Effect of Loss Tangent on the Performance of Retrodirective Array Based on Microstrip Patch

Based on the theoretical analysis and some simulations by HFSS, the effect of loss tangent of the substrate material on the performance of retrodirective array is investigated, by a microstrip Van Atta array working at 5.8 GHz. Simulation results show that, with a good antenna matching, the retrodirective performance of the Van Atta array will deteriorate continuously with the increasing of loss tangent from 0.00125 to 0.02. For tanδ larger than 0.005, the retrodirective performance decreases seriously. This study provides a reference for the material selection in the design of passive retrodirective array.