Abstract: A method for beam steering and beam forming an antenna is disclosed herein that includes illuminating an optical fiber with a light source, thereby transmitting a signal through the optical fiber to an electro-optical switch. The electro-optical switch is actuated with the signal from the light source, thereby switching an electrical load in the electro-optical switch. At least one antenna element in an array of antenna elements is excited with RF radiation radiated by a driven element via an RF transmission line and reradiated from parasitic elements, thereby beam steering and beam forming the antenna.

Abstract: A switchboard controller for a parasitic antenna array. The switchboard controller has an internal bias tee mounted within an RF-shielded enclosure. The internal bias tee has an RF port, a DC port, and an RF & DC port. The RF port is configured to be connected to a driven element of the parasitic array antenna, and the RF & DC port is configured to be connected to an RF and DC source. The switchboard controller also has a voltage regulator mounted within the enclosure and is electrically connected to the DC port. The switchboard controller also has a plurality of manual switches electrically connected to the voltage regulator, each switch operatively connected to a separate parasitic element of the parasitic array antenna. The switches are mounted on the back side of a frame in a 2-dimensional pattern that is similar to the physical layout of the parasitic elements.

Abstract: A switchboard controller for a parasitic antenna array. The switchboard controller has an internal bias tee mounted within an RF-shielded enclosure. The internal bias tee has an RF port, a DC port, and an RF & DC port. The RF port is configured to be connected to a driven element of the parasitic array antenna, and the RF & DC port is configured to be connected to an RF and DC source. The switchboard controller also has a voltage regulator mounted within the enclosure and is electrically connected to the DC port. The switchboard controller also has a plurality of manual switches electrically connected to the voltage regulator, each switch operatively connected to a separate parasitic element of the parasitic array antenna. The switches are mounted on the back side of a frame in a 2-dimensional pattern that is similar to the physical layout of the parasitic elements.