Bicone Antenna: Function and Basics

Most microwave antennas are directional. However, many applications require omnidirectional antennas. The key difference is that directional antennas radiate electromagnetic (EM) waves in a specific direction, while omnidirectional antennas radiate in all directions.

For example, a simple dipole antenna is omnidirectional, whereas a horn antenna is directional.

Fig.1 Bicone Antenna

One of the most popular omnidirectional antennas is the Bicone Antenna. The figure above illustrates its setup.

The signal is fed to the antenna through a circular waveguide. This waveguide terminates in a flared cone. Another cone is attached above the lower one. This upper cone acts as a reflector, helping to radiate the EM waves equally in all directions. Bicone antennas generate a very narrow vertical beam width.