Circular Array Retrodirective Action Using a Rotman Lens Beamformer

We present the first use of a circular array for retrodirection covering full 360°. In particular, we discuss the attributes of the circular array when combined with Rotman beam forming. For reference the characteristics of the circular array when performing retrodirective action using local per element conjugation is also demonstrated. Simulated and measurement results at X-band are presented. The retrodirective circular array provides the advantage of 360° coverage when compared to other retrodirectors based on uniform linear arrays, as these typically allow only up to ±40° sector coverage.