Overview
- The Institute of Science Tokyo team, in coverage Tuesday, detailed a Wi‑Fi receiver that endured 500 kilograys of gamma radiation, a dose far beyond typical electronics limits.
- After the cumulative dose, signal gain fell by 1.4 dB, noise rose by up to 1.26 dB, and power draw dipped by about 2 mW, leaving performance comparable to standard receivers.
- To resist radiation damage, the chip cuts the number of transistors, replaces sensitive control transistors in key amplifiers with passive inductors, and enlarges device geometry to reduce edge leakage.
- The aim is cable‑free control of decommissioning robots that now use heavy LAN tethers that snag on debris, snap in tight spaces, and limit how many machines can work together.
- The researchers and outlets say the design could also suit high‑radiation space work, and they note rising demand as nearly half of the world’s 423 reactors are projected to enter decommissioning by 2050.