Localization Based on MIMO Backscattering from Retro-Directive Antenna Arrays

In next-generation vehicular environments, precise localization is crucial for facilitating advanced applications such as autonomous driving. As automation levels escalate, the demand rises for enhanced accuracy, reliability, energy efficiency, update rate, and reduced latency in position information delivery. In this paper, we propose the exploitation of backscattering from retro-directive antenna arrays (RAAs) to address these imperatives. We introduce and discuss two RAA-based architectures designed for various applications, including network localization and navigation. These architectures enable swift and simple angle-of-arrival estimation by using signals backscattered from RAAs. They also leverage multiple antennas to capitalize on multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) gains, thereby addressing the challenges posed by the inherent path loss in backscatter communication, especially when operating at high frequencies. Consequently, angle-based localization becomes achievable with remarkably low latency, ideal for mobile and vehicular applications. This paper introduces ad-hoc signalling and processing schemes for this purpose, and their performance is analytically investigated. Numerical results underscore the potential of these schemes, offering precise and ultra-low-latency localization with low complexity and ultra-low energy consumption devices.