Implementation of an Interface for RIS design and Experimental Characterization

This thesis explores the domain of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) and their application in enhancing wireless communication systems. The primary objectives are: (I) to study the functionality of an RIS prototype, (II) to develop a robust control interface through Matlab App Designer, (III) to design and setup a measurement campaign, and (IV) to test the functionality of the prototype RIS hardware.
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\nWe utilize an RF switch-based 10x10 RIS board developed by NEC Laboratories, featuring 3-bit resolution for high spatial resolution codebooks. Unlike traditional 1-bit diode-based designs, this RIS supports the coordination of multiple boards, enabling the construction of large-scale modular structures.
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\nIn addition to programmable phase shifts, the RIS system can configure individual cells to absorb RF energy, allowing for virtual optimization of the RIS’s shape and size to meet specific system constraints.
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\nThis document is organized into four chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the fundamental concepts of RIS technology and its potential to manipulate electromagnetic waves for improved signal propagation. Chapter 2 covers the development of a user-friendly GUI, detailing the design considerations and MATLAB coding practices for real-time RIS control. Chapter 3 outlines the setup configurations, parameters, and instrumentation used during the measurement campaign to evaluate the performance of the RIS prototype hardware. Chapter 4 discusses the implications of these findings, concluding on the viability and transformative potential of RIS technology in telecommunications, and provides future directions for research and innovation in smart wireless networks.