Subsampling Time-Modulated Array for Reduced Hardware Down Conversion and Beamforming

A subsampling time modulated array (STMA) with eight elements at 2.4 GHz is introduced to reduce the hardware complexity in a conventional analog beamformer. By applying the concept of TMA in a (software defined radio) SDR based downconverter, the proposed RF hardware can perform beamforming and down conversion with a minimal circuitry. Experimental tests confirm the ability of the hardware to steer the desired incoming RF receive beam at the carrier frequency and resolve it at the subsampled intermediate frequency IF output. The analysis extends to the correlation between the hardware of the STMA and the performance of sidelobe levels within the array. The beam steering capability of each harmonic beams and the corresponding side lobe levels is also analyzed. The proposed STMA system with beamforming and down conversion is suitable for future receiver systems to reduce the complexity and power consumption.