The Impact of Array Size on Fading in Retrodirective Backscatter Channels: Modelling and Simulation

This paper investigates how the number of antenna elements in retrodirective arrays of transponders affects the robustness of backscatter systems like radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems against fading. A channel model describing the behavior of retrodirective transponders is developed, and simulations are conducted to analyze the fading characteristics based on different array sizes. The results show that increasing the number of antenna elements significantly reduces fading initially, but further increases in the number of antennas beyond a certain point provide diminishing returns. This study provides insights into the design and optimization of retrodirective transponders to improve the reliability of backscatter communication systems.