Foundation Licence
This guide explores the core functions of feeders and antennas in radio communication systems. Feeders transfer RF current from transceivers to antennas without radiating waves, while antennas efficiently convert RF energy into waves. We delve into different types of feeders like coaxial cables and ribbon feeders, as well as antenna designs such as the half-wave dipole, Yagi, and ground planes. Key concepts include SWR (Standing Wave Ratio), effective radiated power, and balancing techniques using devices like Baluns and Antenna Tuning Units (ATUs).
Foundation Licence
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Foundation Licence Feeders and Antennas
What they do Feeder: transfers RF current between a transceiver and antenna without radiating radio waves. (Hope springs eternal). Antenna: transfers RF energy with best possible efficiency from RF current to RF wave or from RF wave to RF current.
Types of Feeder Ribbon Feeder Coaxial Cable (coax) Open Wire Feeder
Types of Plug PL 259 Plug BNC Plug
Half Wave Dipole ¼ Wave ground plane 5/8 ground plane Yagi antenna End fed wire. At Foundation Level:
half wavelength dipole Transceiver The Half – Wave Dipole
Coax Feed ¼Antenna
5/8 Antenna • Improved low angle radiation pattern • Has ‘gain’ (4dB) • Coil: for matching to transmitter (adds 1/8 )
3dB 6dB 9dB 10dB 2 times 4 times 8 times 10 times Ways of indicating “Gain”
Effective Radiated Power (erp) erp = antenna gain × transmit power
Polarisation Vertical Polarisation Horizontal Polarisation Direction of Polarisation is the same as the direction of electric field.
Matching Antennas / Feeders Source of Energy Load
Matching Antennas Energy reflected back to source Source of Energy Load
SWR: Standing Wave Ratio How good a match?
It’s all a matter of balance Balance = electrical symmetry
The Balun Retains the electrical symmetry of a balanced antenna if we connect it to an unbalanced feeder.
Dipole Antenna (Balanced) Balun Coaxial cable feeder (unbalanced)