Antenna Terminology Explained

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This page describes various terms related to antennas, including antenna gain, antenna beamwidth, antenna figure of merit (G/T), antenna radiation pattern, antenna bandwidth, antenna efficiency, antenna impedance, antenna polarization, antenna effective aperture, antenna wavelength, and antenna directivity.

Antenna TermsBasic descriptionRF Wireless World Reference
Antenna GainIn simple terms, antenna gain is the factor by which input power to the antenna will be multiplied to provide a higher output power. It is this higher power output which will be transmitted over the air as EM waves.Antenna Gain
Antenna BeamwidthThe difference between half-power points (3dB points) on the antenna radiation pattern is referred to as antenna beamwidth. The unit is degrees.
Antenna G/T (Figure of Merit)Antenna Gain to Noise temperature ratio is referred to as the figure of merit of the antenna. Also known as antenna G/T.
Antenna Radiation PatternElectromagnetic waves emitted from the antenna are referred to as the antenna radiation pattern. It is made of a major lobe and more than one side lobe. The region near the antenna is referred to as the near-field region, and the region far away is referred to as the far-field region. It can be represented either in polar or rectangular coordinates.Near Field vs Far Field
Antenna BandwidthRange of frequencies over which the antenna operates satisfactorily. The difference between the highest and lowest frequency points is referred to as antenna bandwidth.
Antenna EfficiencyIt is the ratio of power radiated or power dissipated in the antenna structure to the power input to the antenna. Higher antenna efficiency means a good amount of power is radiated into space, and less power is lost within the antenna. ε R = P radiated / P input
Antenna ImpedanceIn simple terms, it is the ratio of voltage to the current at the antenna input. If antenna impedance at input is 50 Ohm, it means the sinusoidal voltage amplitude is 1 volt, and the current amplitude is 1/50 Amps. Based on this and the transmission line impedance, a balun may or may not be required. A balun is also referred to as an impedance transformer.Balun
Antenna PolarizationPolarization refers to the polarization of the electromagnetic wave transmitted or received by the antenna. It is the direction of the electric field vector embedded within the EM wave.Horizontal vs Vertical Polarization
Antenna Effective ApertureThis parameter describes how much power can be captured by the antenna. The effective aperture or effective area of the antenna can be expressed as follows: A e = λ 2 *G / 4*pi
Antenna WavelengthThe size of the antenna depends on the wavelength. Wavelength is the distance a radio frequency wave travels during one cycle period. A half-wave dipole will have half a wavelength long. λ = c/f, where c is the speed of light, i.e., 3 x 10^8 m/sWavelength vs Frequency
Antenna DirectivityIt is the ability of the antenna to focus EM waves in a particular direction for transmission and reception. It is related to antenna gain and antenna efficiency as follows: Gain = η * Directivity, where η is antenna efficiency
Parabolic Antenna Calculator

Parabolic Antenna Calculator

Calculate the gain, half-power beamwidth, and effective aperture of a parabolic antenna using this online calculator. Input frequency and diameter for instant results.

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Horn Antenna Calculator

Horn Antenna Calculator

Calculate horn antenna gain, vertical beamwidth, and horizontal beamwidth based on frequency, narrow dimension, and broad dimension.

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Sinuous Antenna: Advantages and Disadvantages

Sinuous Antenna: Advantages and Disadvantages

Explore the benefits and drawbacks of sinuous antennas, also known as spiral antennas, including their dual polarization capabilities and applications.

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