Path Loss in Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface-Enabled Channels

A reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) employs an array of individually-controllable elements to scatter incident signals in a desirable way; for example, to facilitate links between base stations and mobile stations that would otherwise be blocked. A principal consideration in the study of RIS-enabled propagation channels is path loss. This paper presents a simple yet broadly-applicable method for calculating the path loss of a channel consisting of a passive reflectarray-type RIS. This model is then used to characterize path loss as a function of RIS size, link geometry, and the method used to set the element states. Whereas previous work presumes either (1) an array of parameterizable element patterns and spacings (most useful for analysis of specific designs) or (2) a continuous electromagnetic surface (most useful for determining scaling laws and theoretical limits), this work begins with (1) and is then shown to be consistent with (2), making it possible to identify specific practical designs and scenarios that exhibit the performance predicted using (2). This model is used to further elucidate the matter of path loss of the RIS-enabled channel relative to that of the free space direct and specular reflection channels, which is an important consideration in the design of networks employing RIS technology.