3 minute read
NPL have successfully completed real-world field trials of its patented Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) technology on a commercial 5G base station at BT’s Research Centre at Adastral Park. This cutting-edge RIS technology, designed and manufactured at NPL, has demonstrated remarkable performance that promises to revolutionise the telecommunications industry.
The recent tests showcased the RIS technology's ability to extend the reach, capacity, spectral efficiency, and energy efficiency of wireless network telecommunication systems. This innovative solution is a substantially lower cost technique for serving coverage not-spots than installing new 5G base stations. This could allow network operators to better serve their customers without requiring a significant penalty in terms of capital investment or operating costs.
NPL’s RIS technology incorporates reflecting elements to create a phase gradient array, enabling wide-angle electronic beam-steering at lower power and with reduced RF losses. This results in improved quality of 5G/6G signals, making it an ideal solution for energy-efficient, coverage-enhanced wireless communications in rural areas and for tracking users in not-spots. The technology's low complexity, higher resolution in phase quantization, and polarization purity control for both vertical and horizontal polarizations further enhance its capabilities.
NPL and BT Group are committed to driving innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of the telecommunications industry. This collaboration, funded by the Government Office for Technology Transfer, aligns with the government’s ambitions to harness digital transformation and build a more inclusive, competitive, and innovative digital economy.
The successful trials mark a significant milestone in the journey towards a more connected and digitally inclusive future.
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03 Apr 2025