Abstract: An array antenna includes a plurality of mechanically separate radiating panels arranged side-by-side, means for applying a shaping to the signals transmitted by the radiating elements of the panels and a device for managing the shaping of the signals, wherein the shaping coefficients correspond to a sum of at least: a shaping coefficient (Wco) making it possible to orient the maximum gain of the antenna in a given direction, and at least the opposite of a shaping coefficient (Wc) making it possible to orient the maximum gain of the antenna in the direction of a side lobe resulting from differences between the radiating panels of the array antenna. The method relates also to the associated transmission/reception method.

Abstract: An array antenna includes a plurality of mechanically separate radiating panels arranged side-by-side, means for applying a shaping to the signals transmitted by the radiating elements of the panels and a device for managing the shaping of the signals, wherein the shaping coefficients correspond to a sum of at least: a shaping coefficient (Wco) making it possible to orient the maximum gain of the antenna in a given direction, and at least the opposite of a shaping coefficient (Wc) making it possible to orient the maximum gain of the antenna in the direction of a side lobe resulting from differences between the radiating panels of the array antenna. The method relates also to the associated transmission/reception method.

Abstract: The invention relates to phase-shifting cells constituting the passive reflectarrays of antennas with a reconfigurable transmission direction, transmitting in the microwave range. More particularly, the invention describes, within the context of phase-shifting cells of the type having dipole strands angularly distributed in a star configuration, a novel type of switch consisting of a microelectromechanical device essentially comprising a suspended micromembrane which, under the action of an electrostatic force caused by a control voltage, deforms sufficiently to ensure electrical connection between the strands, making it possible to form a dipole in the desired orientation. In one particular embodiment, the micromembrane can be likened to one of the plates of a capacitor and its deformation corresponds to a substantial increase in the capacitance of this capacitor, thus providing the electrical connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to phase-shifting cells constituting the passive reflectarrays of antennas with a reconfigurable transmission direction, transmitting in the microwave range. More particularly, the invention describes, within the context of phase-shifting cells of the type having dipole strands angularly distributed in a star configuration, a novel type of switch consisting of a microelectromechanical device essentially comprising a suspended micromembrane which, under the action of an electrostatic force caused by a control voltage, deforms sufficiently to ensure electrical connection between the strands, making it possible to form a dipole in the desired orientation. In one particular embodiment, the micromembrane can be likened to one of the plates of a capacitor and its deformation corresponds to a substantial increase in the capacitance of this capacitor, thus providing the electrical connection.