In the modern wireless communication era, many people, especially engineers, are displaying interest in specialized communication fields.  
To have a better understanding of specialized communications, you need to understand antennas. On a basic level, an antenna is a metal structure that captures and transmits electromagnetic waves. There are many types of antennas, and they’re available in all shapes and sizes. There are small ones found on roofs that allow you to watch TV, and there are really large ones that capture satellite signals from millions of miles away.  
To have a better understanding of wireless communication, it’s important to learn about the different types of antennas. Read on to learn more.  

What is an Antenna?  

As we mentioned, antennas are metallic structures that capture electromagnetic signals. Signals come to the antennas from transmission lines. The signals are then changed to electromagnetic energy and sent throughout space.  
There are two main types of antennas: transmission antennas and receiving antennas. Transmission antennas receive electric signals from transmission lines and convert them to radio waves. Receiving antennas take radio signals from space and converts them to electric signals which are then sent to the transmission line.  
Antennas provide a simple method for transmitting signals when other methods aren’t available. For example, pilots need to frequently converse with air traffic control personnel. This communication can be done through the use of antennas.  

Antenna Components  

All antennas contain similar components that help them function. These include: 

• Antenna Gain: This measures the directivity degree of the antenna’s radio pattern. If an antenna has a higher gain, then it’s more effective in its radial pattern.  

• Aperture: This component aids in the reception and transmission of electromagnetic waves.  
• Polarization: Electromagnetic waves coming from antennas may be polarized vertically or horizontally. If the wave is polarized in a vertical direction, then a vertical antenna is needed. If it’s in a horizontal direction, then a horizontal antenna is needed.  
• Directivity: The directive refers to the measurement of concentrated power radiation in a particular direction.  
• Bandwidth: This is the desired parameter for choosing an antenna. It refers to the range of frequencies by which an antenna can receive and radiate energy.  
• Effective Length: The effective length refers to the antenna parameter that characterizes the antenna’s efficiency. This can be defined for both the receiving and transmitting antennas.  

The most important component of an antenna is the polar diagram, also known as the radiation pattern.  

Types of Antennas  

Now that you know about the different components of an antenna, let’s talk about the different types of antennas. These include: 

Log-Periodic Antenna  

Also known as a log-periodic array, a log-periodic antenna is a directional, multi-element narrow beam that operates on various frequencies. This type of antenna consists of a group of dipoles positioned along the antenna axis at different time intervals.  
Log-periodic antennas are used for various applications where a range of bandwidth is needed along with directivity and antenna gain. These antennas are commonly used as transmitting antennas in high-power, shortwave broadcasting stations.  
The broad bandwidth allows a single antenna to transmit on frequencies on multiple bands. The antenna comes with a zigzag design, and it typically covers up to 6 to 26 MHz. However, larger ones have been built that operate as low as 2 MHz. Loop antennas look similar to an eclipse antenna.  

Wire Antennas  

Also known as curved or linear antennas, wire antennas are cheap, simple, and used in a wide array of settings. These antennas can be further divided into the following categories: 
Dipole Antennas 
These wire antennas are made of two slim metal rods through which currency and frequency flow. The rod’s length is selected so it’s a quarter of the wavelength of the operational frequencies.  
Dipole antennas have a radiating element that split the rods and causes the current to flow through the middle. There are also short dipole antennas, which are the simplest kind of antenna. These antennas consist of two conductors that sit on each end with small gaps between them separated by a feeder.  
Dipole antennas are often used in radio reception, broadcasting reception, and other areas. Their two-pole design enables them to receive signals from varying frequencies.  
Monopole Antennas  
As the name suggests, monopole antennas consist of a single rod. These antennas are often used as vehicle-mounted antennas, and they’re almost always mounted above some type of ground plane.  
A group of monopole antennas is sometimes used to manage the direction of medium and long wavelength frequencies.  
Loop Antennas  
Loop antennas are similar to monopole and dipole antennas. They’re easy to construct, and they’re available in a variety of different shapes, including elliptical, circular, and rectangular.  
These antennas are commonly used in wireless communication links with frequencies of about 3 GHz. Loop antennas can also be used as electromagnetic field poles to construct microwave bands. Loop antennas are either electrically large or electrically small based on the loop’s circumference.  

Traveling Wave Antennas  

Traveling wave antennas use traveling waves on guiding structures as the primary radiating mechanism. There are two main types of traveling wave antennas are helical antennas and Yagi-Udi antennas.  
The former is used in a wide range of applications, and the latter is very inexpensive and easy to make.  

Types of Antennas: Moving Forward  

By learning about these different types of antennas, you’ll have a better understanding of the wireless communication process. Now, it’s time to dive further into your studies! Check back into our blog for more articles like this one!