Wireless Broadband Growth Requires New Frequency Control Technologies

Mr. William Linstrom
CEO Vida Products, Rohnert Park, CA

Cerent Engineering Science Complex, Salazar Hall 2009A
4:00 PM

Abstract - Demand for internet data capacity has been growing exponentially for more than 30 years and shows no sign of slackening. In the last 20 years, wireless bandwidth demand has tracked with wireline demand resulting, even with advanced modulation schemes like OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing), in increasing congestion of the airwaves. Inevitably, higher frequency spectrum is required to satisfy the growing demand, but existing frequency control technologies (oscillators and filters) have exhausted their ability to deliver.

Existing frequency control technology performance degrades to critical levels as frequencies rise above 2 GHz. As the frequency increases their performance (Qfactor) decreases, leading to decreased spectral efficiency with noise and interference problems. An interim solution has been fixed frequency technologies but these have led to channelization which exacerbates the congestion problem. And even these fixed frequency technologies are running out of performance as frequencies climb.

The time is ripe for a new technology to overcome the inherent limitations of existing frequency control technologies and open more of the RF spectrum to consumer use. New developments in ferrimagnetic resonator technology utilizing YIG (yttrium iron garnet) materials, including new YIG Nano-film technology, can lead to new opportunities for high bandwidth RF-based products and services.

Mr. William Linstrom, CEO of Vida Products, is responsible for the Company’s overall operations, reporting to the board of directors of which he is a member. He has served the Company as VP of Engineering and VP of Marketing and Operations. Prior to joining VIDA Products, Linstrom served as Director of Marketing and Product Management at Centellax (acquired by Microsemi), a leading worldwide supplier of microwave frequency amplifiers and optical modulators. His prior experience includes Director of Engineering at DSC Communications (acquired by Alcatel USA), a Fortune 500 supplier of fiber optic telecommunications equipment. Linstrom holds an MBA from the University of San Francisco and a BSEE.