Various satellite antenna dishes for different purposes satellite antenna dishes

Antenna, as an important part of wireless communication system, plays an irreplaceable role. In our lives, there are many types of communication needs, such as long-distance communication, short-distance communication, satellite communication, microwave communication, mobile phone communication, peer-to-peer communication, point-to-point communication, etc. Different communication frequency bands and communication systems require the use of different types of antennas. Therefore, all kinds of antennas appear on the market, which can be said to be weird and varied. No one can tell exactly how many types of antennas there are on the earth. Today, Antesky will introduce to you the 9 most common types of antennas in work and life.

1. Dipole Antenna or DP antenna

The DP antenna is an antenna composed of two conductors of equal length, erected horizontally or tilted. It is the simplest and most basic antenna. The total length of the antenna is approximately equal to 95% of half wavelength, and both oscillators are 95% of 1/4 wavelength.

The length of the DP antenna. The radiation direction of the antenna is two circles with the antenna as the axis of symmetry and the feed point as the tangent point.

Antenna radiation direction diagram

2. Vertical monopole antenna (Vertical Antenna), also called GP antenna

Shortwave GP antenna GP antenna is a deformed antenna derived from dipole antenna. The bottom end of the antenna is connected to the inner conductor of the feeder, and the outer conductor of the feeder is connected to the ground grid. The radiation in the horizontal direction is a circle. Therefore, the antenna has the same receiving and transmitting capabilities in all directions and is suitable for omnidirectional receiving and transmitting.

GP antenna ground network

Usually, mobile handheld devices mostly use GP antennas.

Handheld radio

In addition, the antenna we often see on off-road vehicles for outdoor enthusiasts is also a vertical GP antenna that works in the U/V band.

3. Window Antenna, also known as offset half-wave antenna

The Winton antenna is mostly made of a single conductor, and the feeder is also a single conductor, connected 14% away from the center point. It is generally used as a receiving antenna, but also as a transmitting antenna.

Schematic diagram of the alternative installation of the Winton antenna. The Winton antenna occupies a small area and is easy to carry, making it suitable for radio enthusiasts.

4. Yagi Antenna

The famous Yagi antenna was invented in 1925 by Hideji Yagi and Shintaro Uda, who were ministers of Tohoku University in Japan at the time. “Yagi” is the English spelling of Yagi, which does not mean there are “eight logs of wood”. This kind of antenna is composed of multiple units and has strong directivity. The more directors, the stronger the directivity and the higher the gain.

Yagi antennas can operate on multiple bands and are sometimes used for radio direction finding.

5. Dish Antenna

Antesky dish antenna ground stations on client sites

Dish antennas are highly directional antennas specifically used for long-distance communications. They have extremely narrow beam widths and very high gain values, and are also called high-gain directional antennas. This type of antenna is usually used for point-to-point communication connections. The antennas must be accurately aimed at each other, and there must be no obstacles in the direct line of sight (Light of Sight) between the antennas. Generally, there are 4 feed types for parabolic antenna that mostly used in satellite communication industry including prime focus, offset, ring focus and Cassegrain. You can learn further from this dish antenna type article.

6. Grid Antenna

Grid antenna has similar characteristics to dish antenna and is generally used for S-band signal reception. Its grid density must not be greater than its wavelength, otherwise the efficiency will be low.

7. Loop Antenna

Loop antennas are closed loop antennas. The entire antenna is made of circular metal or tubular metal. It is characterized by small size, high efficiency and strong directivity.

8. Cobweb Antenna

The cobweb antenna is also a common antenna. It is mainly used on shortwave. It has strong directivity, requires less space than the Yagi antenna, and has higher efficiency. It is supported by high-strength non-metallic materials. Its excitation unit and reflection unit are composed of ordinary wires, and its mechanical strength is lower than that of the Yagi antenna, which is all metal oscillators.

9. Horn Antenna

The horn antenna is a microwave antenna and is a surface antenna. Its advantages are simple structure, wide frequency range, large power capacity, and easy adjustment and use. If the speaker size is chosen appropriately, good radiation characteristics can be achieved.

The above are some common antenna types in work and life. Did everyone remember it? In fact, although there are a wide variety of antenna types, their working principles are actually the same. If you are interested in more antenna types, please feel free to communicate with us, sales@antesky.com

Antesky is professional antenna suppliers in China for years, we can offer you high quality antenna with the best price. If you are looking for satellite communication antennas and accessories, please contact by sales@antesky.com. or you can WhatsApp us directly.