Quick Way to Know about Antenna and Its Type

Wireless communication is gaining huge popularity in the current times. Many wireless devices are used in several areas such as the industrial sector, military, air force, and others. Many individuals today choose communication as their career.

Before you go ahead in the communication field, it is necessary to gain basic knowledge of antennas, their working, benefits, and types of antennas. Different antennas are used for different purposes such as communicating, tracking, and sending signals.

This blog explains everything about Yagi Antenna, its types, and its benefits in various sectors. We will also discuss how different antennas help to improve communication between areas.

Meaning of Antenna

We will discuss the antenna in simple words. The antenna is a device that helps to convert power into electromagnetic waves. Any signal from a device is transmitted to the antenna. Then antenna will convert that signal into electromagnetic waves. It can be used for the reception and transmission of electromagnetic radiation.

Additionally, UHF Antenna can accept radio waves from space and convert them into electrical signals. It also gives electrical signals to the transmission lines.

What is the Antenna Used For?

Log Periodic Dipole Antenna can be used for several purposes. The main purpose of using an antenna is to get better signals while communicating over certain areas. The transmission of signals is the major function of any antenna. This device is used when it is not possible to use other technologies.

Antennas are widely used in air force bases, army, and border areas. These areas are very sensitive and advanced technologies and other devices might not work. Communication can be easily done with the help of wireless devices. Wireless devices enhance the quality of communication in these sensitive areas.

What are the different properties of an antenna?

We discussed the definition of an antenna. Now, let us discuss the different properties of the VHF Antenna in detail such as:

• Aperture

Aperture is an important property of an antenna. It helps in the smooth transmission and reception of electromagnet waves. The effective aperture is the collecting area of the antenna.

• Antenna Gain

The degree of directionality of a radial pattern is measured by an antenna. This process is called a parameter gain. You will gain many advantages by using an antenna because of its modern design. Power in an antenna increases with the desired direction and it decreases in unwanted directions.

• Polar Diagram

Another name for the polar diagram is radiation pattern. It is one of the most crucial properties of an antenna. A plot in an antenna can be obtained in both horizontal and vertical planes.

• Direction and Bandwidth 

When the power radiation is concentrated in a particular direction, it is known as the direction of an antenna. You can also call it the ability of the directional antenna to radiate signals in a particular direction.

Bandwidth is another important property of an antenna. It is a range of frequencies on which an antenna transmits and receives energy.

• Effective length

The next property of an antenna is effective length. It is the efficiency of the antenna to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves.

• Polarization

Electromagnet waves transmitted by the antenna can be polarized both horizontally and vertically. A circular polarized high gain helical antenna is a combination of vertical and horizontal antennas.

Different Kinds of Antennas

After discussing the definition and properties of antennas, let us discuss the various kinds of antennas. The different kinds of antennas are:

• Wire Antenna

As the name suggests, a wire antenna contains different types of wire. These antennas are widely used in aircraft and ships and even on buildings. You will get wire antennas such as Helix, dipole, and loop. Moreover, wire antennas are available in different shapes and sizes.

• Short Dipole Antenna

The short dipole antenna is a kind of open circuit wire where you will get signals in the center. You will get a short wavelength of the signal in this type of antenna.

• Dipole Antenna

The next is the dipole antenna. It has 2 conductors on the same axis. The length of the wire is smaller than the wavelength in the case of a dipole antenna.

• Loop Antenna

When a single or multiple wires form a loop, it is known as a loop antenna. It produces short radiation like in the case of a short dipole antenna.

• Monopole Antenna

A Monopole antenna is half the size of a dipole antenna.

• Aperture Antenna

The aperture antenna contains an opening in the surface to emit radio waves. It is a kind of directional antenna that contains either a dipole antenna or loop antenna.

• Slot Antenna

Slot antenna has multiple slots on the waveguide surface. It is a kind of Omni antenna with an omnidirectional radiation pattern.

• Horn Antenna

A Horn antenna is a famous type of antenna that acts like a natural extension in the case of a waveguide.

Which Antennas are Used in Mobile Communications?

Rectangular and circular antennas are widely used in mobile communications. We will discuss both types of antennas in detail in this blog:

• Rectangular Antenna

Rectangular antennas are directional antennas that are connected to BTS with the help of axial cables. Normally, these antennas include RF spectrum and are used for many network services such as 2G, 3G, and 4G.

• Circular Antenna

This is the second type of common antenna used in mobile communication. It is used for communication between BTSs. A circular antenna works with the help of microwave frequencies and has point-to-point transmission and reception. Waveguides help to establish a connection between different antennas.

Final Words

This is a blog explaining everything about an antenna. These days, many types of antennas are manufactured for simplifying wireless communication over border areas and other commercial zones.

There are many other types of antennas such as Omni quadrifilar helix antenna and others. They are used for different purposes in tracking and communicating in military operations and air force bases. They are rust-resistant and do not get damaged due to rains, winds, sunrays, or other harmful particles.