Beyond radio antennas, there are many types of antennas that perform different tasks necessary for transmitting data and information. Here is a look at various types of antennas that have been developed and their functions.
Radio Antenna: Radio Antennas are the most commonly known type of antennas. Radio antennas work by using an arrangement of electrical conductors which can conduct and transmit electromagnetic waves, specifically, radio waves. Radio antennas are classified by a number of parameters including resonant frequency, gain, bandwidth, impedance, polarization, efficiency, transmission, and reception. Antennas are used in a wide variety of settings for many different purposes.
Elemental Dipole: An elemental dipole is a common model of antenna. It is a very simple design that uses two wires, each facing an opposite direction, one attached to the radio and the other hanging in air. “Rabbit Ears” used for television reception are a common type of dipole antenna.
Yagi Antenna: A Yagi Antenna is a variation of the dipole model that uses parasitic elements, or also known as a passive radiator. The passive radiator is a component of an antenna that is not actually wired to anything but absorbs radio waves radiated from other active antennas.
Parabolic Dish: A parabolic dish is used for a unique antenna design. The parabolic dish directs the signal coming from the antenna. These types of antennas are commonly used for satellite television, radio astronomy, and military tactical radio antennas.
By: Angela Oliver