Reconfigurable Metasurface for Indoor Satellite Signal Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-terrestrial network satellite communication reliability is compromised in indoor environments due to significant radio frequency signal attenuation caused by building materials, necessitating a line-of-sight path to maintain connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of a metasurface that can be configured in reflection or transmission modes using a metallic backplane attachment or removal, enhancing signal strength without power, thereby eliminating the need for a direct line-of-sight connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a line-of-sight path is required for satellite communication, then signal reliability is improved, but indoor connectivity is worsened due to building structure blockage
Solution Approach 1:
A metasurface is introduced as an intermediary component between the satellite signal and the indoor receiver. The metasurface reflects and redirects the satellite signal around or through building structures, enabling indoor connectivity without direct line-of-sight while maintaining signal reliability through controlled electromagnetic wave propagation
2Adaptability or versatility
If building materials are present between satellite and UE, then indoor coverage is improved, but signal attenuation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The metasurface changes the propagation parameters of the satellite signal by adjusting its reflective properties. By modifying the phase and amplitude distribution across the metasurface elements, the system compensates for signal attenuation caused by building materials, maintaining adequate signal strength for indoor coverage
3Ease of operation
If a metallic backplane is attached to metasurface, then reflection mode is enabled improving signal directionality, but transmission mode capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The metasurface system employs dynamic reconfigurability where the metallic backplane can be selectively attached or detached. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between reflection mode (with backplane for directional signal control) and transmission mode (without backplane for omnidirectional coverage), providing both signal directionality and mode flexibility as needed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The metasurface provides reliable non-terrestrial network connectivity indoors by boosting RF signals, ensuring always-on connectivity even during power outages and enhancing flexibility and convenience for users.
Implementation Method 1
Deployment of a metasurface that can be configured in reflection or transmission modes using a metallic backplane attachment or removal, enhancing signal strength without power
Implementation Method 2
Deployment of a metasurface that can be configured in reflection or transmission modes using a metallic backplane attachment or removal, enhancing signal strength without power, thereby eliminating the need for a direct line-of-sight connection
Data Source
AI summary
The technology described herein is directed towards a metasurface (reconfigurable intelligent surface) that can be used to redirect signals to and from non-terrestrial network satellites. The metasurface can be passive, and provide signal array gain with respect to indoor user equipment sending and receiving signals to and from the network satellites. The metasurface can be portable for use in various scenarios. Further, the metasurface can be configured to operate in a transmission mode, in which incoming signal is passed through the metasurface, or can be reconfigured to operate in a reflection mode, in which incoming signal is reflected by the metasurface. Different phase shifts of the metasurface's unit cells result in array gain through constructive interference, by refraction in the transmission mode, or reflection in the reflection mode. The presence or absence of a removable back plane determines the transmission or reflection operating mode of the metasurface.