Talking About Reconfigurable Intelligent Radio-Enabled Surfaces

Jan. 31, 2022

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) leverages smart radio surfaces with thousands of small metamaterial elements that dynamically shape and control RF signals.

Alix Paultre

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) leverages smart radio surfaces with thousands of small metamaterial elements that dynamically shape and control radio signals. The technology can enhance key-performance-indicators for various systems such as coverage and capacity, as well as localization and sensing, among others. We talk to Arman Shojaeifar, Chair of the Industry Specification Group on Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (ISG RIS) at ETSI, about the technology and its ramifications. For example, an RIS can reconfigure the radio environment to sense human posture and detect someone falling, a very useful application for elderly care.

About the Author

Alix Paultre | Editor-at-Large, Microwaves & RF

Alix is Editor-at-Large for Microwaves & RF.

An Army veteran, Alix Paultre was a signals intelligence soldier on the East/West German border in the early ‘80s, and eventually wound up helping launch and run a publication on consumer electronics for the U.S. military stationed in Europe. Alix first began in this industry in 1998 at Electronic Products magazine, and since then has worked for a variety of publications, most recently as Editor-in-Chief of Power Systems Design.

Alix currently lives in Wiesbaden, Germany.