Reconfigurable RIS Unit Cells for Reflective-Transmissive Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in securing signal transmission distance and coverage, particularly in the terahertz bands of 6G communication systems, due to severe path loss and atmospheric absorption, necessitating the development of technologies like reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) that can selectively operate as reflective or transmissive to enhance signal transmission/reception efficiency in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) comprising a plurality of unit cells that can operate as either transmissive or reflective RIS, controlled by a controller to adjust phase and amplitude patterns through switches, allowing dynamic mode operation based on communication environment needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a reconfigurable intelligent surface operates as a reflective RIS, then signal transmission distance is improved, but adaptability to different communication environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by incorporating switches (e.g., PIN diodes, FETs) that can dynamically change the electrical state of unit cells between reflective and transmissive modes. This allows the RIS to adapt its operational characteristics in real-time based on communication environment requirements, resolving the contradiction between optimized performance for a specific mode and adaptability across different modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the unit cells by controlling the switching state (on/off) of the switches, which transforms the electromagnetic response of each unit cell between reflective and transmissive modes. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both extended transmission distance in reflective mode and environmental adaptability through mode switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reconfigurable intelligent surface operates as a transmissive RIS, then adaptability to different communication environments is improved, but signal transmission distance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic switching capability allows the RIS to transition between transmissive and reflective modes as needed. When transmissive mode is selected for adaptability, the system accepts reduced transmission distance, but can switch to reflective mode when extended range is required, thus resolving the contradiction through temporal adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs unit cells that can universally perform both reflective and transmissive functions by incorporating switches that control the electrical connection state. This multi-functionality allows a single RIS structure to serve multiple communication scenarios, resolving the contradiction between mode-specific optimization and general adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switches are added to enable mode switching in unit cells, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the RIS into independent unit cells, each containing its own switch. This segmentation allows for localized control and simplifies the overall control architecture, as each unit cell can be independently configured without affecting others, thereby managing device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal unit cell design that can function in both reflective and transmissive modes through a single switch mechanism. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate hardware configurations for different modes, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving adaptability.
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 transmission/reception efficiency by dynamically switching between reflective and transmissive modes, improving coverage and communication performance in diverse scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
at least one switch configured to electrically ground or short the first pattern and the second pattern in response to a command for determining whether the unit cell included in the RIS operates as a transmissive RIS or a reflective RIS
Implementation Method 2
a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) including a plurality of unit cells that can operate as either transmissive or reflective RIS
Implementation Method 3
allowing dynamic mode operation based on communication environment needs
Data Source
AI summary
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 reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) including a plurality of unit cells in a wireless communication system includes a first pattern included in a top layer of a unit cell included in the RIS, a second pattern included in a bottom layer of the unit cell included in the RIS, and at least one switch configured to electrically ground or short the first pattern and the second pattern in response to a command for determining whether the unit cell included in the RIS operates as a transmissive RIS or a reflective RIS.