An RFID-Controlled Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) have emerged as a promising technology to enhance the spectral efficiency of sixth-generation (6G) wireless communications by leveraging their exceptional electromagnetic wave manipulation capabilities. In this paper, we propose an ultra-long-range and nearly-passive radio frequency identification (RFID)-controlled RIS to address the high power consumption and complexity challenges associated with RIS. Our proposed RIS consists of an 8×8 array of unit cells, with each cell integrated with a single pole double throw (SPDT) switch chip enabling 1-bit phase reconfigurability. Simulation and experimental results successfully demonstrate the beam splitting function of the RIS, which can be wirelessly controlled by RFID technology within a range of 21.7m. Additionally, the static power consumption of the system is measured to be only 0.576mW, highlighting its nearly passive nature.