Modular RIS Subarray Slicing for Flexible Wireless Link Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face issues with uneven signal coverage due to obstacles, leading to weak or obstructed links between access points and user equipment, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is subdivided into modular portions of unit cells or subarrays, allowing dynamic allocation and adjustment of communication links based on environmental conditions, using a controller to optimize the number and function of unit cells for improved signal processing gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reconfigurable intelligent surface is deployed to enhance wireless coverage, then signal coverage is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for dynamic unit cell allocation and control
Solution Approach 1:
The RIS is divided into multiple unit cells that can be independently controlled and allocated to different communication links. This segmentation allows the system to dynamically configure which unit cells serve which links based on coverage requirements, resolving the contradiction by providing flexible coverage enhancement without requiring the entire RIS to be complex control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic allocation of unit cells to communication links based on real-time coverage needs. Unit cells can be reassigned between different links as conditions change, allowing the system to maintain optimal coverage performance while using a relatively simple static physical structure that adapts through software control.
2Power
If the number of unit cells is increased to improve array gain, then signal processing gain is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allocates unit cells to communication links based on actual needs rather than using all available unit cells simultaneously. This partial action principle allows the system to achieve sufficient array gain for each link without the complexity of managing and controlling the entire RIS aperture for every possible link configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the allocation parameters of unit cells between different communication links based on coverage requirements. By adjusting which unit cells are assigned to which links and how many unit cells are active for each link, the system optimizes array gain without requiring a fixed over-engineered structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If unit cells are dynamically reallocated between communication links, then adaptability is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same set of unit cells serves multiple communication links through dynamic reallocation. Each unit cell is designed with universal functionality to operate in different links as needed, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each link and reducing overall control complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor coverage conditions and automatically adjust unit cell allocation between links. This feedback-driven approach simplifies control by using automated decision-making based on measured performance rather than complex manual configuration or prediction algorithms.
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
Enhances signal coverage by dynamically reallocating unit cells for specific communication links, improving array gain and mitigating interference, thereby optimizing wireless network performance.
Implementation Method 1
manipulation of incident wireless signals via reflection, refraction, focusing, collimation, modulation, absorption, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 2
manipulation of incident wireless signals via reflection, refraction, focusing, collimation, modulation, absorption, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 3
manipulation of incident wireless signals via reflection, refraction, focusing, collimation, modulation, absorption, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 4
manipulation of incident wireless signals via reflection, refraction, focusing, collimation, modulation, absorption, or a combination thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The technology described herein is directed towards subdividing a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) into rectangular portions of subarrays of unit cells, which can be magnetically coupled subarray modules, for different functions/operations. The subdividing can be dynamic, such as based on different performance-based allocations, and each portion can have a separate directivity and/or array gain. Control signal data from a base station or user equipment instructs a tile controller for the RIS to change the respective numbers of unit cells for the various respective functions/operations, which can include a receive-and-forward function from the base station via the RIS to user equipment, and a receive-and-forward function from the user equipment via the RIS to the base station. There can be one subarray for receiving control information at the RIS from the base station, and one subarray for transmitting control information from the RIS back to the base station.