On Optimizing RIS-aided SWIPT-IoTs with Power Splitting-based Non-Linear Energy Harvesting

Future generation of Wireless Communications encompasses massive connectivity of energy-starved and heavy-data driven billions of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. In this vein, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) holds great promise while providing improved performance and efficiency in terms of energy, cost and spectrum. Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transmission (SWIPT) in conjunction with RIS makes a great partnership to suffice the IoT demands. This paper examines a SWIPT-IoT system that utilize power-splitting (PS) and non-linear energy harvesting (EH) techniques. The IoT node receives both energy and information from the base station via an RIS. We present a combined problem that aims to optimize the individual objectives of rate, EH, and transmit power, while taking into account various sets of quality-of-service (QoS)-based constraints. We introduce a set of iterative optimization algorithm that utilize a divide-and-conquer approach to effectively solve the aforementioned problems. Based on our computational results, we confer that in order to reap the benefits of PS-based SWIPT-IoTs, it is imperative to increase the size of RIS and position them in optimal proximity to both the base station and the user.