With the TMYTEK XRifle Dynamic RIS, bq-microwave adds one of the most exciting component technologies for 5G/6G: a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) that does not simply reflect radio signals but steers their reflection angles electronically and in real time. This makes it possible to close coverage gaps, serve shadowed areas and extend the reach of mmWave networks – without additional active base stations.
Why RIS? The NLOS challenge of mmWave
The higher the frequency, the more sensitive the link becomes to obstacles: buildings, walls and objects create shadow and dead zones where the signal collapses. This is exactly where a RIS helps. As a passive yet dynamically steerable surface placed between transmitter and receiver, it redirects the incident wave towards the user – creating a Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) link where no direct line of sight existed. Compared with deploying extra base stations, this is far more cost- and energy-efficient.
Three models for FR1 and FR2
The XRifle Dynamic RIS comes in three variants that together span sub-6 GHz and mmWave:
| Model | Frequency | Band |
|---|---|---|
| XRifle RIS 3G5 | 3.35–3.6 GHz | Sub-6 GHz (FR1) |
| XRifle RIS 4G7 | 4.2–5.2 GHz | Sub-6 GHz (FR1) |
| XRifle RIS 28G | 26–30 GHz | mmWave (FR2) |
All three offer a 3D angle range of ±60° for incidence and reflection, are bi-directional and modulation- and protocol-agnostic. Full technical data is available on the XRifle Dynamic RIS product page.
One controller, up to four modules
A single controller drives up to four RIS modules at once, enabling large arrays up to 64×64 (4× 32×32). Particularly interesting for research: heterogeneous combinations let 3.5, 4.7 and 28 GHz modules run in parallel – emulating FR1 and FR2 scenarios in a single setup. Everything is controlled through the TMXLAB Kit with GUI and API, including Adaptive Beam Steering.
Applications
- 5G coverage: opening up coverage gaps and shadowed areas in FR1 and FR2
- 5G/6G research: field trials and prototyping of reconfigurable radio environments
- OTA testing: long-distance over-the-air links, e.g. combined with Anritsu ME786xA
- 6G ISAC: Integrated Sensing and Communication with the 28G module
- Smart city / IoT: adaptive coverage in dense urban environments
Availability at bq-microwave
bq-microwave is the European distributor for TMYTEK. The XRifle Dynamic RIS and the wider TMYTEK portfolio (BBox beamformers, UD Box converters, XRifle Reflector) are available through us. For quotes and technical advice, contact us at info@bq-microwave.de or via our contact form.
XRifle Dynamic RIS – overview (PDF)RIS 3G5 datasheetRIS 4G7 datasheetRIS 28G datasheet