Intercell Wireless Communication in Software-defined Metasurfaces

TL;DR

This paper explores wireless communication methods within programmable metasurfaces, addressing design constraints and proposing two scenarios for intercell communication to enable dynamic electromagnetic functionalities.

Contribution

It introduces two novel wireless communication scenarios for programmable metasurfaces and analyzes their design constraints and trade-offs.

Findings

Metasurface layer communication is feasible but complex.

Dedicated communication layer offers performance advantages.

Trade-offs between complexity and functionality are identified.

Abstract

Tunable metasurfaces are ultra-thin, artificial electromagnetic components that provide engineered and externally adjustable functionalities. The programmable metasurface, the HyperSurFace, concept consists in integrating controllers within the metasurface that interact locally and communicate globally to obtain a given electromagnetic behaviour. Here, we address the design constraints introduced by both functions accommodated by the programmable metasurface, i.e., the desired metasurface operation and the unit cells wireless communication enabling such programmable functionality. The design process for meeting both sets of specifications is thoroughly discussed. Two scenarios for wireless intercell communication are proposed. The first exploits the metasurface layer itself, while the second employs a dedicated communication layer beneath the metasurface backplane. Complexity and performance trade-offs are highlighted.