Page 88 - ITU Journal, Future and evolving technologies - Volume 1 (2020), Issue 1, Inaugural issue

ITU Journal on Future and Evolving Technologies, Volume 1 (2020), Issue 1

3. Evaluate the scattering profile 4. Perform switch-state calibration
40x40 unit cellls
1. Design a virtual tile 40x40 unit cellls
analytical outcome
analytical outcome

Phase φ Amplitude A

0 A=1,φ=2π

blind optimization
outcome
- binary space

Phase φ
Amplitude A = 1
2. Define a new functionality
(a)

Save configuration to Database Perform evaluation measurement

(b) (c)
Mast Positioner Controller
angle Rx Antenna
Rx
Antenna
VNA
Tx
Antenna
Turn Table angle Compiler Host

(d)
Fig. 11 – (a) Snapshots of the Metamaterial Middleware GUI during the metamaterial characterization process. The user may select an
existing tile or create a new one by drawing its unit cell topology and variable elements within. A new functionality for this tile is assigned
by selecting the desired parameters for the impinging and outgoing waves. The process begins by evaluating the scattering response profile,
calculated as a phase and amplitude array for the selected metamaterial function. During the final step the Metamaterial Middleware
seeks the set of optimal states that can realize the scattering response into an actual hardware configuration. (b) After a successful
characterization process the configuration is saved to the DB. Herein, as an instance, a snapshot of the DB manager that was created
during development of the software is presented. (c) The Metamaterial Middleware offers extensive experimental capabilities through a
dedicated module. (d) Utilizing the hardware present in an anechoic chamber, the Metamaterial Middleware was able to acquire full
scattering diagrams of a metamaterial tile, mounted on the available positioning equipment. The three-dimensional (3D) schematic, shown
on the left, is updated live as the turntable or the positioner head rotates during a measurement or optimization process. On the right
hand side, the Metamaterial Middleware host (white laptop) connects via Ethernet to the VNA (measuring the Rx/Tx antennas) and to
the positioner controller.

68 © International Telecommunication Union, 2020