Samsung Joins ARM on 6G Software R&D

Samsung is joining ARM in 6G software research and development, as it becomes obvious that AI systems need better data processing.

• A hurdle for 6G is developing software capable of efficiently processing the immense data loads expected.
• They’ll focus on Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) technology, which allows a single instruction to operate on multiple data points simultaneously, enhancing performance.

Samsung and ARM are working together to push 6G software research and development as its need for the AI race becomes evident.

Samsung Research, the research arm of Samsung Electronics, is collaborating with ARM, the semiconductor and software design company, to solve one of 6G’s biggest hurdles.

6G is the sixth generation of wireless communications. You may be more familiar with its older sibling, 4G. Between the two, there’s 5G and its iterations that are just rolling out.

One of its biggest hurdles is having good enough software to process the vast amounts of data anticipated with the launch of 6G networks. Knowing that, the two tech giants have decided to focus on Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) technology. It’s a parallel processing technique that allows a single instruction to operate on multiple data points at the same time. It’s like having multiple chefs (the processing units) chopping (the operation) vegetables (the pieces of data) rather than one chef doing all the work.

Its biggest perk is improving performance by processing. SIMD is already in use for specific generations across generations. However, considering 6G’s data demands, it could become even more critical for certain applications.

To facilitate software research and development, the two tech companies are launching an open-source project aimed at developing and refining this parallel packet processing technology. Its open-source nature will group expertise from across the board, making it robust and freely accessible

Jinguk Jeong, Executive Vice President at Samsung Research’s Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC), explained the need for such a capable software. “Innovation is crucial in handling the massive amounts of data that result from [6G],” said Jeong.

Samsung’s dive into 6G software research and development seems like the South Korean company is jumping the gun. But is it?

Big tech companies are moving full steam ahead in the AI race. Just yesterday, Microsoft announced its Copilot+ PCs that are tailor-made for its AI-powered Windows 11. And you know what AI loves most? Data. So, you can imagine just how demanding the technology of the future is.

“AI is fueling the demand for next-generation technologies like 6G, but the insatiable amount of data creates a vital need for power-efficient processing,” said Mohamed Awad, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Arm’s Infrastructure Line of Business.

Their approach to 6G software research and development is key to managing the high data throughput expected with 6G. It’s projected to offer speeds of up to 1TB/s. A speed that is necessary to support advanced AI applications and the dense communication needs of IoT devices.

And because Samsung knows better than to put all its eggs in one basket, the Galaxy maker has hired a new chief for its semiconductor business. Currently, the company is in intense competition with SK Hynix. Both thrive to produce the most advanced memory chips on the market.

Experts estimate that 6G will roll out at the end of this decade. However, Samsung and ARM have high hopes of expediting the deployment of 6G. In the end, the two tech giants will have not only successfully reached 6G, but also secured their positions as key players in the AI race. Something that goes beyond a mere runner.

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