A model for non-ideal retrodirective channels in non-line-of-sight geometry

Backscatter radio communication typically has less reliability than conventional radio links, hindering adaptation. Retrodirective arrays have been shown to enhance the link with gain and a recently-observed resistance to small-scale fading. However, the statistical advantages of retrodirective backscatter channels have only been theoretically studied for ideal, infinite arrays. This article studies practical finite retrodirective arrays and the performance of these channels using the bit-error-rate metric. This work shows that a significant improvement in the channel reliability can be achieved even with the modest retrodirective antenna arrays with a few individual elements.