Self-tracking duplex communication link using planar retrodirective antennas

In this paper, a compact architecture for an active planar retrodirective antenna array is presented and its application in a self-tracking duplex communication link discussed. The problem of beam-pointing error (BPE) is addressed and a method is suggested to reduce this error. The proposed architecture, which conventionally performs the function of the retransmission of an incident signal back in the direction of its source, is modified in order to include a receive function. Experimental verification of these architectures are performed at 1 GHz and the results from the prototypes are compared with a theoretical model. Finally, the utility of the architecture is demonstrated for its potential use in a duplex communication link.