Distributed Split Single-Sideband Time-Modulated Arrays for Secure Communications

In recent years, physical layer security (PLS) techniques have been paid considerable attention due to its high-security level and strong compatibility. However, the request of the superior legitimate channel is the Achilles’ Heel of PLS. A significant challenge exists in ensuring information confidentiality when the eavesdropper locates at user’s direction in the multi-antenna system. To overcome this limitation, we propose a novel framework to achieve secure communication via distributed split single sideband (SSB) time modulated array (TMA). By strategically dividing the I/Q paths of the transmitted signals into geographically separated subarrays, we establish the non-aliasing zone to achieve error-free communication for legitimate user (LU), while the eavesdropper positioned in the aliasing zone receives irrecoverably disturbed waveform. To assess performance, we adopt the encoder-decoder-based deep neural network to optimize the time-switching sequence, ensuring the subarrays’ spatial radiation areas overlap exclusively at the LU. A specialized loss function is formulated to enhance the interference-to-signal ratio by increasing the −1stto the +1stharmonic power ratio in non-LU regions. Furthermore, the joint optimization improves security by focusing energy on the LU while generating interference in non-LU areas. The bit error rate (BER) is used as the metric, and the simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, ensuring reliable transmission and increasing Eve’s BER to approximately 0.5, thereby compromising her ability to intercept the communication.