Your Guide to Antenna Types to Choose the Right One for You

According to Market Watch, the global distributed antenna market with wit $11 billion by 2022. This significant market has been brought about by the high demand antennas. Companies have therefore invested in manufacturing different antenna types to supply the enormous market.

Antennas have different uses, from television and radio to the communication centers. To be able to listen to your radio or watch your favorite shows, you need a good antenna. 

Before buying an antenna, it’s good to understand the various types:

1. Wire Antennas

Also known as curved or linear antennas, these are the simple antennas commonly used at homes. There are different types of wire antennas such as the:

• Dipole antenna
• Monopole antenna
• Loop Antenna

These antennas are long to cut resonance. These antennas are mounted close to objects such as power lines, houses, trees.

2. Log-Periodic Antennas

Log periodic antennas are directional narrow, multi-element components that work on a wide range of frequencies. These antennas have dipoles along an axis and function under logarithmic functions. They are commonly used where variable bandwidth is required.

3. Traveling Wave Antennas

These antennas use traveling waves as the primary radiating mechanism. They are directional antennas where electromagnetic waves oscillate along a geometrical axis. Traveling wave antennas either generate fast or slow waves.

4. Microwave Antennas

These antenna types that operate under microwave frequencies. Mostly, they are used in wireless devices such as automobiles, airplanes, or space shuttles. They are low-profile components that require a broad bandwidth.

How to Choose the Right Antenna for You

Without accurate info, you may end up purchasing the wrong product. Be sure to learn more about your options and the features you’re looking for. This is a simple guide to help you select the right antenna:

1. Figure Out The Type of Antenna You Need

There are different types of antennas designed for diverse purposes. Depending on how you want to use the antenna, make your choices wisely. 

Antennas are designed for use at specific locations. There are those that apply at high altitude areas and others that apply at low attitudes. Besides, antennas differ in frequency, and you should consider the operating frequency.

Different antennas designed for use at homes, automobiles, institutions, etc. Before cashing out money to purchase an antenna, check whether it goes hand in hand with your intended application. 

2. Signal Reception

Antennas are different when it comes to signal reception. There are those designed to pick signals from either one direction or multiple directions.

You can buy a directional antenna if you are aware of the signal direction. However, if you are unsure of the signal direction, choose a multidirectional antenna. 

3. Signal Frequency

Typically, two antennas types are depending on the signal frequency. The two types are:

• Ultra-high frequency antennas (UHF)

• Very high-frequency antennas (VHF)

UHF antennas are those whose signals oscillate at a rate of 250-960MHZ. On the other side, VHF antennas have signals oscillating at 41- 250 MHZ. 

VHF signals are less likely to be weakened by interference and travel farther than the UHF. However, the frequencies of UHF provide higher bandwidth. When making a purchase, be keen on the frequencies,

Antenna Types – The Bottom Line

There are different antenna types designed for different purposes and applications. Before making a money move, consider these tips above- they will help you get a reliable and useful antenna.

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