A new memristor-based RF switch from UNIST promises low-power, high-speed performance for next-gen 6G and autonomous communications—operating up to 67 GHz with the potential to reach 4.5 THz.
A research team at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) has unveiled a RF switch optimized for 6G and autonomous driving applications. Developed under the leadership of Prof. Myungsoo Kim and Prof. Tae-Sik Yoon, the nonvolatile device is based on vanadium oxide (VOx) and addresses the power and integration needs of future communication systems.
At the core of the innovation is a memristor-based switch that operates without standby power, thanks to its nonvolatile architecture. It retains resistance states even when powered off, enabling substantial energy savings. This capability makes it ideal for always-on systems like autonomous vehicles and smart devices.
With switching speeds in the nanosecond range, the device ensures rapid signal routing with minimal processing delays. Experimental validation showed robust performance up to 67 GHz, with an insertion loss under 0.46 dB and isolation above 20 dB—key parameters that enhance signal clarity and reduce interference.
Simulations suggest that the switch could operate at frequencies up to 4.5 THz, the highest reported cutoff frequency among oxide-based RF switches to date. This positions the device at the forefront of terahertz communications, an essential enabler for ultra-fast, high-capacity wireless networks.
Application-Driven
The team also integrated the switch into a tunable bandpass filter capable of shifting the center frequency by around 600 MHz. This versatility enables multiband operation, simplifies circuit design, and reduces device size—beneficial for compact RF front-ends in mobile and autonomous platforms.
According to Prof. Kim, “This memristor-based RF switch could enable compact and energy-efficient RF front-ends, setting the foundation for future wireless systems.” As the world moves toward 6G and smart mobility, such innovations will be critical to delivering low-latency, high-reliability connectivity in energy-constrained environments.
