RIS Antenna Array Phase Control for Non-Line-of-Sight Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face limitations in supporting higher data rates due to over-the-air attenuation and the need for line-of-sight communication at higher radio-frequency signals, which becomes increasingly difficult as frequencies increase.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) with an array of antenna elements and adjustable devices, such as PIN diodes and switch modules, controlled by programmable current sources, is used to reflect and redirect radio-frequency signals, allowing for phase and polarization adjustments to enhance communication despite obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If higher frequency radio-frequency signals are used to support higher data rates, then data rate is improved, but signal attenuation increases and line-of-sight requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
A reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is introduced as an intermediary device between transmitting and receiving electronic devices. The RIS comprises an array of antenna elements that reflect and redirect radio-frequency signals, enabling indirect communication paths that bypass obstacles and reduce attenuation effects on high-frequency signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The RIS employs adjustable devices such as PIN diodes and switch modules controlled by programmable current sources to dynamically reconfigure the phase and polarization of reflected signals. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing communication conditions and optimize signal transmission for higher data rates.
2Productivity
If higher frequency radio-frequency signals are used, then data rate is improved, but line-of-sight communication requirements become more difficult to satisfy
Solution Approach 1:
The RIS acts as a mediator that creates alternative signal paths through reflection, eliminating the strict line-of-sight requirements. By positioning the RIS between transmitting and receiving devices, indirect communication paths are established that bypass physical obstacles without requiring direct visual contact between devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication path is segmented into multiple segments: transmitting device to RIS and RIS to receiving device. This segmentation allows each segment to operate independently with relaxed line-of-sight constraints, making it easier to establish and maintain high-data-rate communications in obstructed environments.
3Reliability
If reconfigurable intelligent surface with adjustable devices is used to reduce attenuation and maintain connectivity, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna elements are merged into a unified reconfigurable intelligent surface array, working collectively to reflect and shape radio-frequency signals. This merging provides signal diversity and redundancy, improving transmission reliability while sharing the control infrastructure across all elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The RIS antenna elements are designed with multi-functionality, capable of reflecting signals with adjustable phase and polarization states using shared control mechanisms. This universality allows a single array structure to handle multiple communication requirements and conditions, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems.
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 RIS enables improved wireless communication by reducing attenuation and maintaining connectivity even when line-of-sight is blocked, supporting higher data rates and more reliable signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
A communication system may include a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) that reflects a radio-frequency signal between first and second electronic devices
Implementation Method 2
Control circuitry on the RIS may control the adjustable devices to adjust phase shifts imparted to the radio-frequency signal upon reflection off the RIS
Implementation Method 3
The switch module may include a first switch that switchably couples the first port to two or more of the additional ports. The switch module may include a second switch that switchably couples the second port to two or more of the additional ports
Implementation Method 4
The adjustable devices may include PIN diodes that are controlled using programmable current sources. A PIN diode may be coupled between a first edge of an antenna element and a conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system may include a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) that reflects a radio-frequency signal between first and second devices. The RIS may include an array of antenna elements coupled to adjustable devices. The adjustable devices may configure phase shifts imparted to the radio-frequency signal upon reflection off the RIS. The adjustable devices may include switch modules or may include PIN diodes that are controlled using programmable current sources. The programmable current sources may be disposed within control integrated circuits (ICs) mounted to the periphery of the RIS. Each control IC may control the PIN diodes of a different respective set of the antenna elements. The control ICs may have serial interfaces and may be daisy chained together. The antenna element may be a dual-polarization element with five patches and four diodes in some implementations.