Quick Way to Know about Antenna and Its Type

Have you ever wondered how a wireless communication system works? How do we have instant communication?

From television to mobile phones, wireless technology has transformed the entire communication methodology. It has completely changed the way we receive or transmit information globally. We see drastic changes in how we have evolved rapidly and are empowered enough to transfer messages at the speed of light.

If you are interested in exploring wireless technology, you must be aware of what exactly an antenna is and its role in communication.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll explore everything you need to know about antennas. You’ll learn what antennas are, why we need them, and the types of antennas provided by the best antenna company. So let’s begin the journey of exploration!

What is an Antenna?

An antenna plays a significant role in the realm of wireless communication. It is a metallic structure designed for receiving and transmitting a wide range of radiofrequency waves wirelessly. 

Antennas act like a bridge to convert radio waves into electrical signals and electrical signals to radio waves. 

It is a fundamental component of the electrical circuit. And helps in capturing signals that are coming from the free space or the electric devices like the transmitter. 

In this modern era, an antenna is the most important equipment for exchanging information between electronic gadgets. It facilitates the continuous transformation of information and allows wireless systems to perform seamlessly. 

Why do we need Antennas?

Needless to say the importance of antennas in our communication systems. The functionality and support that we get from the best antenna services empower us to exchange information instantly from one to another.

The presence of antennas makes it possible to share wireless information through electric devices. 

For example, if you are on your aircraft, and you want a navigation update from air traffic control. In this situation, an antenna acts as a catalyst for transforming and receiving information from air traffic control. 

Here are some popular uses of antennas that help you understand why we need antennas: 

• Wireless communication: Helps in data transformation irrespective of the distance between devices. 

• Connectivity: Makes seamless connections between electronic equipment, such as smartphones, WiFi routers, etc. 

• Remote sensing: Allows to get information from adverse and harsh environments. 

• Broadcasting: Enables transmission of television and radio waves to audiences around the globe. 

• Navigation system: Greatly useful in GPS systems to determine precise locations. 

Types of Antennas

Antennas possess various characteristics, such as shape, nature, frequency, and application. This diversity allows us to categorize them based on different attributes. 

Here we have three major types of antennas based on the direction of their radiations:

1. Omni-directional antenna.

An omnidirectional antenna is known for its unique ability to send signals in all directions. These are great to use in home WiFi, television and radio broadcasting, etc for covering a diverse range of frequencies. Rubber Ducky Antenna, Whip Antenna, Ground Plane Antenna, etc are popular examples of omni antennas. 

2.  Semi-directional antenna.

A semi-directional antenna is mainly designed for focusing signals in one direction. These antennas are commonly employed in WiFi, and TV reception, the places where better coverage is required without relying on directional antennas. Patch Antenna, Yagi-Uda Antenna, Log-Periodic Antenna, etc are popular examples of semi-directional antennas. 

3.  Directional antenna.

A directional antenna works in a specific direction. These antennas are effective when you need to concentrate the signal in a specific direction. Directional antennas are mainly used for long distances and are employed in satellite systems, navigation systems, etc. Parabolic Dish Antenna, Horn Antenna, Phased Array Antenna, etc are popular examples of directional antennas.

So far we have explored antenna types based on their nature of directing radiations. Now let’s discover various antennas used across different applications. 

 1. Log Periodic Antennas.

A Long Periodic Antenna is also known as a Log-Periodic Array or Log Periodic Dipole Antenna. This type of antenna is specified by its multiple dipole elements, and its capability to radiate or receive a wide range of radio waves in a specific direction. 

Log periodic antennas are useful to employ in a system through which you want to cover a diverse range of bandwidth. Typically, this antenna is used in TV broadcasting and communication systems, etc. Various industries employ different variations of Log Periodic Antennas which are as follows: 

• Planar Log-Periodic Antenna (PLPA): It is a sort of UHF Antenna that interacts with a wide range of radio waves making it useful in communication and other systems.   

• Vee Log-Periodic Antenna: This antenna acts as a VHF Antenna that carries V-shaped elements in its design. It is also a wide band log periodic antenna that provides more gain capability and bandwidth. 

• LPDA TV Antenna: This UHF Antenna covers a wide range of frequencies. This is why, it is frequently used in television broadcasting, etc. 

• Helical Log-Periodic Antenna: Its circular polarization makes it ideal for satellite applications and other purposes. 

 2. Wire Antennas.

A wire antenna is an easy-to-employ antenna that features a long wire dangling over the land. Despite coming with a long wire, there is no relation between its wire with the wavelength that it holds. The wire is attached to a transmitter or receiver and helps in transmitting and receiving the signals. Various industries use different variations of a wire antenna which are as follows: 

• Short Dipole Antenna: This is the simplest type of wire antenna.  Usually, it is not short in size, but its name comes from the wavelength that it possesses. It is typically useful for covering the low frequencies that range from 3KHz- 30MHz. 

• Dipole Antenna: This is a kind of RF antenna that is made with the help of an electrically conducting wire or rod. Usually, this antenna is categorized into many types, such as a half-wave dipole antenna, a folded dipole antenna, etc. Its versatile nature makes it useful for various applications like aerospace, electronic welfare, etc. 

• Monopole Antenna: This is a single-element antenna that is identified by its straight rod-shaped conductor. Compared to a dipole antenna, a monopole antenna is one-half of the dipole antenna. It is typically used in mobile applications, aviation, aerospace, and wireless communication systems. 

• Loop Antenna. This is a variety of VHF Antenna. It holds some similar features to dipole and monopole antennas.  It is engineered as either a full or a coil loop of conductive material. Its simple and easy-to-install capability allows you to use it as a versatile tool for different applications. 

 3. Traveling Wave Antennas.

Traveling wave antennas are commonly used in radio and telecommunication. These are unique antennas from the rest because of their capability to travel signals continuously along the length of the antenna. This unique quality separates it from resonant antennas which use standing waves. Traveling wave antennas work with a high range of frequencies which makes them significant devices in satellite systems, astronomy, radar systems, etc. Different industries use different variations of traveling wave antennas which are as follows: 

• Helical antennas: This is designed with a coiled structure and helical shape. The circular polarized high gain helical antenna is suitable for a wide range of frequencies bandwidth. Its simple design increases its usability and makes it easy to use devices for satellite communication, telecommunication, and other purposes. 

• Yogi Uda antennas: This is also known as a Yagi Antenna. It is a sort of direction antenna that is made up of driven elements and directors. This antenna holds high gain and bandwidth making it a better option for industries like television, communication, etc.

 4. Microwave Antennas.

A microwave antenna is a physical transmission device. This is a specialized device that provides great support in establishing transmission between two or more locations. The main quality that sets these antennas apart from others is their capability to work with microwave frequencies. However, you can also use these antennas in radio astronomy, and other applications. Horn antennas and Dish antennas etc are popular examples of microwave antennas. 

 5. Reflector Antennas.

A reflector antenna is a dedicated antenna that acts like a mirror. These antennas reflect the radio waves in a desired direction. It supports improving the bandwidth, strength, and focus of signals. You can employ this antenna in applications like satellites, radar systems, radio astrology, etc. A corner reflecting antenna and a parabolic reflective antenna are two popular variations of reflector antennas.