RIS Channel Estimation Using Substrate Integrated Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reconfigurable intelligent surfaces require dedicated receiving antennas and numerous radio frequency chains, which reduce their effective surface and are not extendable to non-line-of-sight communications or low ambient light scenarios, limiting their adaptability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable intelligent surface with integrated substrate integrated waveguides that capture a small portion of the incoming signal for channel information, using phase and amplitude analysis to redirect signals without active components, allowing for passive beamforming and accurate steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated receiving antennas and numerous radio frequency chains are added to obtain real-time channel information, then channel estimation capability is improved, but device complexity and surface area are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the channel estimation function with the existing reflective elements of the reconfigurable intelligent surface. Each reflective element is equipped with a substrate integrated waveguide that simultaneously performs signal reflection and channel sensing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated receiving antennas and radio frequency chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective elements are designed to serve multiple functions: they act as both signal reflectors for communication and as sensing elements for channel estimation. The substrate integrated waveguides integrated into these elements enable them to capture incoming signals for channel information extraction while maintaining their primary reflection function.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated receiving antennas are added to obtain real-time channel information, then channel estimation capability is improved, but effective surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the channel sensing function with the existing reflective surface elements. The substrate integrated waveguides are integrated within the same physical footprint as the reflective elements, allowing channel estimation without occupying additional surface area or reducing the effective reflecting surface.
3Ease of operation
If phased array antennas with active components are used for beamforming, then signal steering capability is improved, but power consumption and device complexity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses passive beamforming where the reconfigurable intelligent surface itself performs signal steering through passive reflection with phase control, eliminating the need for active components and power-consuming phased array antennas. The surface elements autonomously adjust phase to achieve beamforming without external active signal generation.
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
Enables intelligent signal redirection based on real-time channel information, enhancing coverage in shadowed areas and maintaining signal power, while avoiding the need for complex and power-consuming phased array antennas.
Implementation Method 1
a substrate integrated waveguide beneath the ground plane, including side vias that enclose sides of the substrate integrated waveguide with respect to the frequency corresponding to the incoming electromagnetic signal
Implementation Method 2
a reflective metallic element pattern that resonates at a frequency corresponding to the incoming electromagnetic signal
Implementation Method 3
altering attributes such as phase, amplitude, and direction of the incoming signal
Data Source
AI summary
The technology described herein is directed towards a reconfigurable intelligent surface design and implementation in which a small portion of the incoming signal energy of an impinging wave is coupled to a waveguide, with the majority of the signal reflected in a desired target direction. The captured portion of the signal energy is used for evaluating the channel in the current environment, including by assessing the phase and amplitude of the sampled signal at each unit cell, as well as their differential phase values between cells, e.g., selected consecutive cells. For example, the differential phase values between cells can be used to accurately estimate the direction/location of the signal transmitter and/or the intended receiver(s). In one implementation, the captured portion of the energy is coupled to a substrate integrated waveguide at the unit cell level, and output as a signal readout for determining different characteristics of the signal.