The importance of nonlinear/electromagnetic co-simulation on time-modulated array synthesis

The paper describes the fundamental role played by an accurate nonlinear/electromagnetic co-simulation platform in the analysis and design of time-modulated arrays. The simultaneous presence of nonlinear switches and unavoidable electromagnetic couplings between radiating elements can lead to global system performance significantly different from ideal cases. The effects of both the actual switch behavior and the radiating element type are deeply discussed for different examples of switch control sequences of practical interest. As a final result, the need for an optimization strategy combining the available synthesis methods of the driving patterns with the proposed approach is put into evidence.