Difference Between Helix Antenna and Patch Antenna

Antennas are crucial equipment that helps in wireless communications, and navigation. The two most demanding antennas are the helix antenna and the patch antenna. These are used for similar purposes, but they have many differences that make them suitable for different applications.

You can understand the difference between helix and patch antenna by going through this helpful guide. This detailed guide will help you to make the right decision about which antenna is best for you.

Let’s get started!

Helix Antenna

A helix antenna is a versatile antenna that establishes communication in many devices, including drones, automated vehicles, etc. They feature circular polarization and high gain capability, which makes them the best option for many outdoor and indoor situations.

Helix antennas are known for their small, straightforward design that does not need any special setup. That indicates that you can use it in many situations to gain better experience.

The Quadrifilar helix antenna is made of a helical shape with four wires. It sends out signals with a specific circular pattern that increases its performance even in rotating devices. You can implement this type of antenna in your system if you want to prioritize a low-profile antenna with strong signal strength.

Patch Antenna

A patch antenna is a well-known antenna that is mainly used in GPS, satellite communication, and wireless networking systems. These antennas are small in size and cheap to make. It is used in applications where traditional equipment doesn’t work.

Patch antennas are made up of their unique design. It consists of a flat piece of metal on a plastic base with a metal plate underneath. In this structure, the flat piece works to establish communication. The metal plate gives better signal reception. This design makes it a suitable option to integrate with electronic devices such as smartphones and GPS receivers.

Patch antennas come in small sizes, but they can make reliable signal reception and transmission. That makes them one of the popular choices for many applications.

Differences Between Helix and Patch Antennas

Both antennas are useful in modern communication systems. They are used for establishing reliable transmission of singles over long distances. But they also have many differences in their design and performance. Here you can explore these crucial points. That will help you to make the difference between helix and patch antennas.

Geometry

The helix antenna comes with a three-dimensional spiral structure. This special design helps it to offer circular polarization. That is the reason it is often employed in applications such as satellite communications and space missions.

On the other hand, the patch antenna is two-dimensional. It comes with a small size and you can easily integrate them in many outdoor and indoor situations. These antennas are commonly used in applications like mobile phones, GPS devices, etc.

Radiation Pattern

Helix antennas are omnidirectional antennas. You can use it to send and receive signals equally in all directions. These are suitable for applications where 360-degree coverage is paramount, such as satellite communications.

On the other hand, patch antennas are directional antennas. They provide the ability to establish communication in specific directions. You can use it for point-to-point communication, such as WiFi routers, TV broadcasting, etc.

Based on radiation patterns, helix antennas are a better option to provide broad coverage, while patch antennas are better for targeted and point-to-point communications.

Circular vs. Linear Polarization

Helix antennas usually offer circular polarization. That means it rotates the signal in a spiral pattern. Integrating this wireless solution into your system reduces the interference of signals. This is the reason we often see these antennas in satellite communications and mobile applications. They feature circular polarization that ensures consistent signal quality in every situation.

On the other hand, patch antennas work in linear polarization and align the signal in a straight line. They help make the seamless transmission of signals when both the transmitter and receiver are aligned.

Size and Profile

Helix antennas are larger and bulkier than patch antennas. They have a three-dimensional structure, which makes them suitable for satellite communications. On the other hand, patch antennas possess a small and flat size. You can integrate this antenna if you want an antenna that covers limited space. Patch antennas are ideal for devices with limited space. They are low-profile antennas and are used to integrate into electronic devices. You can see patch antennas are incorporated in smartphones, GPS receivers, and wireless routers.

Ground Plane Requirement

Helix antennas often need a ground plane to work their best. This ground plane is nothing but a flat surface that helps improve the performance of sending and receiving signals. If any antennas need a ground plane, that means your installation process can be more complicated and space-consuming. On the other hand, patch antennas come with a compact and straightforward design. These antennas can function well without requiring any ground plane.

Frequency Band

Helix antennas are versatile wireless solutions. They support a wide range of frequency bands. Usually, you can use them to communicate with frequencies ranging from around 30 MHz to 3 GHz. They are also good at making communication possible in VHF and UHF radio frequencies. That makes them flexible and suitable for various applications. In contrast, patch antennas are usually not as flexible as a helix. These work best in the frequency range of 2 to 50 GHz. That means you can use them to make communication for targeted applications.

Conclusion

Both helix antennas and patch antennas are crucial for modern wireless communication. These antennas differ greatly in terms of their radiation pattern and frequency band. As we see, helix antennas are suitable for a situation if you want precise versatility and flexibility in your wireless solutions. On the other hand, for low power and less space, you can turn to patch antennas. However, it is important that, before choosing any of the equipment, you consider your requirements and needs. We hope this guide encourages you to explore more about these two antennas, as you may have overlooked the differences between them.