Research on Multi-beam Scanning and Optimization Technology for Time Modulated Array

Abstract

Single-frequency signal will generate countless sideband radiation at the harmonic frequencies through the time-modulated array (TMA). Due to the negative impact on the other RF systems, the sideband radiation is usually suppressed. However, this paper focuses on the use of the sideband radiation and the technology of phase-controlled multi-beam scanning, which is based on the countless sideband radiation at the harmonic frequencies. The sideband beam pattern was optimized by the differential evolution algorithm, and the multi-beam scanning technique was realized based on phase weighting to achieve spatial multi-target scanning orientation in a 16-element uniform linear TMA by numerical simulation. Simultaneously the ultra-low sidelobe (SLL) of -40dB and null beamforming of -70dB were realized to suppress the interference.