# Asynchronous Circuits as an Enabler of Scalable And Programmable Metasurfaces

## TL;DR

This paper explores how asynchronous circuits can enable scalable, programmable metasurfaces capable of dynamic electromagnetic wave manipulation, addressing the need for large-scale, networked control systems.

## Contribution

It introduces the use of asynchronous mixed-signal ASICs as a novel approach for controlling large-scale, programmable metasurfaces, enhancing scalability and communication efficiency.

## Key findings

- Asynchronous circuits improve scalability of metasurface control systems.
- ASIC implementation enables dynamic, programmable electromagnetic manipulation.
- Enhanced communication among networked chips in metasurfaces.

## Abstract

Metamaterials and metasurfaces have given possibilities for manipulating electromagnetic (EM) waves that in the past would have seemed impossible. The majority of metasurface designs are suitable for a particular frequency and angle of incidence. One long-sought objective is the design of programmable metasurfaces to dynamically manipulate a variety of incoming EM frequencies and angles. In order to do this, a large-scale mesh of networked chips are required below the metasurface, which apart from adapting electrical impedance properties, also communicate with each other, thus relaying information about meta-atom settings, as well as forwarding possible distributed measurements taken. This paper describes why an asynchronous mixed-signal ASIC is advantageous for the control of scalable, EM absorbing, metasurfaces.