Sometimes the distance between success and failure can be measured in microns. The only way to make up the difference: Think differently. Take Proximity Communications, for example. Engineers in Sun Labs have shown that this innovative approach can be used to transfer data between chips at incredible speeds. We're talking terabytes per second. All you have to do is make sure the chips are carefully coupled for wireless communication. "We know proximity signaling works. They've tested it in the lab," says Distinguished Engineer Jack Cunningham. "But those test have been done with nanopositioning equipment to align the chips within the tolerances required." The problem is current manufacturing techniques aren't that precise. Which is why Cunningham is working on a whole new paradigm for semiconductor packaging. More
