ETRI verifies indoor-penetrable RIS with Anritsu 2-Port VNA

In a recent demonstration by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) of Korea, the MS46122B VNA from Anritsu was used as a key measurement instrument to verify indoor penetrable Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) technology, proving high-precision performance even in compact setups.

The newly developed ETRI RIS technology features a transparent PET film-based micro-antenna array that can be attached to windows to maximise signal penetration without requiring active repeaters. In the experimental setup in the photo, the 2-port VNA MS46122B was used to compare S-parameters and transmission loss between glass with RIS film and ordinary glass.

The MS46122B is a compact USB-type vector network analyser supporting up to 43.5 GHz. It offers stable and repeatable measurements in both lab and field environments without the complexity of traditional test setups.

Accurate and flexible measurement environments are becoming essential in researching reconfigurable intelligent surfaces. This technology enables high-frequency signals to penetrate indoor environments, offering significant potential in overcoming signal attenuation issues, particularly in millimetre-wave (mmWave) communications through building windows.

With scalability for mmWave, FR2, and FR3 bands, the MS46122B is ideal for research teams preparing RIS technology for commercial deployment in the 5G-Advanced and upcoming 6G era.

An Anritsu representative stated, “RIS is a core technology for solving indoor coverage issues in high-frequency communications,” and added, “Anritsu’s MS46122B is a compact, high-performance VNA that ensures reliable measurements even in space-limited environments, contributing to the validation and commercialisation of RIS technologies.”

The demonstration showcased the potential of RIS technology in enhancing wireless communication systems by improving signal penetration through obstacles like building materials. By utilizing the MS46122B VNA, researchers were able to accurately measure the performance of the RIS film in comparison to traditional glass, highlighting the effectiveness of the new technology.

Furthermore, the compact and versatile nature of the MS46122B VNA makes it a valuable tool for testing and validating RIS solutions in various environments, from controlled laboratory settings to real-world field deployments. Its ability to support high-frequency bands crucial for next-generation communication systems positions it as a key instrument for advancing RIS research and development.

The successful demonstration underscores the importance of collaboration between industry leaders like Anritsu and research institutions such as ETRI in driving innovation in wireless technology. By leveraging cutting-edge tools like the MS46122B VNA, the industry can accelerate the adoption of RIS technology and pave the way for enhanced connectivity and coverage in future wireless networks.