A GROUP OF Limerick scientists have developed technology which could solve the problem of short battery life on smartphones.

A research group at the University of Limerick has identified the new technology as part of Microelectronics Week which has just concluded having aimed to shine a light on the economic and employment potential of the microelectronics industry in Ireland.

The Digital to Analog Converter or DAC developed by the scientists would facilitate ‘best-in-class’ reception in smartphones such as the Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android software and would allow battery lifetime to be increased significantly.

The DAC is a key component of all smartphones and is required to convert digital information – used to process phone data – into real-world analogue signals for wireless data transmission which can drain battery life considerably.

Following this latest development, the commercial potential of the technology is now being assessed by two Irish-based companies.

Speaking yesterday the chairman of Microelectronics Industry Design Association (MIDAS) which organised the event, John Blake, said: “Today’s announcement is a great endorsement for the high calibre research being undertaken in Ireland in the microelectronics sector.

“This week has been focused on generating awareness of the sector in Ireland. The microelectronics sector is uniquely positioned to support Ireland’s economic recovery efforts.”