Simplified design, simulation, and lab‐environment measurement scheme for retro‐directive antenna arrays

Abstract

Retro‐directive antenna arrays are capable to reflect back an incoming signal in source direction just like corner reflectors. Retro‐directive antenna arrays do not use complex and expensive phase shifters or smart antennas to steer their beam. These arrays steer beam autonomously in source direction by reversing progressive phase induced by incident signal. Two basic designs of retro‐directive antenna array are Van Atta array and Phase Conjugating array. A simplified design for phase conjugating array is proposed in this article. Moreover, RF measurement and testing in Lab environment need special schemes to cater for issues of multipath, far field reflections, and mutual interference. Therefore, a specially designed lab environment testing methodology is proposed and validation of retro‐directive response of developed phase conjugating array using proposed testing methodology is also presented in the article.