Satellite dishes as we know them could be on their way out. A grad student at the Netherlands’ University of Twente has devised a microchip that allows for an array of nearly flat antennas to pick up satellite signals, with no rounded, concave “dish” required.
The array works as its own miniature network, like a virtual radiotelescopy dish. This all requires a lot of calculation, which is why it was impractical before.
Rather than using conventional processors, the new system relies on many smaller, less-elaborate processors integrated into a single chip. This streamlines the process of making all the necessary calculations, allowing for greater flexibility in computing and saving on energy, as processors that are not in use can be switched off.
Perhaps most importantly, the chips' small size means you could potentially carry a satellite receiver with you wherever you go.
I'm all for this technology taking over. Those dishes are always effing up according to my dad who is the only person I know still using one.
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