environment. They have created a panel made of 88 reflector mirrors and set them on the adjacent walls in the box. Each of the mirrors are capable of toggling between the states of 0 degree phase shift and 180 degree phase shift.
Scattering Wi-Fi signals from four routers and multiple panel configurations helped the researchers to program the system in order to perform linear operations. This experiment gives hope to the creation of faster processors which would be more efficient than a digital system.