A Broadband Van Atta Antenna Array Based on Cross-Bridge

When the number of elements in a retrodirective antenna array increase, the design of the feeding network becomes complex, and the connecting lines between antenna pairs are prone to crossovers. To address these issues, this paper proposes a Van Atta retrodirective array based on a cross-bridge structure. The array employs an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) to extend its operating bandwidth and uses cross-bridges to connect antenna pairs to achieve phase conjugation, eliminating the need for a complex feeding network. The array operates within the frequency range of 5.4-7 GHz, with a relative operating bandwidth of 27.6%. Within the azimuth angle range of ±30° to ±70°, the monostatic radar cross-section (RCS) fluctuation of the array does not exceed 3 dB. Moreover, the proposed design features a simple structure with a low profile. This design is highly meaningful for the future development of 6G Internet of Things (IoT), radar simulation, and target deception.