A phased array antenna includes phase shifting elements, drivers, and
antenna elements. The phase shifting elements are operatively coupled to
first signals and second signals, and include at least one plasma
electrode. The drivers selectively energize the plasma electrode and the
phase shifting elements provide a phase shift between the first and second
signals in response to the plasma electrode being energized. The antenna
elements are operatively coupled to the phase shifting elements. A method
of phase shifting an array antenna includes the steps of providing phase
shifting elements operatively coupled to first signals and second signals,
and incorporating at least one plasma electrode in the phase shifting
elements. The method also includes the steps of selectively energizing the
plasma electrode, shifting the phase between the first signals and second
signals in response to the plasma electrode being energized, and
operatively coupling antenna elements to the second signals.
