Harmonic Beam Steering through Dual-Phase Variable Pulse Amplitude Switching Strategy in Time Modulated Linear Arrays

Time Modulated Arrays (TMA) use radio frequency (RF) switches, which are simpler and cheaper than traditional phase shifters for the beamforming. Because of the RF switches, in addition to the main radiation, the harmonic components, which affect the efficiency of the array are generated at multiples of the modulation frequency. In this study, dual-phase variable pulse amplitude (DPVPA) excitation waveform is proposed which can be amplified and steered to the desired harmonic component rather than the first harmonic component. Furthermore, the proposed method provides a significant advantage in signal bandwidth as higher-order harmonics can be exploited.