Zhenqiang Ma, a University of Wisconsin-Madison electrical engineer, has developed a key electronic component that could allow mobile phone users to get 25 percent more talk time out of each battery charge.

Since the power amplifier (the component that boosts the strength of an electrical signal before sending it to a device’s antenna) does the heavy work when it comes to communicating via a mobile phone, it also devours the most battery power. And as more electrical current converges in the center of the power amplifier, it heats up and excessive heat lowers power amplification.

Ma’s device allows for more uniform heat dissipation, which means stronger signal and less wasted battery power.

Ma says his technology could be on the market as early as the end of this year.

From Technology Review.