Sparse antenna array based positional modulation design with a low-complexity metasurface

Positional modulation (PM) has been introduced recently where a given modulation pattern can only be received at certain desired positions. To achieve it, the multi-path effect is exploited for positional modulation with the aid of metasurface acting as a low-cost flexible reflecting surface. In this paper, sparse antenna array based positional modulation design is proposed for the first time; to reduce the implementation complexity of the metasurface, the number of active units is also minimised for a given PM design requirement. Design examples are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed design.