Multi-bit control device for large-array intelligent metasurface

Abstract

The invention mainly provides a multi-bit control device for a large-array intelligent metasurface, and the device achieves the cooperative work of a power module, a control module, a wireless communication module, an external data interaction module, a digital-to-analog conversion output module, and the like. Therefore, multi-bit phase beam control of the large-array intelligent metasurface based on the variable capacitance diode unit structure is realized.

Description

Technical Field The present application relates to the field of communication and electronic technology, and in particular to a control method and device for an intelligent metasurface (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS) suitable for multi-bit large arrays in the sixth generation mobile communication (6th Generation, 6G). Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of wireless communication technology, the demand for spectrum efficiency and transmission capacity of future communication systems has exploded. Although traditional antenna arrays have made some progress in improving communication performance, they still have many bottlenecks such as low energy efficiency, complex system architecture, and high hardware cost. To meet these challenges, smart metasurfaces, as an emerging technical means, have gradually attracted widespread attention from academia and industry. Smart metasurfaces can flexibly control the reflection, refraction and scattering of electromagnetic waves, and accurately control the phase and amplitude of the incident electromagnetic waves through built-in programmable reflection units, thereby realizing directional beamforming, interference suppression and signal enhancement. Function, providing a revolutionary solution for the next generation of communication systems.

[0003] However, most existing smart metasurfaces use 1-bit control, that is, each reflective unit only switches between two phase states of 0 degrees and 180 degrees. Although this simple control method has low implementation cost and simple structure and is easy to implement, its control accuracy is severely limited and it is difficult to meet the needs of high-performance communication systems. The limitations of 1-bit control are mainly reflected in the flexibility and accuracy of beamforming, which cannot fully tap the potential of smart metasurfaces. To overcome this limitation, multi-bit smart metasurfaces came into being. Multi-bit metasurfaces achieve finer-grained beam control and better system performance by providing more phase states for each reflective unit. However, the control system of large-array multi-bit metasurfaces is also accompanied by new technical challenges, such as complex power management, high data transmission rate requirements, and increased control accuracy requirements for phase and amplitude. These challenges significantly increase the difficulty of system design and implementation.

[0003] In the face of the above problems, the market urgently needs an efficient and accurate multi-bit large array metasurface control method and device to break through the technical bottleneck in the current multi-bit metasurface applications and achieve performance improvement of intelligent metasurface communication systems. In response to these needs, this application proposes a metasurface control method and device suitable for multi-bit large arrays, aiming to achieve refined control of multi-bit metasurface reflection units through a combination of modular design and high-precision control methods, thereby significantly improving the system's spectral efficiency and transmission capacity. The present invention not only solves the problems of power management and data transmission in the control of multi-bit large array metasurfaces, but also optimizes the control algorithm and hardware architecture, so that the system can still operate stably and efficiently in complex environments. Summary of the invention The purpose of this invention application is to provide a metasurface control device suitable for multi-bit large arrays, so as to realize accurate voltage modulation and efficient control of multi-bit metasurface reflection units through modular design. By combining various functional modules, the present invention can dynamically adjust the phase and amplitude of the metasurface reflection unit in different application scenarios, thereby significantly improving communication performance and spectrum efficiency. To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a metasurface control device suitable for multi-bit large arrays, including a power module, a control module, a wireless communication module, an external data interaction module and a digital-to-analog conversion output module. Each module is interconnected and coordinated through a standardized interface, effectively supporting various operation requirements of the system. The multi-bit metasurface is composed of a large number of reflection units with multi-phase states. The phase and amplitude of each unit are adjusted through the instructions issued by the control module, thereby realizing precise control of the electromagnetic wave reflection characteristics. The power module is used to supply power to the control module, wireless communication module, external data interaction module and digital-to-analog conversion output module. By integrating a variety of DC-DC power conversion chips, the power module can efficiently convert the input voltage into a variety of required voltages to meet the power requirements of different modules. The control module integrates a microprocessor (MCU) and a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) as core control devices to build a flexible and efficient digital programmable platform. The module is designed to provide powerful computing power and flexible control functions to support the precise regulation of multi-bit metasurfaces. The control module is connected to other modules through a variety of interfaces, including data interaction with the wireless communication module, the external data interaction module, and the digital-to-analog conversion output module through IO pins and UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) serial port. The UART serial port interface not only provides a reliable channel for data transmission, but also enables the control module to receive real-time control instructions from the external data interaction module. After receiving the control command, the control module uses its internal processing units (including FPGA and MCU) to perform complex logic calculations. These calculations include parsing the phase matrix codebook and generating corresponding control signals. These signals are used to adjust the phase and amplitude states of the multi-bit metasurface to achieve precise beamforming and signal enhancement. The control module can respond to external commands in real time to ensure the efficient performance and stability of the metasurface in dynamic environments. The wireless communication module, including a wireless communication microcontroller as a core communication component, is designed to provide efficient wireless data transmission capabilities and flexible network connection options. At the same time, the module interacts with the control module through the UART serial port to ensure stable transmission of control instructions and feedback information. In some instances, the wireless communication module has a dynamic beam adjustment capability based on the signal strength (RSRP) of the receiving end. By real-time monitoring and analyzing the received signal strength, the wireless communication module can optimize the signal transmission quality and coverage according to the receiving end signal strength transmitted by the real-time wireless signal. The wireless signal includes a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signal from the outside to achieve seamless data transmission between devices and enhance its adaptability and performance stability in a dynamic wireless environment. The external data interaction module is connected to the host computer through the UART serial port and IO pins to realize data transmission with external devices. The main function of the external data interaction module is to receive and transmit control instructions from the host computer, and pass these instructions to the control module, so as to realize remote control and real-time parameter adjustment of the metasurface. In some instances, the external data interaction module has efficient data transmission capabilities, and achieves stable communication connection through the UART serial port and IO pins. The external data interaction module communicates with the host computer through the UART serial port. When receiving the codebook instruction input by the user, the host computer controls the control module through the external data interaction module to achieve target beamforming. The digital-to-analog conversion module uses multiple DACs to output multi-bit voltages, and the digital-to-analog conversion output module communicates with the control module via an SPI interface. The digital-to-analog conversion output module can accurately convert the digital control signal from the control module into an analog voltage, thereby achieving high-precision control of the multi-bit metasurface. By outputting different analog voltages, this range can meet the reverse bias voltage requirements of the varactor metasurface. By providing this precise voltage control, the phase and amplitude of the metasurface reflection unit can be accurately adjusted to ensure the optimized reflection characteristics of the electromagnetic wave. In some instances, the digital-to-analog conversion output module can integrate multiple DACs to meet the needs of large-scale array metasurfaces. Through each output signal, the phase and amplitude of a reflector unit can be independently controlled, allowing the system to achieve high-precision independent control by fine-grained adjustment of each reflector unit, which will achieve complex beamforming and signal enhancement. The precise control capability of the digital-to-analog conversion output module enables the entire system to achieve precise control of signals in multi-bit metasurface applications. The multi-bit large array metasurface control method and device provided by the present invention realizes precise control of the metasurface reflection unit through modular design. In the application scenario of large-scale multi-bit metasurface, each module in the system works together to achieve the best control effect. The power module is responsible for providing stable multiple voltages to ensure the reliable operation of the entire system; the control module uses MCU to realize efficient data processing and logic control, and generates precise control signals; the wireless communication module realizes real-time feedback and command transmission to ensure timely response to control commands; the external data interaction module supports remote control, which is convenient for real-time adjustment of the metasurface; the digital-to-analog conversion output module converts digital signals into precise analog voltages to realize precise control of the metasurface reflection unit. Through the seamless cooperation of these modules, the present invention can effectively achieve high-precision control of multi-bit metasurfaces, significantly improving the spectrum efficiency and overall performance of the communication system. This modular design not only meets the needs of modern communication systems for efficient and flexible signal transmission, but also optimizes the voltage modulation capability of the metasurface, supporting complex application scenarios of large-scale array metasurfaces. Finally, the present invention provides strong technical support for the application of smart metasurfaces in various communication environments through an integrated and high-precision control mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to explain the technical steps of the present invention clearly and unambiguously, all the drawings used in the description of the present invention will be briefly described below. It should be noted that the drawings described below are only some examples of the implementation of the present invention, and other ordinary technicians in the field can still obtain other drawings in other different scenarios based on these drawings. Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the method and device for controlling a multi-bit large array metasurface of the present invention; Figure 2 A flow chart of the multi-bit large array metasurface control method and device of the present invention; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a power module of a multi-bit large array metasurface control method and device of the present invention; Figure 4A schematic diagram of a control module of a multi-bit large array metasurface control method and device of the present invention; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an external data interaction module of a multi-bit large array metasurface control method and device of the present invention; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a digital-to-analog conversion output module of a multi-bit large array metasurface control method and device of the present invention; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a wireless communication digital-to-analog conversion output module of a multi-bit large array metasurface control method and device of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-bit large array metasurface control method and device applied for by the present invention shows the overall architecture and working principle of the base station device 10, the mobile user device 11, the intelligent reflective surface (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS) 12 and the metasurface control device 13. The base station device 10 acts as the signal transmission source of the system. The electromagnetic wave of the transmission signal transmitted to the RIS is reflected to the receiving end antenna. The receiving end antenna receives the electromagnetic wave in the wireless environment and performs signal data processing at the receiving end. The target area is covered by the wireless signal. It is not only used to send communication signals to the mobile user device 11, but also works with the RIS12 to adjust the reflection characteristics of the RIS12 through the control signal instruction to optimize the signal transmission path. The mobile user device 11, that is, the user terminal, receives the communication signal from the base station device 10. As the position of the user device changes, the quality of the received signal may change. Therefore, the mobile user device 11 needs to feed back the received reference signal received power RSRP and other information to the metasurface control device 13 in real time to provide basic data support for the intelligent control of the system. As the core control component of the present invention, the intelligent reflection surface RIS12 optimizes the signal propagation path by adjusting the phase and amplitude of the reflection unit. RIS12 is closely integrated with the metasurface control device 13, and through the reflection control of the multi-bit codebook, the dynamic adjustment of the beam direction and gain is realized to enhance the coverage and strength of the signal. The metasurface control device 13 is the control core of the entire system, responsible for calculating and generating the corresponding codebook matrix according to the signal strength information RSRP fed back by the mobile user device 11. The FPGA and DAC modules integrated in the control device 13 can accurately adjust the output voltage, thereby controlling the phase setting of the RIS12 reflection unit to achieve the control of the beam direction and shape. Through this real-time dynamic control mechanism, the present invention can continuously optimize the signal transmission performance under different user locations and network conditions, so that the mobile user device can always maintain good signal quality at different locations. The present invention utilizes the communication between the base station device 10 and the mobile user device 11, the intelligent reflection of the RIS 12 and the regulation of the metasurface control device 13, so that the system can adjust the reflection characteristics of the RIS 12 in real time according to the position change of the user device, optimize the beamforming and the signal path, and realize the dynamic improvement of the signal coverage and the communication quality. This metasurface control device based on a large multi-bit array can significantly improve the overall performance of the intelligent reflector-assisted communication network and meet the needs of modern communication systems for efficient and flexible signal transmission. Figure 2 The present invention is a flowchart of the multi-bit large array metasurface control device applied for by the present invention. S201: In this step, the system first configures the transmission power parameters of the transmitter so that the transmitter sends signals at a preset power. The receiver receives the signal from the transmitter and measures the received signal through an internal signal processing module to obtain the received power and quality information of the signal. S202: The receiving end performs wireless communication based on the received reference signal received power (RSRP) through wireless data, and the communication module feeds back the receiving level value of the receiving end to the multi-bit metasurface control device. This feedback information is used as an important basis for metasurface control and for subsequent phase control and beamforming optimization. S203, after receiving the RSRP data, the multi-bit metasurface control device calculates the corresponding codebook matrix based on the feedback data. The multi-bit metasurface adopts a multi-codebook design. Unlike the traditional single-bit codebook, the multi-codebook can provide higher phase resolution and more flexible beamforming capabilities. The calculation of the codebook matrix takes into account the signal reception strength, directionality and target scene requirements to achieve optimal signal reflection and beamforming. S204, after obtaining the codebook matrix, the control module accurately controls the voltage value of the intelligent reflective surface (RIS) according to the data in the matrix. The realization of voltage control depends on the digital-to-analog conversion output module, which controls multiple voltage channels through the serial communication protocol to adjust the phase and reflection characteristics of the metasurface unit, thereby optimizing the signal transmission path. S205. Based on the voltage value set in step S204, the system updates the metasurface phase matrix unit to achieve beamforming and phase control in a specific direction. This step ensures that the reflection path and phase distribution of the signal meet the requirements of optimal beamforming, improving the signal reception power and overall communication quality at the receiving end. By dynamically adjusting the phase matrix, the metasurface can flexibly respond to environmental changes and multipath effects, improving the robustness and adaptability of the system. S206: When the receiving end position is shifted, the transmitting end continues to transmit signals. After the system detects the new position of the receiving end, it will recalculate and replace the corresponding codebook matrix according to the new reception situation. The new codebook matrix is ​​used to adjust the phase and voltage settings of the metasurface to adapt to the new position of the receiving end and ensure continuous optimization of signal transmission. This step reflects the system's adaptability to dynamic environments and its intelligent control level. Figure 3 The power module schematic diagram of the multi-bit large array metasurface control device applied for by the present invention is shown in FIG. The power module 30 is designed as a multi-voltage output structure, and has efficient and stable power management capabilities to ensure that each module of the system operates normally under different operating voltage requirements. The power module 30 is powered by an external DC power supply, and the supported input voltage range is 12V to 25V, and the standard input is 15V DC voltage. The core function of the power module 30 is to convert the input voltage into the operating voltage required by each submodule. Specifically, the power supply module 30 includes: a +15V to +12V conversion unit 33 that converts a +15V DC voltage into a +12V voltage, providing a stable power supply for the digital-to-analog conversion output module and other control circuits that require a 12V voltage; a +15V to -12V conversion unit 34 that converts a +15V DC voltage into a -12V voltage, providing a symmetrical power supply for circuit parts that require a negative voltage, such as an analog processing module; a +15V to +5V conversion unit 32 that converts a +15V voltage into a 5V voltage, providing power for an external data interaction module and part of a communication module, and providing a suitable operating voltage for low-power devices; and a +5V to +3.3V conversion unit 35 that further converts a 5V voltage into a 3.3V voltage, providing power for a wireless communication module and other microcontroller units with low voltage requirements. The power module 30 adopts a modular design, and each voltage conversion unit is connected through pins, making the power layout of the entire system more flexible. The module can support multiple power supply modes, including inputting DC power from the outside through a DC power supply module, and can also be powered by a USB 5V power supply module to meet the power supply requirements of the device in different application scenarios. Through efficient DC-DC conversion, the power module ensures that each module inside the system operates at the optimal voltage, reduces energy loss, and optimizes overall performance. This design improves the reliability and adaptability of the device and ensures that the metasurface control device operates stably in an efficient state. Schematic diagram of the power module of the metasurface control method and device for multi-bit large array. The power module 30 has a DC input of 15V, and the pins are connected to 33 for +15V conversion to +12V, 34 for -12V, and 32 for 5V. The 5V power module converts to 3.3V output 35. The power module at least includes: a DC power supply module, a USB 5V power supply module, a DC-DC 15V to 12V, a 15V to -12V module, and a 5V to 3.3V wireless communication power supply module. In the invention, by externally connecting a +15V DC voltage, the input voltage range is allowed to be 12V to 25V. The power supply module provides DC power to each module. Figure 4 The control module diagram of the multi-bit large array metasurface control method and device of the present invention is shown in FIG. The control module 40 includes an MCU 43 and a driving module 42. The main function of the control module is to process external data and generate precise control signals to achieve regulation of the metasurface reflection unit. In the control module 40, the external data interaction module 41 is connected to the MCU 43 through the UART serial port. The MCU 43 receives control instructions and data from the external data interaction module 41, such as the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the wireless signal. According to these data information, the MCU 43 performs data processing and analysis and generates corresponding control signals. MCU43 communicates wirelessly with other systems or devices through wireless communication module 44, and can receive and send data in real time to adapt to the dynamically changing communication environment. The processed digital signal is transmitted to the digital-to-analog conversion output module 45 through a communication serial port such as SPI. The digital-to-analog conversion output module 45 converts these digital signals into analog voltage signals to control the reflection unit of the multi-bit metasurface and achieve precise phase and amplitude control of the electromagnetic waves. Figure 5 The external data interaction module 50 is a schematic diagram of the multi-bit large array metasurface control device of the present invention. The external data interaction module 50 is mainly used to interact with the host computer and transmit instructions to the control module 54. Specifically, the external data interaction module 50 includes an external host computer data 51 and a USB interface 52. The external host computer data 51 communicates with the USB interface 52 via the UART serial port and sends the response codebook instructions to the control module 54. These instructions are used to set and adjust the control parameters of the metasurface. The USB interface 52 is connected to the control module 54 through a signal control line, and the instructions sent by the external host computer through the UART serial port are converted into a signal format that can be recognized by the control module 54. After receiving these instructions, the control module 54 parses and executes corresponding operations through its internal processing logic to adjust the state of the reflective unit of the metasurface. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the digital-to-analog conversion output module of the multi-bit large array metasurface control device applied for by the present invention. The digital-to-analog conversion output module includes an input pin, a control enable driver, a DAC chip and related voltage output circuits. The digital-to-analog conversion output module is connected to the control module 61 through an input pin. The control module 61 is responsible for sending digital signals to the DAC chip 63 and communicating through the SPI serial port protocol. One end of the control enable drive is connected to the control module 61, and the other end is connected to the DAC chip 63, which is used to control the output voltage of the DAC chip. By pulling down the level control, the DAC chip enters the working state, thereby allowing it to output analog voltage. DAC, as a digital-to-analog converter, converts the digital signal transmitted by the control module 61 into an analog voltage signal. The module can provide up to 480 voltage outputs (implemented by integrating 5 DAC chips), and each DAC chip supports an output voltage range of -10.5V to +10.5V. The system can adjust the output voltage as needed to achieve precise control of the multi-bit metasurface reflection unit. DAC chip output voltage V out It can be calculated by the following formula: in: V ref DAC reference voltage, usually +10.5V V ref is the bias voltage of the DAC D is the digital input value received by the DAC N is the number of bits of resolution of the DAC Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the wireless communication module of the multi-bit large array metasurface control device applied for by the present invention. The wireless communication module 70 includes a wireless communication microprocessor and an antenna 73 for receiving external feedback signals. The module is used to realize wireless communication and control of the multi-bit large array metasurface. The wireless communication microprocessor establishes a local area network connection, so that the receiving end user can transmit and communicate data with the wireless communication module 70. Through the local area network connection, the receiving end user can transmit external feedback signals to the wireless communication module 70. The wireless communication module 70 transmits the received information to the control module 74 through the UART interface, thereby realizing data interaction with the control module 74. In addition, after receiving the external feedback signal, the wireless communication microprocessor 71 can convert the feedback information into a control signal, which is then used for voltage regulation of the metasurface. This regulation method achieves multi-bit continuous regulation of the reflection phase by finely adjusting the voltage of the metasurface. Figure 7 for, Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a wireless communication module of a multi-bit large array metasurface control device applied for by the present invention. The wireless communication module includes a wireless communication microprocessor 71 and an antenna 73 for receiving external feedback signals. In the present invention, the wireless communication microprocessor 71 is used to establish a wireless local area network and provide efficient wireless communication capabilities. Through the wireless local area network, the receiving end user can transmit and communicate data with the wireless communication module 70 to achieve real-time information interaction. The wireless communication microprocessor 71 burns the control code with the external device through the Micro-B interface and transmits data with the control module 74 through the UART interface. The antenna 73 of the wireless communication module 70 is responsible for receiving Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signals fed back from the outside. After these signals are transmitted to the wireless communication microprocessor 71, the data is passed to the control module 74 through the wireless local area network. The control module 74 processes the received information and generates corresponding control signals for regulating the voltage of the metasurface to achieve multi-bit continuous regulation of the phase. The design of the wireless communication module allows the system to maintain stable performance in complex wireless environments, and can dynamically adjust the beam direction and signal strength to ensure efficient operation of the metasurface. Through the connection with the control module, the wireless communication module 70 not only supports real-time data transmission, but also enables precise voltage regulation in the metasurface control system, thereby optimizing signal transmission and enhancing system performance. A schematic diagram of a wireless communication module of a multi-bit control device for a large array intelligent metasurface applied by the present invention, wherein the wireless communication module has a wireless communication microprocessor 71 and an antenna 73 for receiving external feedback signals. The wireless communication microprocessor establishes a local area network, so that a receiving end user can transmit and communicate data with the wireless communication module 70, and transmit the obtained information to the control module 74 through the UART interface, and can also realize metasurface voltage regulation to achieve multi-bit continuous phase regulation, and the integration of multiple DACs also enables it to control the independent control of large array metasurfaces.

Claims

1. A multi-bit control device for large array intelligent metasurfaces, characterized in that: The device is connected to the smart metasurface array via an output pin, and the control device includes a power module, a control module, a wireless communication module, an external data interaction module, and a digital-to-analog conversion output module; in, The power supply module is used to provide voltage supply to the control module, wireless communication module, serial communication module, and digital-to-analog conversion output module; The wireless communication module includes a wireless communication control chip, a communication serial port, and a USB interface, which are used to obtain the infinite feedback signal strength of the receiving end and send the infinite feedback signal strength to the control module; The control module is used to send a control signal to the digital-to-analog conversion output module according to the strength of the signal received by the receiving end; The external data interaction module is used for interaction between external data and the control module; The digital-to-analog conversion module includes a digital-to-analog converter, which is used to connect the multi-bit large-array intelligent metasurface and control multiple multi-bit large-array intelligent metasurfaces with different voltages to complete beam control.

2. A multi-bit control device for large array intelligent metasurfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module is connected to the digital-to-analog conversion output module through a plurality of signal lines, and the digital-to-analog conversion module is connected to a large array of intelligent metasurfaces to control the bias voltage of the intelligent metasurfaces.

3. A multi-bit control device for large array intelligent metasurfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The digital-to-analog conversion module is connected to the large-array intelligent metasurface through multiple DACs to output different voltage values.

4. The multi-bit control device for large array intelligent metasurface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wireless communication module realizes communication with the control module through a signal control line to send the wireless feedback data to the control module.

5. The multi-bit control device for large array intelligent metasurface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external data interaction module includes a UART communication interface and a USB communication interface, which are used to store data during the transmission process.

6. The multi-bit control device for large array intelligent metasurface according to claim 2, characterized in that: The signal line controls the digital-to-analog conversion module through a communication protocol; The control module is used to obtain the strength of the sending and receiving levels, obtain the code book corresponding to the target beam parameters according to the signal strength, and send the voltage value corresponding to the code book to the digital-to-analog conversion module, so that the digital-to-analog conversion module controls each output pin to output different voltage values ​​according to the code book.

7. The multi-bit control device for large array intelligent metasurface according to claim 4, characterized in that: The wireless communication module transmits a wireless feedback signal through an external wireless signal, thereby obtaining the signal level value of the receiving end.

8. The multi-bit control device for large array intelligent metasurface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external data interaction module communicates with the host computer through the USB interface to directly obtain the codebook data.

9. The multi-bit control device for large array intelligent metasurface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply module at least includes a voltage conversion module and a direct power supply module.

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