Beam reconfiguration in antenna arrays by using parasitic elements

Antenna pattern reconfigurability is considered as a major issue for satellite communications. Satellite operators are willing to optimise the overall capacity of their spacecraft fleet. This requires the capacity of traffic reassignment either just before launch or preferably in flight. Antenna array pattern reconfiguration is usually achieved by changing the relative amplitudes and/or phases of the excitations of its radiating elements. However, this approach often requires the design of beam-forming networks of considerable complexity [1-3]. In this communication two innovative methods, based on global optimization techniques, for dipole antenna arrays beam configuration are presented.