High-Efficiency Harmonic Beamforming with Multi-Branch Time-Modulated Array

A novel high-efficiency time modulation (TM) module and harmonic beamforming system are proposed and verified. Aiming to mitigate the power loss in time modulation, single-pole M-throw (SPMT) radio frequency (RF) switches and multiple fixed delay lines are introduced to form the high-efficiency modulation module. Theoretical derivation indicates that the proposed TM module and corresponding beamforming array can realize a significant improvement on overall efficiency. Simulation results are provided to show that the overall efficiency and the gain of the beam can increase with the increase of the fixed delay lines.