As the launch date for 6G Communications quickly approaches in 2030, the importance of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) cannot be overstated. This year, experiments with small reflective and reprogrammable intelligent surfaces at megahertz frequencies have been conducted, while studies, such as “Terahertz Communications and Sensing for 6G and Beyond: A Comprehensive View” (2023) arXiv:2307.10321v1, outline the potential of RIS and THz in revolutionizing 6G-and-beyond systems.
The synergy between RIS and THz is considerable, with the potential to increase spectral efficiency and create virtual channels that compensate for the propagation losses of THz waves. It can also be used to improve signal to noise ratio (SNR) and the coverage area of THz communications and sensing.
Dr Peter Harrop, CEO of Zhar Research, commented on the progress made so far: “For those sub-THz RIS essential to 6G because of the small ranges, most of the important development is ahead of us. We need to strengthen the beam at least by collimation and directing it where it is required in real time. That means semi-passive metasurfaces truly reconfigurable electronically. Experimental demonstrations of these are mainly at mere GHz frequencies and that is a start. However, if 6G Communications ends up mainly at these frequencies its whole rationale is blown. An additional challenge for 2024 is that some active RIS may be needed even at the start of 6G, so the system can know the propagation-path RIS.”
Power consumption and affordability is another concern, as the planned UM-MIMO base stations for 6G could potentially consume up to one megawatt. Zhar Research believes that long duration energy storage (LDES) beyond grids could be a potential solution, while wide area RIS demonstrations will need to be conducted in 2024.
For those looking for a more comprehensive overview, Zhar Research has also released two reports that analyse the evolving 6G RIS needs, the latest research pipeline, the limitations of the physics and manufacturing technology and the experiments and intentions. These are “6G Communications Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface Materials and Hardware Markets 2024-2044” and “6G Communications: Materials and Hardware Markets and Technology 2024-2044”.
As the launch date for 6G Communications draws closer, progress continues to be made in the development of RIS technology in order to ensure its success.
A new report by Zhar Research has revealed that the launch of 6G Communications in 2030 is rapidly approaching, and the importance of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) for its success cannot be overlooked. Experiments with small reflective and reprogrammable intelligent surfaces at megahertz frequencies have been conducted this year, while studies outline the potential of RIS and THz in revolutionizing 6G-and-beyond systems.
Dr Peter Harrop, CEO of Zhar Research, commented on the progress made so far: “For those sub-THz RIS essential to 6G because of the small ranges, most of the important development is ahead of us. We need to strengthen the beam at least by collimation and directing it where it is required in real time. That means semi-passive metasurfaces truly reconfigurable electronically. Experimental demonstrations of these are mainly at mere GHz frequencies and that is a start. However, if 6G Communications ends up mainly at these frequencies its whole rationale is blown. An additional challenge for 2024 is that some active RIS may be needed even at the start of 6G, so the system can know the propagation-path RIS.”
Power consumption and affordability also remain a concern, as the planned UM-MIMO base stations for 6G could potentially consume up to one megawatt. To address this, Zhar Research believes that long duration energy storage (LDES) beyond grids could be a potential solution, while wide area RIS demonstrations will need to be conducted in 2024.
Zhar Research has compiled two reports to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving 6G RIS needs, the latest research pipeline, the limitations of the physics and manufacturing technology and the experiments and intentions. These are “6G Communications Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface Materials and Hardware Markets 2024-2044” and “6G Communications: Materials and Hardware Markets and Technology 2024-2044”.
As the launch of 6G Communications in 2030 draws nearer, progress continues to be made in the development of RIS technology with the aim of ensuring its success.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.