Dynamic Metasurface Antennas: From Programmable Microwave Hardware to Next-Generation Wireless Systems

As wireless systems evolve toward 6G and beyond, antenna apertures are increasingly expected to become more programmable, multifunctional, and responsive to diverse communication, sensing, and imaging requirements. This article explores dynamic metasurface antennas (DMAs) as a promising hardware pathway to achieving this vision. The methodology encompasses an examination of state-of-the-art DMA technology from a microwave-engineering perspective, including guided-wave excitation, reconfigurable resonant meta-elements, microwave tuning technologies, RF-digital integration, and FPGA-controlled beamforming. Results indicate that DMAs facilitate unprecedented functionalities such as phase-shifter-less beam-steering, multibeam radiation, and programmable wavefront control, alongside addressing key microwave design challenges toward creating wideband, scalable, and integrated DMA apertures. Furthermore, the article reviews recent advances in DMA hardware and high-speed electronics that enhance capabilities in communication, sensing, imaging, and space-time functionalities. It concludes by discussing future opportunities in satellite communications, near-field connectivity, fixed wireless access, wave-domain computing, and integrated wireless functionalities, presenting a unified microwave engineering perspective on DMAs as programmable front-ends for next-generation wireless systems.