A 16-element two-dimensional active self-steering array using self-oscillating mixers

A 16-element two-dimensional (2-D) retrodirective array using self-oscillating mixers (SOMs) is presented. SOMs allow for easier implementation of larger 2-D arrays by eliminating the complex local-oscillator (LO) feed structure. A 4 x 4 element retrodirective array using SOMs is demonstrated at an LO frequency of 7.68 GHz. Each element is phased locked at the LO frequency with an accompanying RF frequency isolation of 17.9 dB between adjacent horizontal elements and 22.2 dB between adjacent vertical elements. A---10-dBm external injection-locking signal is applied to reduce the phase noise of the 16-element array to -68.2 dBc/Hz at 10-kHz offset. Retrodirectivity is observed in the [phi] = 0[degrees], [phi] = -45[degrees], and [phi] = -90 plane for scattering angles of [theta] = -15[degrees], [theta] = 0[degrees], and [theta] = +30[degrees]. Index Terms--Antenna arrays, beam steering, microwave antenna arrays, phased arrays, retrodirective array, self-oscillating mixer (SOM).