Multi-Module Parallel Controlled 1-Bit IRS for Beamforming and Communication: Design, Fabrication, and Experimental Validation

This paper designs, manufactures and tests a 1 bit 160-element intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) and its control system operating at 2.45GHz. The PIN diode is placed across the surface resonator and the surface biasing line is used for routing to realize a 1-bit reflection unit without vias. In the operating frequency band of 2.35-2.55GHz, a phase difference of 180°±20° and an average reflection loss of less than 1.5dB are achieved. Based on this single-layer unit, a 16×10 intelligent reflecting surface array is made by combination and arrangement. At the same time, a modular multi-channel control system is designed, which realizes the rapid transmission of the codebook and the independent control of each unit through a single main control chip and four secondary chips. Through experimental tests, it is shown that within a 50-meter transmission and reception distance, the communication quality can be improved by an average of 6dB, and a beam scan of ±60° can be achieved in the horizontal direction.