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A 2-bit Ku-band Digital Metasurface with Infinitely Scalable Capability

Xiaocun Zong, Hao Shi, Fan Yang, Yong Liu, Shenheng Xu, Maokun Li

TL;DR

This work tackles the scalability bottleneck of 2-bit Ku-band metasurfaces by introducing an RF-DC separation architecture that decouples the RF metasurface from DC control circuitry, enabling virtually unlimited 2D array expansion. The authors design a 2-bit polarization-conversion element with a central frequency around $16.2$ GHz and a bandwidth from $15$ to $17$ GHz, employing a dual-layer dielectric RF stack and a PIN-diode–driven 90° phase shifter plus 180° current reversal to realize four phase states. A four-element, 4-by-16-by-16 prototype demonstrates a boresight gain of 28.3 dB and an aperture efficiency of 21.02%, with sidelobes below −18 dB and robust dual-polarization performance; the measured 1-dB gain bandwidth spans $16.25$–$17.75$ GHz, confirming practical viability. Overall, the work provides a scalable, high-gain metasurface framework suitable for long-distance communication and radar, addressing a key deployment challenge by separating RF and DC pathways and enabling large-area, dual-polarized operation.

Abstract

In this letter, we present the design and implementation of a 2-bit digaital metasurface operating in the Ku-band, engineered to exhibit advanced polarization conversion characteristics and support dual-polarization control for both X- and Y-polarizations. To address the challenge of array size scalability hindered by extensive DC control routing in 2-bit metasurfaces, we propose a novel RF-DC separation architecture. This approach integrates the metasurface and DC control circuitry onto separate printed circuit boards (PCBs), interconnected via pin cascading, enabling theoretically unlimited two-dimensional array expansion. To validate this design, a ${4\times16 \times 16}$ metasurface prototype was fabricated and experimentally evaluated, which can achieve a gain of 28.3dB and an aperture efficiency of 21.02\%, confirming the scalability and performance of the proposed architecture. The developed 2-bit high-gain metasurface offers significant reference value for applications in long-distance communication and radar detection. Furthermore, the RF-DC separation architecture introduces a pioneering framework for large-scale metasurface deployment in practical engineering scenarios, enhancing design flexibility and scalability.

A 2-bit Ku-band Digital Metasurface with Infinitely Scalable Capability

TL;DR

This work tackles the scalability bottleneck of 2-bit Ku-band metasurfaces by introducing an RF-DC separation architecture that decouples the RF metasurface from DC control circuitry, enabling virtually unlimited 2D array expansion. The authors design a 2-bit polarization-conversion element with a central frequency around GHz and a bandwidth from to GHz, employing a dual-layer dielectric RF stack and a PIN-diode–driven 90° phase shifter plus 180° current reversal to realize four phase states. A four-element, 4-by-16-by-16 prototype demonstrates a boresight gain of 28.3 dB and an aperture efficiency of 21.02%, with sidelobes below −18 dB and robust dual-polarization performance; the measured 1-dB gain bandwidth spans – GHz, confirming practical viability. Overall, the work provides a scalable, high-gain metasurface framework suitable for long-distance communication and radar, addressing a key deployment challenge by separating RF and DC pathways and enabling large-area, dual-polarized operation.

Abstract

In this letter, we present the design and implementation of a 2-bit digaital metasurface operating in the Ku-band, engineered to exhibit advanced polarization conversion characteristics and support dual-polarization control for both X- and Y-polarizations. To address the challenge of array size scalability hindered by extensive DC control routing in 2-bit metasurfaces, we propose a novel RF-DC separation architecture. This approach integrates the metasurface and DC control circuitry onto separate printed circuit boards (PCBs), interconnected via pin cascading, enabling theoretically unlimited two-dimensional array expansion. To validate this design, a metasurface prototype was fabricated and experimentally evaluated, which can achieve a gain of 28.3dB and an aperture efficiency of 21.02\%, confirming the scalability and performance of the proposed architecture. The developed 2-bit high-gain metasurface offers significant reference value for applications in long-distance communication and radar detection. Furthermore, the RF-DC separation architecture introduces a pioneering framework for large-scale metasurface deployment in practical engineering scenarios, enhancing design flexibility and scalability.
Paper Structure (9 sections, 9 figures, 2 tables)

This paper contains 9 sections, 9 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. 2-bit Element Design
  3. Structure and Theorem of Element
  4. $90^\circ$ Phase Shifter Design
  5. Element Performance
  6. Metasurface Fabrication and Measurement
  7. Fabrication of Infinitely Scalable Structure
  8. Measurement of $4\times16\times16$ Metasurface
  9. Conclusion

Figures (9)

  • Figure 1: Conceptual diagram of RF-DC separation architecture.
  • Figure 2: Element structure:(a) RF-DC separation architecture topology; (b) RF part top view; (c) RF part bottom view.
  • Figure 3: $90^\circ$ phase shifter schematic: (a) structure; (b) two states; (c) diode equivalent circuit.
  • Figure 4: $90^\circ$ phase shifter performance.
  • Figure 5: Element measurement: (a) test environment; (b) simulation and measurement results.
  • ...and 4 more figures