volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

The mitigation of non-line-of-sight (NLoS) blockages in modern multi-user wireless networks increasingly relies on reconfigurable metasurfaces (RMS) for adaptive beamforming. However, achieving high-resolution phase control typically requires complex, heavy biasing networks, which strictly limit deployment on payload-constrained aerial platforms. To address this, this paper presents the design and system-level performance analysis of a low-profile, 1-bit reconfigurable metasurface operating at 5.67 GHz, developed toward eventual integration on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms for real-world NLoS mitigation. Designed on a single-layer dielectric substrate, the 10×10 meta-atom array utilizes a row-column addressing architecture that drastically reduces control circuitry to just 20 biasing lines, making it a lightweight and readily fabricable candidate for future UAV-mounted deployment. Adaptive twin-beam steering patterns were synthesized across a ±10^◦ to ±60^◦ design space in which two-tier simulations confirmed reliable beam-pointing accuracy (deviations below 1.5^◦) for target angles up to ±40^◦, while revealing significant pointing degradation at ±50^◦ and beyond due to element-pattern roll-off. To assess its potential for payload-constrained applications, the metasurface operation as a UAV-mounted relay was evaluated through a simulated NLoS communication scenario within this validated ±40^◦ range. The system exhibits strong spatial selectivity, effectively isolating targeted users from interference and demonstrating its capability to restore blocked data links under simulated deployment conditions. By delivering a decisive 8 to 14 dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) advantage to maintain a stringent 10^-3 Bit Error Rate (BER), this work establishes the hardware-efficient metasurface as a promising, deployment-ready design for future resilient aerial communication systems, with physical prototyping and real-world flight testing planned as the next stage of this research.

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Dr. Rifnaldi

Dr. Rifqi Rizqullah

Dr. Naufal Radithya Siregar

Dr. Suisbiyanto Prasetya

Mr. Basith Abdurrohman Asy'ari

Dr. Muhammad Zakiyullah Romdlony

Dr. Ashif Aminulloh Fathnan