A 73 GHz time modulated array with beam steering and direct vector modulation of QPSK / 8PSK / 16QAM

We demonstrate the first use of a Time Modulated Array (TMA) steerable phased array at 73 GHz with data symbol vector modulation applied directly by the TMA. The concept removes the need for data modulation to be applied in earlier RF stages. Only TMA digital control waveforms are used, to both steer the beam and apply symbol modulation. Laboratory demonstration results using a custom 73 GHz hardware prototype show QPSK, 8PSK and 16QAM constellations are obtained as expected. Laboratory measured Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) ranges from 7.1% to 11%.