KYOCERA Develops Transmissive Metasurface Technology That Redirects Wireless Signals for Improved 5G and 6G Performance

Rhea-AI Summary

Kyocera Corporation has developed a new Transmissive Metasurface technology aimed at enhancing wireless communication for 5G and future 6G networks. This innovation allows for improved signal redirection, overcoming obstacles that hinder traditional signal propagation. Recent tests showed that the technology significantly improved signal strength in obstructed areas, matching that of unobstructed connections. Kyocera's solution expands coverage areas for high-frequency signals, optimizing performance in challenging environments.

Positive

• Development of Transmissive Metasurface technology enhances 5G and future 6G networks.
• Significantly improved signal strength in obstructed locations during tests.
• Ability to redirect signals at small angles, overcoming physical barriers.

Negative

• None.

KYOTO, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kyocera Corporation (President: Hideo Tanimoto) (TOKYO:6971) has developed a Transmissive Metasurface technology that can redirect wireless network signals in a specific direction to improve the coverage area and performance of 5G and eventually 6G networks. The Transmissive Metasurface will help deliver high-frequency millimeter-wave 5G and 6G to places where communication is impossible due to obstacles, expanding service areas beyond the capability of conventional Reflective Metasurface technologies used today.

Transmissive Metasurface (Prototype) (Graphic: Business Wire)

WATCH: Kyocera Develops Transmissive Metasurface Technology (Japanese language only)

Development Background
The 28 GHz band used in 5G networks, and the higher frequency band being studied for 6G, have a high degree of rectilinear propagation. Signals often cannot reach locations where a direct line of sight to the base station is obstructed. Reflective Metasurface technology offers a very limited ability to change the direction of a signal to reach these areas. To solve this issue and expand performance, Kyocera developed a new Transmissive Metasurface technology that can redirect radio waves at smaller angles to extend targeted network coverage.

Features: Transmissive Metasurface Technology

1) Kyocera expands the direction in which radio signals can be redirected
Radio waves striking a conventional Reflective Metasurface device can be redirected at a wide angle, but not at narrow angles beyond the metasurface. Kyocera’s new Transmissive Metasurface technology is able to bend at narrow angles in order to avoid obstacles that may block transmission, expanding 5G and eventually 6G coverage even further. For example, a large building may block 5G network transmission, but Kyocera’s Transmissive Metasurface device can redirect the signal downward to reach smaller buildings behind and below for better coverage.

2) Proprietary Flexible Size Development
The area in which a Transmissive Metasurface can deliver signals is proportional to the size of the metasurface itself. Conventional technologies have been unable to develop a Transmissive Metasurface of sufficient size for practical use, but Kyocera can design any size using its proprietary technology, allowing greater flexibility. This makes it possible to install metasurfaces in more places, such as a home patio or apartment balcony.

5G Test Results
Kyocera tested its new Transmissive Metasurface using a 28 GHz band local 5G environment at its Kagoshima Kokubu Plant (Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan). Terminals were installed at two locations: Location A (reception power: -97 dBm), where signal strength is weak due to walls obstructing line-of-sight to the base station; and Location B (reception power: -67 dBm), where signal strength is high due to an unobstructed line-of-sight to the base station through a window. When a Transmissive Metasurface was installed outside the window at Location A, signal strength was -68 dBm, about the same as at Location B with its clear line-of-sight.

Kyocera is developing a Transparent Transmissive Metasurface that is more landscape-friendly and incorporates technological improvements to focus radio waves in specific locations and improve signal strength further. Additionally, the Company is developing a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS)* that can create a smart signal environment to change the signal direction adaptively depending on the devices in use.

*RIS is a technology that changes the direction of radio waves by electrically changing the phase of elements on a metasurface.

About KYOCERA

Kyocera Corporation (TOKYO:6971, https://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of industrial and automotive components, semiconductor packages, electronic devices, smart energy systems, printers, copiers, and mobile phones. During the year ended March 31, 2021, the company’s consolidated sales revenue totaled 1.5 trillion yen (approx. US$13.8 billion). Kyocera is ranked #603 on Forbes magazine’s 2021 “Global 2000” list of the world’s largest publicly traded companies, and has appeared on The Wall Street Journal’s list of “The World’s 100 Most Sustainably Managed Companies.”

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220414005914/en/

Miho Suzuki

KYOCERA Corporation (Japan)

Corporate Communications

TEL: Head Office +81-(0)75-604-3416

E-mail: webmaster.pressgl@kyocera.jp

Source: KYOCERA Corporation

FAQ

What is Kyocera's new technology for 5G and 6G networks?

Kyocera has developed a Transmissive Metasurface technology that redirects wireless signals to improve coverage and performance.

How does the Transmissive Metasurface technology improve wireless communication?

It allows signals to be redirected at narrow angles, overcoming obstacles that block transmission.

What were the test results for Kyocera's Transmissive Metasurface technology?

Tests showed that it improved signal strength in obstructed areas, matching the strength in unobstructed areas.

When was the Transmissive Metasurface technology announced by Kyocera?

The announcement was made in a press release dated April 14, 2022.

What is the stock symbol for Kyocera Corporation?

Kyocera Corporation is traded under the stock symbol KYOCY.