Comprehensive Open Dataset of Sub-6GHz Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface Measurements

Core Concepts

This paper presents two publicly available datasets of real-world measurements collected using a custom-built sub-6GHz Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) prototype in an anechoic chamber. The datasets provide detailed information on the RIS's beam-steering capabilities and absorption mode, enabling research on RIS-aided wireless communication systems.

Abstract

The paper introduces a custom-built sub-6GHz Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) prototype and the experimental setup used to collect two datasets in an anechoic chamber.

The first dataset, called the "beampattern dataset", captures the RIS's beam-steering capabilities. It contains measurements of the received power at a fixed receiver as the RIS scans its main beam across different azimuth and elevation angles, while the RIS-receiver angle is varied by rotating a turntable. This dataset can be used to analyze the RIS's radiation patterns, including the location and magnitude of main beams and side lobes.

The second dataset, called the "absorption mode dataset", explores the relationship between the number of active RIS elements and the resulting beamforming gain. In this case, the turntable is fixed, and the number of active RIS elements is varied. The dataset can be used to model the half-power beamwidth as a function of the RIS size.

The authors demonstrate the usefulness of the datasets by training a deep neural network to accurately predict the RIS's radiation patterns and by deriving an exponential model for the half-power beamwidth. They also discuss how the datasets can be used for other applications, such as RIS-based localization.

The availability of these real-world RIS measurement datasets is expected to foster progress in the research and development of RIS-aided wireless communication systems.

Stats

The received power (RSRP) is measured in dBm.
The beampattern dataset contains the following key figures:

The RIS main beam is scanned in the azimuth range of [-90°, 90°] and the elevation range of [-45°, 45°], with a step of 3°.
The turntable is rotated in the azimuth range of [-90°, 90°] with a step of 3°.
The measurements are collected for two different transmitter locations, with azimuth angles of 20° and 90°.
The absorption mode dataset contains the following key figures:

The number of active RIS elements is varied (4, 16, 64, 100).
The turntable is fixed at 0° azimuth.

Quotes

"RISs can dynamically re-focus the received EM waves towards desired directions in space by suitably configuring the scattering properties of each unit cell."
"RISs are designed to be low-power, easy to manufacture, and low-cost devices."

Key Insights Distilled From

Open Experimental Measurements of Sub-6GHz Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces

by Marco Rossan... at arxiv.org 04-03-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.01796.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can the datasets be used to model the RIS's performance under more realistic, non-line-of-sight propagation conditions

The datasets can be utilized to model the RIS's performance under more realistic, non-line-of-sight propagation conditions by incorporating additional factors that affect signal propagation. One approach is to introduce multipath effects into the model, considering reflections, diffractions, and scattering from surrounding objects. By integrating this data into the dataset, researchers can simulate how the RIS would behave in environments with obstacles, reflections, and diffractions, providing a more comprehensive understanding of its performance in real-world scenarios. This enhanced dataset can then be used to develop algorithms that optimize RIS configurations to mitigate the impact of non-line-of-sight propagation conditions and improve overall system performance.

What are the potential applications of the RIS absorption mode beyond localization, and how can the dataset be leveraged to explore these applications

The RIS absorption mode offers various potential applications beyond localization, such as signal jamming, interference mitigation, and security enhancements. The dataset can be leveraged to explore these applications by analyzing the impact of the absorption mode on signal propagation, interference patterns, and signal security. For instance, researchers can use the dataset to study how activating specific subsets of RIS elements in absorption mode affects signal attenuation, interference cancellation, and signal privacy. By experimenting with different configurations and analyzing the corresponding RSRP measurements, researchers can gain insights into the effectiveness of the absorption mode for these applications and develop novel techniques to enhance wireless communication systems' security and performance.

How can the datasets be extended to higher frequency bands, such as millimeter-wave, to support the development of RIS-aided 6G communication systems

To extend the datasets to higher frequency bands, such as millimeter-wave, for supporting the development of RIS-aided 6G communication systems, researchers can adapt the measurement setup and parameters to accommodate the characteristics of millimeter-wave frequencies. This includes adjusting the antenna designs, signal processing algorithms, and measurement techniques to operate effectively at higher frequencies. By collecting measurements at millimeter-wave frequencies using the same methodology as in the sub-6GHz datasets, researchers can create a new dataset that captures the behavior of RIS prototypes in millimeter-wave environments. This dataset can then be used to analyze the performance of RIS structures, optimize configurations, and develop advanced communication systems for 6G networks operating in millimeter-wave bands.