Antennas are fundamental to RF communications, serving as the bridge between electronic circuits and open space. Over the decades, various antenna designs have been developed to meet the needs of specific applications with different RF requirements, such as frequency range, directionality, gain, and physical constraints.
These designs range from basic dipoles and monopoles to complex phased arrays and microstrip patches. Each design has its own set of advantages tailored to specific applications, whether in satellite communications, broadcasting, or handheld devices. The below table offers a closer look at different antenna configurations, detailing their characteristics and applications. Follow each link to learn more about each design.
Types of Antenna Designs
| Design | Definition |
|---|---|
| Bi-Quad | Quad antennas are a type of loop antenna with a square geometric shape. The length of each edge is a multiple of the antenna wavelength, most commonly chosen to be λ / 4. A Biquad antenna is a simple evolution of the standard quad, where the ... |
| Biconical | A type of radio frequency (RF) antenna distinguished by its two conical conductive elements, or rods, which are adjoined at their vertices to a shared transmission line. Similar in function to a dipole antenna, the biconical antenna showcases a ... |
| Bow-Tie | A type of RF antenna identifiable by its distinctive 'bow-tie' shape, formed by two triangular pieces of conductive material arranged with their vertices touching. The shape results in a wider bandwidth, or range of frequencies the antenna can ... |
| Ceiling | A type of antenna, also known as a dome antenna, primarily designed for use in In-Building Coverage (IBC) systems. Typically featuring a monocone suspended over a ground plane, it can provide single or dual polarisation depending on design. In dual ... |
| Collinear | An antenna configuration that involves arranging multiple dipole antennas in a 'collinear' or 'in-line' manner, usually along a common axis. The primary intention behind this design is to increase the antenna's gain and directivity, which is its ... |
| Corner Reflector | A type of directional antenna design that utilises a corner reflector - a three-dimensional structure formed by two flat conducting surfaces intersecting at a right angle. The antenna element is placed in front of this corner, causing the reflector ... |
| Dipole | A straightforward yet fundamental type of antenna that consists of two conductive elements such as metal wires or rods, which are arranged end to end with a small gap between them. The transmitter or receiver is connected at the center. A dipole ... |
| Dipole Array | A more complex antenna configuration that consists of multiple dipole antennas, typically arranged and combined in a regular pattern. By controlling the phase and amplitude of each individual dipole, the overall radiation pattern of the array can be ... |
| Discone | A unique antenna design that combines a disc and a cone - the two elements that give this antenna its name. The disc and cone are usually arranged vertically with the disc at the top and the cone below, resembling an upside-down ice cream cone. The ... |
| PCB / Surface Mount | Also known as a Surface-Mounted Device (SMD) Antenna, a DRA is a type of radio frequency antenna that utilises a piece of dielectric material to radiate or receive signals. Unlike conventional antennas that use metal elements to resonate at a ... |
| Fin / Stud / Combo | Planar Microstrip antenna design represents a type of microstrip antenna that is positioned orthogonally to a ground plane. This design is frequently utilised in Fin and Stud mounted antennas that are very commonly used in metering and vending ... |
| Helical | A type of antenna characterised by its helix or spring-like shape, typically composed of a wire wound in the form of a screw thread. By adjusting the diameter, pitch, and number of turns of the helix, the antenna can be designed to operate ... |
| Hinged Terminal | A variety of monopole or dipole antenna that features an integrated hinging mechanism within its radome, facilitating the adjustment of the antenna's physical orientation. Often directly mounted to the back of devices like Wi-Fi or cellular modems - ... |
| Horn | An antenna design that features a waveguide section where the cross-sectional area gradually expands towards an open end, known as the aperture. This 'horn-like' shape helps to direct the radiated radio waves in a specific direction, enhancing the ... |
| Log Periodic Dipole Array | A type of directional, wideband antenna that consists of a series of dipole elements of varying lengths, arranged in such a way that the size and spacing of the elements increase logarithmically along the antenna boom. This unique design allows the ... |