Wave beam direction dynamic control system and method based on multi-area distributed dynamic adjustable metasurface

Abstract

The invention discloses a system and a method for realizing space beam dynamic pointing based on a multi-area distributed dynamic adjustable metasurface, and belongs to the technical field of electromagnetic wave regulation and control. The system comprises a multi-region distributed metasurface structure and a controller, and the metasurface structure is divided into a passive implementation mode and an active implementation mode: the passive metasurface dynamically switches an activation region by using a high-speed single-pole multi-throw switch through a unit structure which is pre-divided into a plurality of independent regions and presets 0 / pi phase response; the active metasurface adopts a controllable switch element array integrated with a PIN diode or an adjustable capacitor, and the on-off state is controlled through a multi-pole single-throw switch so as to adjust the phase response. And the controller periodically switches the metasurface state in the time dimension to realize full-space rapid scanning in the beam direction. The method breaks through the flexibility limitation of the traditional beam forming technology, has the advantages of low cost, high real-time performance and full-space coverage, and can be applied to a wireless communication base station antenna array and radar imaging equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to electromagnetic wave control technology, and in particular to a beam direction dynamic control system and method based on a multi-region distributed dynamically adjustable metasurface, which belongs to the application technology of intelligent metasurfaces in the fields of wireless communications, radar imaging, etc. Background Art

[0002] With the development of fifth-generation (5G) and future sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication systems, higher requirements are being placed on the flexible control capabilities of electromagnetic waves in space, especially in terms of dynamic control of beam direction, spatial multiplexing, multi-user communication, and mobile tracking. Traditional electromagnetic wave beamforming technology mainly relies on phased array antennas. This type of system achieves main lobe direction adjustment by controlling the phase difference of each array element, and has good directivity and gain performance. However, phased array systems often have problems such as complex hardware structure, high power consumption, high cost, and limited array size, which restrict their promotion in low-cost, large-area applications.

[0003] In recent years, metasurfaces have attracted widespread attention due to their ability to control parameters such as the amplitude, phase, and polarization of electromagnetic waves. Metasurface-based beam steering methods typically employ static structural designs, where the target beam direction is preset in the geometric shape or arrangement of the metasurface units. Once the structure is completed, it is difficult to modify, making it difficult to achieve real-time or dynamic adjustment of the beam. Although some studies have proposed the use of tunable elements (such as PIN diodes and varactor diodes) to construct active metasurfaces and achieve dynamic adjustment of the metasurface response through electrical control, the control process often faces problems such as complex control, limited response rate, and limited spatial scanning range.

[0004] At the same time, existing technologies mostly focus on the design and control of metasurfaces in the spatial dimension, but have yet to fully explore the potential of control in the temporal dimension. For wireless communication systems or radar imaging systems with multi-target, rapid response, and high coverage requirements in practical application scenarios, beamforming technologies with a single structure or fixed direction cannot meet the goal of efficient dynamic control. Especially in scenarios requiring continuous or hopping scanning of beams across a large area, across the entire space, and in multiple directions, existing technologies still have significant deficiencies in flexibility, response rate, and system integration.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new metasurface system that combines time-domain control strategies with spatial structure design, which can not only realize flexible shaping of the beam direction in the spatial dimension, but also realize dynamic switching and beam scanning in the time dimension, so as to meet the urgent needs of the next generation of wireless communications, radar detection, intelligent perception and other fields for high-efficiency, low-cost, fast response and high-resolution beam control capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a metasurface system that can flexibly realize dynamic control of beam direction through changes in the array state in the time dimension, thereby significantly improving the flexibility and spatial coverage capability of beam pointing control.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] The present invention proposes a beam direction dynamic control system based on a multi-region distributed dynamically adjustable metasurface, comprising:

[0009] (1) Multi-region distributed metasurface structure, where each region independently controls the beamforming direction through pre-division or electronic control;

[0010] (2) at least one controller for dynamically switching the active region or the switching element state of the metasurface through a timing signal;

[0011] (3) The system implements beam direction switching through a passive metasurface or an active metasurface, wherein:

[0012] Passive metasurface: Each unit structure has a preset 0° or 180° phase response during the design phase, and the controller selects the active area through a single-pole multi-throw switch.

[0013] Active metasurface: The metasurface array contains controllable switching elements such as PIN diodes or tunable capacitors. The controller controls the on-off state through a multi-pole single-throw switch to adjust the array phase distribution.

[0014] Preferably, the passive metasurface is divided into four independent regions, and the unit structure of each region is optimized by the metal patch size and spacing, corresponding to a phase difference of 0° or 180°, and each region is activated in turn by a single-pole four-throw switch at a switching frequency of ≥1kHz.

[0015] Preferably, the controller of the active metasurface drives the on and off of the PIN diode through a multi-pole single-throw switch to form a checkerboard or block-shaped phase distribution, and realizes continuous adjustment of the beam direction through periodic state switching, and the switching frequency is synchronized with the beam pointing update rate.

[0016] Preferably, the controller integrates FPGA and high-speed switch module, with a switching delay of ≤100ns, and supports 10kHz-level control signal output synchronized with the millimeter-wave radar frame rate.

[0017] The present invention also provides a method for dynamic beam direction control based on a multi-region distributed dynamically adjustable metasurface, comprising the following steps:

[0018] (1) Divide the metasurface into multiple independent regions and preset the beamforming direction of each region;

[0019] (2) generating a timing control signal through a controller to drive the single-pole multi-throw switch of the passive metasurface or the multi-pole single-throw switch of the active metasurface;

[0020] (3) The metasurface state is periodically switched in the time dimension so that the beam can scan dynamically in the preset direction.

[0021] Preferably, in the passive metasurface switching step, the controller cyclically connects the four pre-divided areas with a period of 10ms, and each area is activated for 2.5ms. The corresponding beam directions are 30°, 90°, 150°, and 210°, respectively, to achieve 360° full space coverage.

[0022] Preferably, in the active metasurface switching step, the controller generates control logic through FPGA to drive the on and off of the PIN diodes in the 8×8 array, and realizes beam pointing of 0°, 45°, 135°, and 270° at times t0-t3, and completes full-space scanning through periodic switching.

[0023] The present invention also provides an application of the system, wherein the system is integrated into a wireless communication base station antenna cover or a vehicle-mounted millimeter wave radar for dynamic coverage of multi-user communication scenarios or high-speed target tracking and imaging.

[0024] Beneficial effects:

[0025] 1. This invention achieves real-time dynamic adjustment of beam direction by switching metasurface states in the temporal dimension (e.g., regional activation for a passive solution or on / off control for an active solution). Compared to traditional fixed metasurface or phased array technologies, this significantly improves beam pointing flexibility, adapting to rapidly changing communication or radar environments.

[0026] 2. The passive metasurface in the present invention can cover beamforming in different directions in the entire space by pre-dividing multiple independent areas (such as 4 color areas) and combining it with high-speed switching of the controller; the active metasurface can theoretically support continuous scanning of the entire space through fine regulation of controllable switching elements, significantly expanding the coverage of application scenarios.

[0027] 3. The present invention adopts pre-designed areas and single-pole multi-throw switches, with simple hardware structure and low manufacturing cost, and is suitable for large-scale deployment scenarios (such as smart city wireless coverage).

[0028] The present invention realizes dynamic phase adjustment through controllable elements such as PIN diodes and adjustable capacitors, supports high-frequency bands and high-precision beam control, and is suitable for high-performance communication or radar imaging systems.

[0029] 4. The controller in the present invention adopts a high-speed switch (such as a single-pole multi-throw switch with a switching frequency of not less than 1kHz), which can achieve millisecond-level beam direction switching, meeting the application requirements of 5G / 6G communications, autonomous driving radar, etc. with extremely high real-time requirements.

[0030] 5. The passive and active implementations of this invention can be flexibly selected based on specific needs, compatible with applications across different frequency bands and power levels. Furthermore, beam pointing accuracy and coverage density can be further expanded by increasing metasurface area division or switching control channels.

[0031] 6. This invention is applied in wireless communications. Dynamic beam steering can enhance signal coverage, reduce interference, and improve throughput in multi-user scenarios.

[0032] In radar imaging, fast beam switching can improve the scanning rate and resolution, and is suitable for high-speed target tracking or high-precision three-dimensional imaging.

[0033] 7. The passive metasurface in the present invention does not require continuous power supply and consumes energy only during switching, resulting in significant energy-saving effects. The active metasurface adopts a modular design, and the switching elements can be independently controlled, making fault diagnosis and maintenance more convenient.

[0034] In summary, the present invention has achieved breakthroughs in beam pointing flexibility, spatial coverage capability, cost-effectiveness, and real-time performance through innovative time-varying metasurface dynamic control technology, providing an efficient solution for performance improvement in next-generation wireless communications, intelligent radar, and other fields. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of passive metasurface using controller to achieve beam direction switching;

[0036] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of passive metasurface using controller to achieve beam direction switching;

[0037] Figure 3 To realize a passive metasurface controller using a single-pole multi-throw switch;

[0038] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the active metasurface using a controller to achieve beam direction switching; (a), (b), (c), and (d) are four different front states;

[0039] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the active metasurface using a controller to achieve beam direction switching;

[0040] Figure 6 Implement an array state controller for a multi-pole single-throw switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] This embodiment provides a beam direction dynamic control system based on a multi-region distributed dynamically adjustable metasurface, including:

[0044] (1) Multi-region distributed metasurface structure, where each region independently controls the beamforming direction through pre-division or electronic control;

[0045] (2) at least one controller for dynamically switching the active region or the switching element state of the metasurface through a timing signal;

[0046] (3) Two implementation methods:

[0047] Passive metasurface implementation methods:

[0048] The metasurface units in different areas are preset with specific beam directions during the design phase. The corresponding areas are selected through the controller to switch the beam directions, which can theoretically achieve full-space beam scanning.

[0049] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates how a passive metasurface controller switches beam direction. The passive metasurface substrate is pre-divided into four sections, colored yellow, green, blue, and red. Each section consists of two different unit structures. The units labeled "0" and "1" have phase responses of 0 and π, respectively. This allows each section to shape the beam in different directions. The controller connects the different sections sequentially via a single-pole, four-throw switch. The RF signal source radiates through the selected sections, switching the beam direction. Arrows indicate the beam direction when different sections are activated (for example, the yellow section points at 30°).

[0050] The passive metasurface substrate is made of FR4 substrate and adopts a 16×16 periodic metasurface unit array, which is divided into four 8×8 rectangular areas (yellow, green, blue, and red). Each area is embedded with periodic metal patch units, and the preset phase difference is achieved through simulation optimization.

[0051] The single-pole four-throw switch model is SIS388Z, with a switching frequency of 1kHz, which is synchronized with the FPGA timing signal.

[0052] Figure 2This diagram illustrates how a passive metasurface uses a controller to switch beam directions. A solid line connecting the controller and the metasurface indicates selection, while a dashed line indicates non-selection. At t0, t1, t2, and t3, the controller selects the yellow, green, blue, and red segments, respectively, to shape the beam in different directions. Each time period (2.5ms) corresponds to a beam direction (30°, 90°, 150°, and 210°). Periodic switching (10ms period) enables 360° scanning across the entire space.

[0053] Figure 3 This is an implementation of a passive metasurface controller that uses a high-speed single-pole, multi-throw (SPMT) switch to select array regions. The core component is a high-speed single-pole, four-throw (SIS388Z) switch. Its input is connected to the RF signal source, and its four outputs are connected to the four regions of the metasurface. An FPGA (Xilinx Zynq-7000) generates the timing control signals, driving the switches at a frequency of ≥1kHz and a switching delay of ≤100ns.

[0054] Active metasurface implementation methods:

[0055] The metasurface array consists of metasurface units containing controllable switching elements (such as PIN diodes, adjustable capacitors, etc.). The controller realizes beamforming in a specified direction by controlling the state of the metasurface array, and theoretically can achieve full-space beam scanning.

[0056] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of an active metasurface using a controller to switch the beam direction. Cells labeled "0" and "1" represent diodes in the off and on states, respectively, with phase responses of 0 and π. By controlling the on and off states of specific diodes in the metasurface array, the controller can achieve beamforming in a specific direction. (a) All PIN diodes are on, the array phase is all 0°, and the beam points straight ahead (0°); (b) A checkerboard on-off pattern (odd-numbered rows of diodes are off), with the phase distribution alternating between 0° and 180°, and the beam steers 45°; (c) Even-numbered rows of diodes are off, forming a longitudinal phase gradient and the beam points 135°; (d) The diodes in the central 4×4 region are off, resulting in a circular phase distribution and a beam pointing 270°.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the active metasurface using a controller to switch the beam direction. At the four moments t0, t1, t2, and t3, the controller makes the metasurface work in different states, represented by yellow, green, blue, and red, respectively, to achieve the effect of shaping the beam in different directions. The controller sends a control signal to the 8×8 array through a multi-pole single-throw switch, switching to Figure 4In the four states (a)-(d), the beam directions are 0°, 45°, 135°, and 270°, respectively. The switching period is 10ms (2.5ms per state), enabling full-space dynamic scanning.

[0058] Figure 6 This is an implementation of an active metasurface controller that uses high-speed multi-pole, single-throw (MPST) switches to control the array state. The core component is a multi-channel digital switch array (Analog Devices ADGS1412), each channel of which independently switches the PIN diodes (HSMP-3890) within the metasurface units. The control board integrates an FPGA and a high-speed DAC module, converting logic signals into drive voltages (0V / 5V). It supports a 10kHz switching frequency, synchronized with the millimeter-wave radar frame rate (100Hz).

[0059] Example 2

[0060] This embodiment provides a method for dynamically controlling beam direction based on a multi-region distributed dynamically adjustable metasurface, comprising the following steps:

[0061] Step 1: Metasurface area division and preset direction

[0062] The passive metasurface substrate is divided into four independent regions (yellow, green, blue, and red). Each region consists of two unit structures: a unit labeled "0" (phase response 0°) and a unit labeled "1" (phase response 180°). Through simulation optimization, the corresponding beam direction of each region is set (for example, the yellow region points to 30°, the green region points to 90°, the blue region points to 150°, and the red region points to 210°).

[0063] For the active metasurface, the array units are designed to integrate PIN diodes, and the diode-controlled on-off state of each unit can switch the phase response (on→0°, off→180°).

[0064] Step 2: The controller dynamically selects the activation area

[0065] Passive metasurface: The controller sequentially connects different regions using a high-speed single-pole, multi-throw switch (switching frequency ≥ 1kHz). For example, at time t0, the switch connects to the yellow region, and the signal radiates through it, with the beam pointing 30°. At time t1, the switch switches to the green region, and the beam turns 90°.

[0066] Active metasurface: The controller sends control signals to the array through a multi-pole single-throw switch. For example, at time t0, all diodes are turned on (all 0° phase) and the beam points straight ahead; at time t1, some diodes are turned off (forming a specific phase distribution) and the beam is turned 45°.

[0067] Step 3: Periodic switching to achieve full space scanning

[0068] The controller is set to cycle through the metasurface state every 10ms, with each time period (e.g., t0 = 0-2.5ms, t1 = 2.5-5ms, etc.) corresponding to a beam direction. Through continuous switching, the beam sweeps 360°, achieving full spatial coverage.

[0069] The switching steps of the passive metasurface include:

[0070] 1. A 16×16 periodic metasurface array is used, divided into four 8×8 rectangular regions (yellow, green, blue, and red). Each region is embedded with periodically arranged metal patch units. By adjusting the patch size and spacing, a phase difference of 0° and 180° can be achieved, respectively.

[0071] 2. The controller connects the four zones via a single-pole, four-throw switch. At t0 = 0 ms, the switch connects to the yellow zone, pointing the beam at 30°. At t1 = 2.5 ms, the switch switches to the green zone, steering the beam 90°. At t2 = 5 ms, the switch switches to the blue zone (150°), and at t3 = 7.5 ms, the switch switches to the red zone (210°), completing a scan cycle (10 ms).

[0072] The switching steps of the active metasurface include:

[0073] 1. An 8×8 array of metasurface units is used, each with an integrated PIN diode. A controller generates control signals via an FPGA, which then switches the diodes on and off via a multi-pole, single-throw switch.

[0074] 2. t0 = 0ms: All diodes are on, the array phase is all 0°, and the beam points to 0° (straight ahead);

[0075] t1 = 2.5ms: The diodes in the odd-numbered rows are disconnected, forming a checkerboard-like phase distribution (0° / 180° alternating), and the beam is steered 45°;

[0076] t2 = 5ms: The diodes in the even-numbered columns are disconnected and the beam is turned 135°;

[0077] t3 = 7.5ms: The diodes in the central 4×4 area are disconnected and the beam points to 270°.

[0078] Example 3

[0079] This embodiment provides an application of the system, which is used in an antenna array of a wireless communication base station or a beam scanning device of a radar imaging device.

[0080] 1. Wireless communication base stations

[0081] The passive metasurface system is integrated into the base station antenna cover, and through periodic beam scanning (e.g., 100 times per second), it dynamically covers users within the cell. For example, in dense urban areas, the beam is sequentially directed to different buildings to enhance the signal strength of edge users.

[0082] 2. Radar imaging equipment

[0083] The active metasurface system is applied to vehicle-mounted millimeter-wave radar. By rapidly switching the beam direction (switching frequency 1kHz), it completes a 120° sector-shaped area scan within 10ms, achieving real-time tracking and high-resolution imaging of high-speed targets (such as pedestrians and vehicles).

[0084] Example 4

[0085] This embodiment provides a controller device according to the system.

[0086] 1. Passive solution controller

[0087] A high-speed single-pole, four-throw switch is used, with a switching delay of ≤100ns and support for switching frequencies exceeding 1kHz. The switch input is connected to an RF signal source, while the output is connected to each of the four regions of the metasurface, sending timing control signals via an FPGA.

[0088] 2. Active solution controller

[0089] Using a multi-channel digital switch array, each channel independently controls the diodes of the metasurface units. The control board integrates a high-speed DAC (digital-to-analog converter) that converts the control logic generated by the FPGA (such as a four-state cycle) into drive voltages (0V / 5V). The switching frequency can reach 10kHz, synchronized with the millimeter-wave radar frame rate (100Hz).

Claims

1. A beam direction dynamic control system based on a multi-region distributed dynamically adjustable metasurface, characterized in that: include: (1) Multi-region distributed metasurface structure, where each region independently controls the beamforming direction through pre-division or electronic control; (2) at least one controller for dynamically switching the active region or the switching element state of the metasurface through a timing signal; (3) The system implements beam direction switching through a passive metasurface or an active metasurface, wherein: Passive metasurface: Each unit structure has a preset 0° or 180° phase response during the design phase, and the controller selects the active area through a single-pole multi-throw switch. Active metasurface: The metasurface array contains controllable switching elements such as PIN diodes or tunable capacitors. The controller controls the on-off state through a multi-pole single-throw switch to adjust the array phase distribution.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The passive metasurface is divided into four independent regions. The unit structure of each region is optimized by the metal patch size and spacing, corresponding to a phase difference of 0° or 180°, and each region is activated in sequence by a single-pole four-throw switch at a switching frequency of ≥1kHz.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller of the active metasurface drives the on and off of the PIN diode through a multi-pole single-throw switch to form a checkerboard or block-shaped phase distribution, and realizes continuous adjustment of the beam direction through periodic state switching. The switching frequency is synchronized with the beam pointing update rate.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller integrates FPGA and high-speed switch modules, with a switching delay of ≤100ns, and supports 10kHz-level control signal output synchronized with the millimeter-wave radar frame rate.

5. A beam direction dynamic control method based on a multi-region distributed dynamically adjustable metasurface, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: (1) Divide the metasurface into multiple independent regions and preset the beamforming direction of each region; (2) generating a timing control signal through a controller to drive the single-pole multi-throw switch of the passive metasurface or the multi-pole single-throw switch of the active metasurface; (3) The metasurface state is periodically switched in the time dimension so that the beam can scan dynamically in the preset direction.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that In the passive metasurface switching step, the controller cyclically connects the four pre-divided areas with a period of 10ms. Each area is activated for 2.5ms, and the corresponding beam directions are 30°, 90°, 150°, and 210°, respectively, to achieve 360° full space coverage.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that In the active metasurface switching step, the controller generates control logic through the FPGA to drive the on and off of the PIN diodes in the 8×8 array, achieving beam pointing of 0°, 45°, 135°, and 270° at times t0-t3, respectively, and completing full-space scanning through periodic switching.

8. Application of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The system is integrated into a wireless communication base station antenna cover or a vehicle-mounted millimeter-wave radar, and is used for dynamic coverage of multi-user communication scenarios or high-speed target tracking and imaging.

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