RFHorizontal vs. Vertical Polarization: Understanding the Difference
Advertisement
This article explains polarization and highlights the differences between horizontal and vertical polarization.
The orientation of electric and magnetic field vectors is crucial in radio wave communication. The direction of the electric field vector defines the antenna’s polarization. There are two main types of linear polarization: horizontal and vertical.
Horizontal Polarization
In horizontal polarization, the electric field vector of the electromagnetic (EM) wave is parallel to the Earth’s surface. This is achieved by positioning antennas horizontally to the ground. The image above illustrates this, depicting the electric field in the direction of propagation.
Vertical Polarization
In vertical polarization, the electric field vector of the EM wave is perpendicular to the Earth’s surface. This is achieved by positioning antennas vertically to the ground. The image demonstrates this, showing the electric field in the perpendicular direction of propagation.
To ensure an effective communication link, both the transmitting and receiving antennas should be in the same polarization.
Usage of Polarization
- Frequency Re-use: Polarization enables the re-use of frequencies, increasing efficiency.
- Satellite Communication: Linear polarization is commonly used in domestic and non-Intelsat type satellites.
