Intelligent reflecting surface for Wireless Coverage Enhancement

Intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) is a novel concept that is being introduced in beyond 5G communication. It will reconfigure the wireless propagation environment via software-controlled reflection. This surface will consist of low-cost integrated electronics that would sense and reflect electromagnetic waves in a specific direction. As a result, this would boost the signal at the receiver with no added hardware cost. The aim of this research work is to develop and model a hardware testbed for the IRS. The proposed work will explore various meta-surface unit cells which could effectively manipulate the electromagnetic waves and design a control board with IRS for beamforming applications. The hardware imperfection and energy efficiency will be considered as main metrics to optimize. The PhD project will work on the design, modelling, implementation and lab-based measurements for the innovative solutions.