Self-phasing antenna array techniques for mobile communications applications

Abstract

This paper provides a summary of the basic concepts of retrodirective antenna arrays. Originally this class of antenna was developed in the 1960s for direct satellite-to-ground transmission of high-power microwave energy. The explosive growth of mobile communications has, in the authors' opinion, reopened the debate for alternative applications of retrodirective array techniques. Advances in microstrip antenna design coupled with the availability of integrated circuit amplifier and mixer components permit minimum-complexity retrodirective antenna arrays to be constructed. Several different planar retrodirective antenna architectures are presented and their basic operational characteristics given. A novel application for co-operating retrodirective antennas in a duplex communication link with inherent space division multiple access capability is also described. Finally some of the operational parameters which could ultimately limit the performance of this class of antenna are discussed.