Hybrid RF beamforming with multiport antenna with parasitic array

A method for hybrid radio frequency (RF) beamforming comprising:

• providing an antenna structure which comprises:
• a driven element,
• a plurality of parasitic elements arranged around the driven element, wherein each of the plurality of parasitic elements is configured to couple/decouple a linearly polarized radiation pattern,
• a first plurality of RF switches electrically connected to the plurality of parasitic elements,
• four ports that are 90 degrees out of phase with each other, wherein the four ports are configured to feed the driven element,
• a second plurality of RF switches connected to the four ports, and
• a controller operatively connected to the first plurality of RF switches and to the second plurality of RF switches;
• using the controller to selectively disconnect an output of a given feed port according to a stored configuration of the first and second pluralities of RF switches, which is stored in a memory, by switching a state of the given feed port's corresponding RF switch, thereby changing the feed ports' respective phase or attenuation;
• and
• selectively changing a loading of each parasitic element by activating each parasitic element's corresponding RF switch with the controller according to the stored configuration so as to produce a desired null/beamforming of a main RF beam.