RF Antenna Design Theory
Radio frequency (RF) antennas have been used extensively throughout this, and the last, century for commercial and industrial use. Antennas operate in accordance with principles of electromagnetics and physics. The relatively simple design associated with antennas has helped propagate the technology around the world.
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Gain
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The gain measurement of an RF antenna determines the level of intensity and specificity of the antenna's radiation. A lower gain translates into an equal dispersion of radiation in all direction. A higher gain implies that the antenna emits strong radiation in more particular directions.
Bandwidth
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An RF antenna's bandwidth determines the frequency range over which the emitted radiation is effective. An antenna's bandwidth can be augmented using antenna arrays and RF filter traps. Typically, augmentation of bandwidth results in a loss of perceived audio clarity and fidelity through the subsequent addition of unwanted frequency harmonics.
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Patterns
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An antenna's radiation pattern is created by the radiation fields emitted by the device. Antennas emit several radio waves that vary in strength. At points of interference between these waves, matching wave frequencies augment one another and create points of maximum signal strengths. Observing these fields creates a visual pattern typically described as having "lobes." The largest lobe is coined the "main lobe," while smaller lobes are labeled "side lobes."
Use
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RF antennas are designed to transmit and receive radio frequency signals. In common use, these antennas have been implemented in radio and television broadcasting, among other applications.
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References
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