Phased array antenna with active parasitic elements

1. Field of the Invention A phased array antenna includes an active or beam forming array portion, and active parasitic elements that transmit and/or receive signals. The parasitic elements serve the dual purpose of providing a uniform impedance for elements at the edge of the array portion of the antenna while also providing active elements that are used to transmit and/or receive signals. The active parasitic elements may transmit and/or receive at the same frequency as the array portion or at a different frequency than the array portion. It is also possible for the active parasitic elements to have a different polarization than the elements of the array portion.