What is a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS)?
Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) enable the targeted manipulation of electromagnetic waves directly within the propagation environment — programmable, energy-efficient and without active RF amplification.
They introduce a new physical layer dimension to wireless communication and open up novel approaches for 6G research, radio channel optimization, sensing applications and physical layer security.
- Passive, programmable control of radio channels
- Independent of specific wireless standards
- Ideal for research, prototyping and custom applications
What Exactly Is a RIS?
A RIS consists of a large number of passive or semi-passive metamaterial elements whose electromagnetic properties can be precisely adjusted.
By controlling individual elements, incident radio waves can be spatially shaped, redirected or constructively combined — comparable to a programmable mirror for electromagnetic waves.
Typical Control Parameters of a RIS:
- Polarization (depending on design)
- Phase shifting
- Amplitude adjustment
RIS as an Intelligent Reflector
Unlike conventional reflectors or active repeaters, a RIS operates purely passively and interacts directly with the physical layer of the radio channel.
This allows controlled exploitation of multipath propagation, reduction of coverage holes, interference management and enhancement of security-related channel characteristics — without additional active transmit power.
Independent of Wireless Standards
Since RIS technology operates directly on the physical layer, it is not bound to a specific wireless standard.
RIS systems can be integrated into existing legacy networks and are particularly suitable for experimental setups, for example using WiFi Channel State Information (CSI) or 5G and 6G testbeds.
💡 In Short:
Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces are a flexible, research-driven tool for targeted radio channel manipulation. They enable new approaches in communication research, channel optimization, sensing applications and physical layer security — independent of the underlying wireless standard.
Typical Application Areas of RIS
- 6G and Beyond-5G research
- Joint Communication & Sensing (JCS / JCAS)
- Physical Layer Security
- Indoor channel optimization
- Experimental wireless testbeds
- Industrial and laboratory environments with complex radio conditions
NovoFlect RIS Systems
For different application scenarios, we offer suitable RIS platforms. Depending on frequency range and objective, you can choose the appropriate RIS module:
- 3.6 GHz RIS – Modular RIS system (24 × 18 cm) with 2 or 8 phase states
- 5.5 GHz RIS – RIS modules with 120 or 256 elements and integrated controller
- 28 GHz RIS – FR2 RIS system with 1024 elements and integrated controller
Custom RIS Development
In addition to standard RIS platforms, we develop customized RIS solutions tailored to specific applications.
We consider frequency range, element count, geometry, control architecture and interface concepts. From simulation to prototype and low-volume production, we support the entire development process.
Interested in our RIS solutions?
Request Quote or datasheet here: