The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) has been deeply engaged in basic research for a long time. To encourage the academic community to carry out the research and development of forward-looking technologies for the future, and in line with the "Taiwan 5G Action Plan" policy, promote the "5G/B5G Wireless Communication Network Technology Research and Development Project" To enhance the competitiveness of domestic communications research and development. With funding support from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Chung Cheng University team proposed electromagnetic intelligence surface technology, which allows the electromagnetic wave to reach every dark space through new propagation paths created by the reflection, focus and diffraction mechanism in physics.
Beneficial features of electromagnetic intelligence surface
In the emerging development of B5G/6G mobile communication technology, the electromagnetic wave is the viable medium to carry information everywhere. Electromagnetic wave naturally propagates to every corner of the space; however, the propagation paths can be suppressed due to the shielding, reflection, and scattering by buildings, trees, furniture, signboards, etc. Consequently, the blind zone is formed, where electromagnetic wave does not reach. In the blind zone, the data rate is significantly reduced or, even worse, the communication link is completely blocked. The conventional method to solve the problem of communication blind zone is to install additional base stations or repeaters in other new locations. This approach suffers three disadvantages:(1) From the aspect of wireless communication operators, the installation of more base stations considerably increases the deployment and maintenance cost, including initial deployment, air conditioning for normal operation. It is estimated that every additional 5G base station will require an increase of millions of NT dollars in installation and annual operating costs. (2) From the aspect of the user, the dense deployment of base stations brings psychological frightening, worry, or anxiety. (3) From the aspect of the national energy policy, the widespread deployment of base stations consumes a vast amount of electrical power, generating more carbon emissions.
The team uses electromagnetic intelligence surfaces, including the reflection surface, transmission surface, and diffraction surfaces, to create new propagation paths to reach the originally blocked dark zone. By making use of circuit design, the electromagnetic intelligence surfaces bring numerous beneficial features.
(1) No need of power supply: no electricity power consumption, compliance with energy policy, and save operating costs.
(2) Pure passive circuit: extremely low manufacturing cost.
(3) Flexible transparent plate profile: compatible with building decoration, ease of installation on the walls, doors, and windows of buildings.
(4) Reduce the base-station deployment density: alleviate the psychological frightening, worry, or anxiety.
(5) Improve signal coverage and communication quality.
(6) Economic improvement of the electromagnetic environment: quickly solve the communication blind-zone problem cost-effectively.
Economical way to extend signal coverage in all frequency bands.
The electromagnetic surfaces can be designed for sub-6GHz to millimeter-wave bands, satisfying the various wireless communication systems, such as 5G mobile communication, LEO satellite communication, Wi-Fi and IoT. According to estimation by Research and Markets, the global 5G market will reach US$251 billion in 2025. Among them, the number of global base stations will reach 6 million, with a revenue scale of about 35 billion US dollars. Small base stations are the building blocks for high-density mobile cell network deployment in metropolitan areas. Therefore, how to achieve the best coverage in the most economical way is the core issue of mobile communication operators. The team has proved that this technology can eliminate more than 95% of the blind zone. After estimation, the use of this technology can reduce 20% of the small base stations and reduce the energy consumption for small base stations. The electromagnetic intelligence surface technology becomes a crucial means for an economical way to extend signal coverage in all frequency bands. Patents have been deployed in regions of the world, including Taiwan, the USA, Japan, South Korea, Europe, and China. This technology is ready to be transferred to the industry, and currently, we have a successful transfer case to a domestic company in a non-exclusive license manner. Through the collaboration between academia and industry, these surfaces can effectively become commercial products.
Media Contact
Program Manager, Yi-Chun Lin
Department of Engineering and Technologies, Ministry of Science and Technology
+886-2-27377529
yclin@nstc.gov.tw
