RIS enabled reliable and efficient wireless communications
Run time: 01.25 – 12.27
Abstract: Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) enable the control of indoor radio wave propagation to achieve high reliability and improved coverage with low power consumption for a variety of wireless communication use cases, such as medical imaging in hospitals, combined communication and sensing, advanced industrial manufacturing systems, or eavesdropping-proof communication links.
The RISILIENT project focuses on a breakthrough new technology for energy-efficient and reliable indoor wireless communication systems with a range of about 50 m to 100 m. Millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies from 24 GHz to 30 GHz are a promising solution for the above use cases. However, obstacles between the base station and the mobile device can severely attenuate mmWave signals, reducing the reliability of data communications. Therefore, we introduce a radical innovation by using an active RIS Proof of Concept (PoC) as an intelligent reflector as well as a steerable antenna in an mmWave base station. In both cases, the architecture of the radio system is changed to significantly reduce power consumption.
An active RIS consists of many small antenna elements and can reflect and amplify incoming radio signals in a desired direction during operation. An active RIS can be mounted on the ceiling or walls to create adjustable radio propagation paths between the base station and mobile devices. This spatial selection diversity allows obstacles to be avoided. In addition, an active RIS as part of a base station increases the efficiency and performance of the mmWave amplifiers and controllable directional antenna. A digital twin will be used to further analyze these two innovative approaches and design RIS control algorithms.
An active RIS is a fundamentally new building block for wireless communication systems that enables large energy savings by replacing traditional power-hungry base stations or relays with low-power RIS components. The operating principle of the RIS is independent of the communication technology, so it has a long service life and reduces the amount of electronic waste.
In RISILIENT, we will perform mmWave measurements in a factory use case and deploy a RIS prototype in a new mmWave base station architecture. The collected data will be used to improve the RIS design, RIS control algorithms and the digital twin. The development of a digital twin allows for more focused research on methods and algorithms in mobile communication scenarios.
In RISILIENT we will combine the know-how of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology in the field of next generation advanced green wireless communication systems with the know-how of Siemens AG Austria in the field of wireless communication for affordable automation and control systems. The project consortium will investigate a robust 5G mmWave industrial communication technology, where European technological sovereignty is maintained as the core RIS components are available from multiple European sources.
Key project impacts: 95% of RIS components are from European sources, RIS-based mmWave communication systems have 50% lower energy consumption, 40% lower equipment and installation costs, and 100 times higher reliability.
