Due to the scarcity of spectrum and the increasing demand for high throughput, the spectrum is anticipated to move towards higher frequencies in the future B5G/6G generation. However, higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths, which results in challenges such as lower coverage and increased susceptibility to obstacles like walls. Solutions to this include deploying more small cells, repeaters, and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) to extend the signal range of base stations.

What is Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS)?

RIS is typically a passive device with materials capable of manipulating electromagnetic wavefronts. By adjusting the properties of these surfaces, RIS can modify the propagation characteristics of wireless signals, such as reflecting high-frequency signals toward specified directions. This capability helps overcome signal blockages and enhance the overall performance of wireless communication systems.

Demonstration of Y.RIS operation

Y.RIS: Control Signal-reflected Direction with Liquid Crystals

YTTEK’s Y.RIS is a liquid crystal-based RIS device operating in the 28GHz frequency band. It leverages well-established LCD panel manufacturing processes and integrates metasurface technology by designing metasurface antenna unit cells on a glass substrate. The phase control component applies voltage to the electrodes at both ends of the liquid crystal, inducing changes in the electric field. This alteration in the electric field modifies the polarization direction of the liquid crystal, thereby adjusting its effective dielectric constant (permittivity) and fine-tuning the signal phase, consequently altering the direction of signal reflection.

Exploring Y.RIS Applications

The compact and lightweight Y.RIS can be installed in various indoor spaces, such as homes and offices, to reflect signals to dead spots flexibly. Alternatively, it can be deployed in smart factories to expand the signal coverage for private broadband 5G/6G networks, ensuring stable signal connections for precision equipment and engineering facilities. Y.RIS is also suitable for installation in crowded venues like stadiums and airports to enhance the overall performance of high-frequency communication systems.

Cost and Energy Efficiency: Collaboration between Y.RIS and Small Cells (Y.BEAM S)

Collaboration between Y.RIS and small cells (Y.BEAM S) has the potential to generate a more cost-effective and energy-efficient communication system. For example, to set up a smart factory, 5 small cells are required, with 2 of them dedicated to reinforcing dead zones. This setup costs approximately $5,000 and consumes around 750 watts of energy. However, if the small cells initially used to cover dead zones are replaced with 2 RIS units, the cost is reduced to approximately $3,400, and power consumption is lowered to 604 watts. Through the integration of Y.RIS with small cells, a more efficient 5G mmWave communication system can be created.

Leveraging years of innovation in mmWave technology and the technical strength of liquid crystal panel manufacturer, YTTEK has created the revolutionary LC-RIS solution, laying the groundwork for a better B5G/6G Solution in advance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Y.RIS

In a report issued by market research firm ABI Research, projections indicate that by the year 2030, the global connections for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) are anticipated to surge to 175 million, accompanied by a corresponding expansion in the global market size for satellite services, expected to reach $124.6 billion within the same timeframe. The introduction of the 3GPP NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) standard has injected fresh momentum into the application of satellite communications in the B5G/6G era. Thus, what factors contribute to the escalating significance of satellite communication in the B5G/6G epoch? Let’s scrutinize its paramount importance and indispensability. 

Meeting the Rising Demands of Emerging Applications in the B5G/6G Era  

The demand for higher data traffic and bandwidth is rapidly increasing because of the emergence of new applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous driving systems, and emergency communications. Satellite communications are gaining prominence due to their global coverage and stability, which can overcome the limitations of ground-based infrastructure and provide reliable communication support, particularly in remote areas. During special circumstances such as disasters or wars, satellite communications can serve as crucial emergency networks, offering vital communication links. 

Overcoming Challenges and Implementing Solutions in B5G/6G Satellite Testing

Every stage of the development of new satellites, from design to validation and manufacturing testing, is crucial. In the satellite communications development lifecycle, YTTEK offers comprehensive support, from design conception to testing and deployment.

Within the SPACELINK series, YTTEK offers the Y.LOAD S satellite communication payload, a highly flexible X-Band SDR satellite communication device capable of meeting various communication needs and scenarios. The Y.FORCE S is a high-speed satellite modem compliant with CCSDS standards. Its SDR architecture provides high communication adaptability and software upgradeability. Through collaboration with the Taiwan Space Agency, we successfully utilized Y.FORCE S to receive signals from Taiwan’s Forsat-5 and decode signals from the U.S. Landsat-8 and Landsat-9 satellites, validating its performance and reliability.

The satellite testing phase is a crucial and exciting part of the development lifecycle, where satellite communication payloads like Y.LOAD S and satellite modems like Y.FORCE S play vital roles. They provide reliable satellite communication systems, ensuring stable signal connections for tasks including satellite command and control and data transmission during satellite testing.

YTTEK’s Y.FORCE series offers a highly flexible software-defined radio platform in the development and testing scenarios, providing high-bandwidth options. It can serve as a development platform, allowing for quickly constructing a wide-band full-function wireless communication system through MATLAB or C/C++ code. It can also be utilized as a performance tester on the production line to test the RF performance of products.

YTTEK provides a suite of potent resources to facilitate satellite communication development, supporting satellite operators and equipment manufacturers in developing efficient satellite communication systems, and gaining a competitive edge in 3GPP NTN systems. This includes accelerating the design, testing, and manufacturing processes with our powerful instruments and solutions.

The rapidly advancing field of modern wireless communication systems, whether in the context of 5G or satellite communication, has generated an urgent demand for software-defined radio (SDR). The flexibility and reconfigurability of SDR provide significant benefits in dealing with various aspects of modern communication systems, such as handling multiple standards, rapid prototyping, system upgrades, quick deployment, and cost-effectiveness. 

Unveiling the Power of SDR in Modern Wireless Communication Systems

SDR is a communication technology that has revolutionized how wireless transmission devices are designed and implemented. In the past, most components of these devices were created using hardware. However, with the rapid development of various software and hardware technologies, many hardware modules’ functionalities can now be fully realized through software. This means that modules implemented with software can dynamically adjust various transmission technologies or parameters, providing greater flexibility. The use of software-based modules enhances adaptability and proves to be more efficient for developing new technologies compared to traditional hardware approaches. 

SDR showcases exceptional adaptability in a range of fields. It is particularly efficient in military operations, where it supports various communication standards and plays a pivotal role in tasks like wireless spectrum monitoring. In RF testing, its reconfigurable nature provides engineers with a flexible toolset to analyze signals across multiple bands, which ultimately helps in ensuring optimal device performance. 

SDR Technology Paving the Way for Seamless Wireless Development 

YTTEK has developed various products that utilize SDR technology, among which the Y.FORCE series is a wireless platform built on SDR technology. It is designed for wireless system development and research, making constructing a fully functional communication system easy. With Y.FORCE, users can conveniently transmit and receive raw In-Phase/Quadrature (I/Q) data. The platform can work as an arbitrary waveform generator, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, and signal analyzer, and can be programmed using C++ or Matlab code. 

Y.FORCE SDR Platform in Satcom Application

In satellite communication applications, the high-speed satellite modem Y.FORCE S from the Y.FORCE series has successfully received signals from Taiwan’s Formosat-5 satellite and the U.S. Landsat-8 and Landsat-9. A highly flexible satellite communication payload is crucial in the rapidly evolving landscape of diverse and dynamic communication demands. YTTEK’s Y.LOAD S, an X-Band satellite payload, addresses this need by integrating a SDR architecture and a high-performance FPGA. This innovative design allows for customization to meet the unique communication requirements of our clients, facilitating faster deployment of comprehensive communication systems.  

Satellite / iStockphoto

YTTEK also offers Y.LOAD, a communication payload designed for applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is equipped with rapid frequency hopping technology, achieving a rate of 1000 hops per second. This capability effectively mitigates signal interference during transmission, proving particularly crucial in applications related to national defense and security. 

YTTEK excels in providing versatile SDR solutions, leveraging adaptability and programmability to enhance communication across diverse domains. Our solutions offer tailored benefits, streamlining development and providing flexible communication solutions.