Multi-Resonance RIS Unit Cell for Stable RF Reflection Phase
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 6G communication systems, the phase difference between RF signals reflected from a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) may not be 180 degrees when the incident angle is not 90 degrees, leading to reduced signal strength and deteriorated communication performance between a base station and User Equipment (UE).
Innovation Solution
The RIS unit cell is designed with a first and second conductive structure, each comprising multiple elements, and a switch circuit to achieve multi-resonance frequencies, ensuring phase differences of reflected RF signals are maintained at 180 degrees regardless of incident angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-resonance frequency unit cell is used, then the structure is simple, but the phase difference varies with incident angle leading to reduced signal strength
Solution Approach 1:
The unit cell is divided into multiple conductive structures (first conductive structure with first and second elements, second conductive structure with third and fourth elements), each contributing to different resonance frequencies. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multi-resonance functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resonance frequency parameter by designing multiple conductive structures with different geometric configurations. The first and second elements in the first conductive structure, along with the third and fourth elements in the second conductive structure, are designed to produce different resonance frequencies, enabling the unit cell to operate effectively across multiple frequencies and incident angles.
2Reliability
If multi-resonance frequencies are implemented, then phase difference is maintained at 180 degrees regardless of incident angle, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conductive structures are merged within a single unit cell configuration. The first conductive structure (containing first and second elements) and the second conductive structure (containing third and fourth elements) are integrated together with a shared switch circuit, allowing the unit cell to achieve multi-resonance functionality without requiring separate units for each frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The unit cell is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can operate at different resonance frequencies (first resonance frequency from first and third elements, second resonance frequency from second and fourth elements) and maintain consistent phase difference performance across various incident angles, making it a universal solution for RIS applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the phase difference is not 180 degrees, then the structure allows for broader incident angle tolerance, but signal strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic phase control by using switch circuits that can be independently controlled for different conductive structures. This allows the system to dynamically adjust the phase difference to maintain 180 degrees across varying incident angles and frequencies, optimizing signal strength adaptively rather than relying on a fixed geometric configuration.
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
This design minimizes phase errors and maintains wireless communication performance even when the base station or UE moves, reducing signal loss and enhancing communication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a second RF signal having a first resonance frequency may be reflected based on electrical paths formed respectively in the first element and the third element, and a third RF signal having a second resonance frequency different from the first resonance frequency may be reflected based on electrical paths formed respectively in the second element and the fourth element
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a 5G communication system or a 6G communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4G communication system such as long term evolution (LTE). A unit cell of a RIS includes a first conductive structure including a first element and a second element disposed under the first element; a second conductive structure including a third element and a fourth element disposed under the third element; and a switch circuit disposed between the first conductive structure and the second conductive structure. As a first RF signal from a first external device is incident on the unit cell, a second RF signal having a first resonance frequency is reflected based on electrical paths formed respectively in the first element and the third element, and a third RF signal having a second resonance frequency different from the first resonance frequency is reflected based on electrical paths formed respectively in the second element and the fourth element.