Introduction to Antennas

Dipoles
Verticals
Large Loops
Yagi-Uda Arrays

by Marc C. Tarplee Ph.D., NCE

N4UFP
Introduction
 What is an antenna?

• An antenna is a device that:

– Converts RF power applied to its feed point into
electromagnetic radiation.
– Intercepts energy from a passing electromagnetic
radiation, which then appears as RF voltage across
the antenna’s feed point.
• Any conductor,through which an RF current is
flowing, can be an antenna.
• Any conductor that can intercept an RF field
can be an antenna.
 Important Antenna Parameters
• Directivity or Gain:
– Is the ratio of the power radiated by an antenna in its direction of
maximum radiation to the power radiated by a reference antenna in
the same direction.
– Is measured in dBi (dB referenced to an isotropic antenna) or dBd
(dB referenced to a half wavelength dipole)
• Feed point impedance ( also called input or drive
impedance):
– Is the impedance measured at the input to the antenna.
– The real part of this impedance is the sum of the radiation and loss
resistances
– The imaginary part of this impedance represents power temporarily
stored by the antenna.
• Bandwidth
– Is the range of frequencies over which one or more antenna
parameters stay within a certain range.
– The most common bandwidth used is the one over which SWR < 2:1
 Antennas and Fields

• Reciprocity Theorem:
– An antenna’s properties are the same, whether it is
used for transmitting or receiving.
• The Near Field
– An electromagnetic field that exists within ~ λ/2 of
the antenna. It temporarily stores power and is
related to the imaginary term of the input
impedance.
• The Far Field
– An electromagnetic field launched by the antenna
that extends throughout all space. This field
transports power and is related to the radiation
resistance of the antenna.
The Hertz Antenna
(Dipole)
 Dipole Fundamentals

• A dipole is antenna
composed of a single
radiating element split
into two sections, not
necessarily of equal
length.
• The RF power is fed into
the split.
• The radiators do not
have to be straight.
 The Short Dipole
• The length is less than /2.
• The self impedance is
generally capacitive.
• The radiation resistance is
quite small and ohmic losses
are high
• SWR bandwidth is quite
small, < 1% of design
frequency.
• Directivity is ~1.8 dBi.
Radiation pattern resembles
figure 8
 The Short Dipole
• For dipoles longer than /5, the
antenna can be matched to
coax by using loading coils
• For best results, the coils are
placed in the middle of each leg
of the dipole
• Loading coils can introduce
additional loss of 1 dB or more
• For dipoles longer than /3 the
antenna can be matched to
coax by using linear loading
• Very short dipoles (< /5)
require some type of matching
network because Re(Zin)< 2Ω
 The Half Wave (/2) Dipole

• Length is approximately
/2 (0.48  for wire dipoles)
• Self impedance is 40 - 80
ohms with no reactive
component (good match to
coax)
• Directivity ~ 2.1 dBi
• SWR Bandwidth is ~ 5% of
design frequency
 Long Dipoles

• A long dipole is one whose length is > /2

• The self impedance of a long dipole varies from
150 to 3000 Ω or more. A long dipole whose
length is an odd multiple of /2 will be resonant
with Zin ~ 150 Ω
• The directivity of a dipole is a maximum at a
length of 1.28 .
• The radiation pattern becomes more complex
with increasing length, with many side lobes.
 The Double Zepp Antenna
• A long dipole whose length
is approximately 1
• Self impedance is ~ 3000
ohms.
• Antenna can be matched to
coax with a 450 ohm series
matching section
• Directivity ~ 3.8 dBi
• SWR Bandwidth ~ 5% of
design frequency
 The Extended Double Zepp
• Length is approximately
1.28
• Self impedance is approx.
150 -j800 ohms
• Antenna can be matched to
50 ohm coax with a series
matching section
• Directivity ~ 5.0 dBi. This is
the maximum broadside
directivity for a center-fed
wire antenna
 The 3/2 Dipole
• Length is approximately
1.48
• Self impedance ~ 110 ohms
• Antenna can be matched to
50 ohm coax with quarter
wave 75 ohm matching
section
• Directivity ~ 3.3 dBi.
• Directions of max radiation
point to all areas of interest
for HF DX when antenna
wire runs E-W
 Use of a dipole on several bands
• It is possible to use a center fed dipole over a wide
range of frequencies by:
– feeding it with low-loss transmission line (ladder line)
– providing impedance matching at the transceiver
• The lower frequency limit is set by the capability of the
matching network. Typically a dipole can be used down
to 1/2 of its resonant frequency.
• The radiation pattern becomes very complex at higher
frequencies. Most of the radiation is in two conical
regions centered on each wire
• There is no special length, since the antenna will not be
resonant
 Dipole Polarization
• On the HF bands dipoles are
almost always horizontally
polarized. It is not possible to
get a low angle of radiation
with a vertical dipole
(electrically) close to the
earth
• Reflection losses are also
greater for vertically
polarized RF
• The height of the support
required for a vertical dipole
can also be a problem
The Marconi Antenna
(vertical monopole)
 Vertical Fundamentals
• A vertical antenna consists of a
single vertical radiating element
located above a natural or
artificial ground plane. Its length
is < 0.64
• RF is generally fed into the base
of the radiating element.
• The ground plane acts as an
electromagnetic mirror, creating
an image of the vertical antenna.
Together the antenna and image
for a virtual vertical dipole.
 The Importance of the Ground
• The ground is part of the vertical antenna, not just a
reflector of RF, unless the antenna is far removed from
earth (usually only true in the VHF region)
• RF currents flow in the ground in the vicinity of a vertical
antenna. The region of high current is near the feed point
for verticals less that /4 long, and is ~ /3 out from the feed
point for a /2 vertical.
• To minimize losses, the conductivity of the ground in the
high current zones must be very high.
• Ground conductivity can be improved by using a ground
radial system, or by providing an artificial ground plane
known as a counterpoise.
 Notes on ground system construction
• Ground radials can be made of almost any type of wire
• The radials do not have to be buried; they may lay on the
ground
• The radials should extend from the feed point like spokes of
a wheel
• The length of the radials is not critical. They are not
resonant. They should be as long as possible
• For small radial systems (N < 16) the radials need only be
/8 long. For large ground systems (N > 64) the length
should be ~ /4
• Elevated counterpoise wires are usually /4 long
 Radial/Counterpoise Layout

• Note: The radials used in a counterpoise are not grounded !!

  /4 Vertical Monopole
• Length ~ 0.25
• Self impedance:
ZS ~ 36 - 70 
• The  /4 vertical requires a
ground system, which acts as
a return for ground currents.
The “image” of the monopole
in the ground provides the
“other half” of the antenna
• The length of the radials
depends on how many there
are
• Take off angle ~ 25 deg
  /2 Vertical Monopole
• Length is approximately
0.48
• Self impedance ~ 2000 
• Antenna can be matched to
50 ohm coax with a tapped
tank circuit
• Take off angle ~ 15 deg
• Ground currents at base of
antenna are small; radials
are less critical for /2
vertical
 Short Vertical Monopoles
• It is not possible for most
amateurs to erect a /4 or /2
vertical on 80 or 160 meters
• The monopole, like the dipole
can be shortened and resonated
with a loading coil
• The feed point impedance can be
quite low (~10  ) with a good
ground system, so an additional
matching network is required
• Best results are obtained when
loading coil is at the center
 Inverted L
• The inverted L is a vertical
monopole that has been folded
so that a portion runs
horizontally
• Typically the overall length is ~
0.3125 and the vertical
portion is ~ 0.125 long
• Self impedance is ~ 50 + j200
• Series capacitor can be used to
match antenna to coax
 Use of a Vertical Monopole on several
bands
• If a low angle of radiation is desired, a vertical antenna
can be used on any frequency where is is shorter than
0.64  :
• The lower frequency limit is set by the capability of the
matching network and by efficiency constraints.
• The ground system should be designed to accommodate
the lowest frequency to be used. Under normal
circumstances, this will be adequate at higher
frequencies
The Large Loop Antenna
 Loop Fundamentals

• A large loop antenna is

composed of a single
loop of wire, greater
than a half wavelength
long.
• The loop does not have
to be any particular
shape.
• RF power can be fed
anywhere on the loop.
 The Rectangular Loop
• The total length is approximately
1.02 .
• The self impedance is 100 - 130 
depending on height.
• The Aspect Ratio (A/B) should be
between 0.5 and 2 in order to have
Zs ~ 120 .
• SWR bandwidth is ~ 4.5% of
design frequency.
• Directivity is ~2.7 dBi. Note that
the radiation pattern has no nulls.
Max radiation is broadside to loop
• Antenna can be matched to 50 
coax with 75   /4 matching
section.
 The Delta Loop
• A three sided loop is known as a
delta loop.
• For best results, the lengths of the 3
sides should be approximately equal
• The self impedance is 90 - 110 
depending on height.
• Bandwidth ~ 4 %
• Directivity is ~2.7 dBi. Note that the
radiation pattern has no nulls. Max
radiation is broadside to loop.
• Antenna can be matched to 50 
coax with 75   /4 matching
section.
 Reduced Size Loops
• Loops for the low HF bands
can be inconveniently large.
• Loading can be used to
shorten the perimeter of the
loop
• Directivity ~ 2 dBi
• SWR Bandwidth is ~ 2.5%
of design frequency
• Radiation pattern is almost
omnidirectional
• Input impedance is ~ 150 .
Can be matched with 4:1
balun
 Harmonic Operation of Loops
• A loop antenna is also resonant at integral multiples of
its resonant frequency.
• The self impedance of a 1 loop at these multiples of
the resonant frequency is 200 - 300 ohms.
• The directivity is lower on harmonic frequencies
• Vertically oriented loops will have high angles of
radiation on harmonic frequencies.
• Horizontally oriented loops will have lower angles of
radiation on harmonic frequencies.
 Polarization of Loop Antennas
• The RF polarization of a
vertically oriented loop may be
vertical or horizontal
depending on feed position
• Horizontally oriented loops
are predominantly
horizontally polarized in all
cases.
• Vertical polarization is
preferred when antenna is low
The Yagi-Uda Array
 Yagi Fundamentals

• A Yagi-Uda array consists of 2 or more

simple antennas (elements) arranged in a
line.
• The RF power is fed into only one of the
antennas (elements), called the driver.
• Other elements get their RF power from
the driver through mutual impedance.
• The largest element in the array is called
the reflector.
• There may be one or more elements
located on the opposite side of the driver
from the reflector. These are directors.
 Yagi Array of Dipoles (yagi)
• This type of Yagi-Uda array uses dipole elements
• The reflector is ~ 5% longer than the driver.
• The driver is ~ 0.5 long
• The first director ~ 5% shorter than the driver, and
subsequent directors are progressively shorter
• Interelement spacings are 0.1 to 0.2 λ
Typical yagis (6 m and 10m)
 The 2 element Yagi

• The parasitic element in a 2- element yagi

may be a reflector or director
• Designs using a reflector have lower gain
(~6.2 dBi) and poor FB(~10 dB), but higher
input Z (32+j49 )
• Designs using a director have higher gain
(6.7 dBi) and good FB(~20 dB) but very low
input Z (10 )
• It is not possible simultaneously to have
good Zin, G and FB
 The 3 element Yagi

• High gain designs (G~ 8 dBi) have narrow BW

and low input Z
• Designs having good input Z have lower gain (~ 7
dBi), larger BW, and a longer boom.
• Either design can have FB > 20 dB over a limited
frequency range
• It is possible to optimize any pair of of the
parameters Zin, G and FB
 Larger yagis (N > 3)
• There are no simple yagi designs, beyond 2 or 3
element arrays.
• Given the large number of degrees of freedom, it
is possible to optimize BW, FB, gain and
sometimes control sidelobes through proper
design. (although such designs are not obvious)
• Good yagi designs can be found in the ARRL
Antenna Book, or can be created using antenna
modeling software
 Yagi Array of Loops (quad array)
• This Yagi-Uda array uses rectangular loops as elements.
• The reflector’s perimeter is ~ 3% larger than the driver’s.
• The driver’s perimeter is ~ 1
• The first director’s perimeter is ~ 3% smaller than the
driver’s, and additional directors are progressively smaller.
• Interelement spacings are 0.1 to 0.2 λ.
 Advantages of a Quad Array

• Fewer elements are needed - gain of a 2-el quad is

almost equal to a 3 el yagi in terms of FB and G
• Quad loops can be nested to make a multiband
antenna without lossy traps.
• The input Z of quads are much higher than yagis,
simplifying matching (50 – 90  vs 12 – 40 ).
• At equal heights, the quad has a slightly lower
takeoff angle than a yagi.
• Quads can be constructed from readily available
materials (bamboo poles, wire).
 Disadvantages of a Quad Array

• A quad occupies a much larger volume than a yagi

of equal performance.
• Quad loops are more susceptible to icing damage.
 The 2 element Quad

• The parasitic element is a reflector

• Gain is 6 – 7 dBi depending on element
separation.
• Zin is ~ 50  for spacing of/8 and ~ 100 
for spacing of/6.
• FB is 15 – 20 dB.
 Larger Quads (N>2)

• Gain is 9 dB or, depending on interelement

spacing and number of directors
• FB ratio can exceed 20 dB.
• Proper choice of element length results in much
larger BW than a comparable yagi
• Optimization of Zin is not needed. Most designs
have Zin between 35 and 80 ohms.
• Large quad designs are not as well developed as
large yagi designs – more experimentation is
required.
2 element 3 band Quad Array
 The Moxon Rectangle
• This is a 2-el Yagi-Uda array made from dipoles bent in the
shape of a U
• The longer element is the reflector.
• The Input Z is 50 – no matching network is needed.
• Gain ~ 6 dB, FB~ 25-30 dB (better than 2 el yagi or quad)
• More compact than yagi or quad
• Easily constructed from readily available materials
 The X-Beam
• This is a 2-el Yagi-Uda array
made from dipoles bent in the
shape of a M
• The longer element is the driver,
and the shorter is the director
• The Input Z is 50 – no matching
network is needed.
• Gain ~ 5 - 6 dB, FB~ 12-18 dB
(similar to 2-el yagi)
• More compact than yagi or quad
• Easily constructed from readily
available materials
Antenna Design Tables
 Design Table: Short Dipole
/4 dipole with inductive loading
BAND LENGTH OF ANTENNA INDUCTANCE OF THE
(# 14 copper wire) LOADING COIL (μH)
160 (1.83 MHz) 133 ft 10 in 90.0
80 (3.6 MHz) 67 ft 2 in 43.1
75 (3.9 MHz) 62 ft 0 in 39.4
40 (7.1 MHz) 34 ft 0 in 20.2

0.36  dipole with linear loading

BAND LENGTH A LENGTH B LENGTH C WIRE
(# 14 wire) (# 14 wire) (# 14 wire) SPACING)
80 (3.6 MHz) 32 ft 3 in 16 ft 1 in 32 ft 5 in 4.5 in
75 (3.9 MHz) 30 ft 1 in 15 ft 1 in 30 ft 2 in 4.0 in

Design Height: 60 ft. Feed point impedance: 40 

Design Table: Half Wave Dipole

BAND LENGTH (# 14 copper wire)

160 (1.83 MHz) 255 ft 9 in
80 (3.8 MHz) 123 ft 2 in
40 (7.1 MHz) 65 ft 11 in
30 46 ft 3 in
20 33 ft 0 in
17 25 ft 10 in
15 22 ft 1 in
12 18 ft 9 in
10 (28.4 MHz) 16 ft 6 in
 Design Table: Double Zepp

BAND LENGTH OF ANTENNA LENGTH OF MATCHING

(# 14 copper wire) SECTION (450  LINE VF = 0.9)
160 (1.83 MHz) 531 ft 8 in 120 ft 3 in
80 (3.8 MHz) 256 ft 1 in 57 ft 11 in
40 (7.1 MHz) 137 ft 1 in 31 ft 0 in
30 96 ft 1 in 21 ft 9 in
20 68 ft 8 in 15 ft 6 in
17 53 ft 9 in 12 ft 2 in
15 45 ft 10 in 10 ft 4 in
12 39 ft 0 in 8 ft 10 in
10 (28.4 MHz) 34 ft 3 in 7 ft 9 in
 Design Table: Extended Double Zepp

BAND LENGTH OF ANTENNA LENGTH OF MATCHING

(# 14 copper wire) SECTION (450  LINE VF = 0.9)
160 (1.83 MHz) 677 ft 7 in 83 ft 7 in
80 (3.8 MHz) 326 ft 4 in 40 ft 3 in
40 (7.1 MHz) 174 ft 8 in 21 ft 7 in
30 122 ft 6 in 15 ft 1 in
20 87 ft 6 in 10 ft 10 in
17 68 ft 6 in 8 ft 6 in
15 58 ft 5 in 7 ft 2 in
12 49 ft 8 in 6 ft 2 in
10 (28.4 MHz) 43 ft 8 in 5 ft 5 in
 Design Table: 3/2 Dipole

BAND LENGTH OF ANTENNA LENGTH OF MATCHING

(# 14 copper wire) SECTION (RG11 Z=75  VF =0.66)
160 (1.83 MHz) 797 ft 10 in 88 ft 9 in
80 (3.8 MHz) 384 ft 3 in 42 ft 9 in
40 (7.1 MHz) 205 ft 8 in 22 ft 11 in
30 144 ft 2 in 16 ft 0 in
20 103 ft 0 in 11 ft 6 in
17 80 ft 8 in 9 ft 0 in
15 68 ft 9 in 7 ft 8 in
12 58 ft 6 in 6 ft 6 in
10 (28.4 MHz) 51 ft 5 in 5 ft 9 in
 Design Table: Ground Radials for  /4
Vertical Monopole
No OF LENGTH OF RADIALS GROUND RESISTANCE
RADIALS (in wavelengths) (ohms)
4 0.0625 28
8 0.08 20
16 0.10 16
24 0.125 10
36 0.15 7
60 0.2 4
90 0.25 1
120 0.40 <<1

• Radial wires may be in contact with earth or

insulated
• Wire gauge is not important; small gauge wire such
as #24 may be
• The radial system may be elevated above the earth
(this is known as a counterpoise system)
Design Table:  /4 Vertical Monopole
BAND LENGTH OF
MONOPOLE (#14 wire)
160 (1.83 MHz) 127 ft 10 in
80 (3.60 MHz) 65 ft 0 in
75 (3.90 MHz) 60 ft 0 in
40 (7.10 MHz) 33 ft 0 in
30 23 ft 1 in
20 16 ft 6 in
17 12 ft 11 in
15 11 ft 0 in
12 9 ft 5 in
10 (28.4 MHz) 8 ft 3 in
Design Table: /2 Vertical
BAND LENGTH OF
MONOPOLE (#14 wire)
160 (1.83 MHz) 255 ft 8 in
80 (3.60 MHz) 130 ft 0 in
75 (3.90 MHz) 120 ft 0 in
40 (7.10 MHz) 66 ft 0 in
30 46 ft 2 in
20 33 ft 0 in
17 25 ft 10 in
15 22 ft 0 in
12 19 ft 0 in
10 (28.4 MHz) 16 ft 6 in
 Design Table: Short(/8 ) Vertical Monopoles
BAND LENGTH OF
MONOPOLE (#14 wire)
160 (1.83 MHz) 67 ft 2 in
80 (3.60 MHz) 34 ft 2 in
75 (3.90 MHz) 31 ft 6 in
40 (7.10 MHz) 17 ft 4 in

For base loading an inductive reactance of j550  is req’d

For center loading and inductive reactance of j1065  is req’d
 Design Table: Inverted L
BAND LENGTH A LENGTH B MATCHING
CAPACITANCE
160 (1.83 MHz) 67 ft 2 in 100 ft 9 in 410 pF
80 (3.6 MHz) 34 ft 2 in 51 ft 3 in 220 pF
75 (3.9 MHz) 31 ft 6 in 47 ft 3 in 200 pF
40 (7.1 MHz) 17 ft 3 in 26 ft 0 in 110 pF
Design Table: Rectangular and Delta Loop

BAND LENGTH OF ANTENNA LENGTH OF MATCHING

(# 14 copper wire) SECTION
(RG-11 75  VF = 0.66)
160 (1.83 MHz) 549 ft 4 in 88 ft 8 in
80 (3.6 MHz) 279 ft 2 in 45 ft 1 in
75 (3.9 MHz) 257 ft 8 in 41 ft 7 in
40 (7.1 MHz) 141 ft 7 in 22 ft 7 in
30 99 ft 1 in 16 ft 1 in
20 70 ft 9 in 11 ft 5 in
17 55 ft 6 in 8 ft 11 in
15 47 ft 4 in 7 ft 8 in
12 40 ft 4 in 6 ft 6 in
10 (28.4 MHz) 35 ft 5 in 5 ft 8 in
 Design Table: Inductively Loaded Loop
BAND LENGTH A LENGTH B LOADING
INDUCTANCE (4)
160 (1.83 MHz) 60 ft 0 in 90 ft 0 in 63 H
80 (3.6 MHz) 35 ft 6 in 45 ft 9 in 30 H
75 (3.9 MHz) 28 ft 2 in 42 ft 3 in 27 H
40 (7.1 MHz) 15 ft 5 in 23 ft 2 in 15 H

The loop is vertically oriented, with the lower wire

approximately 10 feet above ground
 
 Design Table: 2-el yagis

Element Lengths (in) Element

Pos. (in)
Band Element Ref. Drv. Dir. Drv. Dir. Notes
Dia. (in)
6m 0.5 117.4 108.2 11.6 G=6.7dB FB=21dB Z=9
6m 0.5 116.2 114.5 34 G=6.2dB FB=10dB Z=32+j49
10m 0.875 207 191 20.5 G=6.7dB FB=21dB Z=9
10m 0.875 205 202 52 G=6.2dB FB=10dB Z=32+j49
12m 1.00 235.5 217.5 23.5 G=6.7dB FB=21dB Z=9
12m 1.00 233.5 230 59 G=6.2dB FB=10dB Z=32+j49
15m 1.125 277 256 27.5 G=6.7dB FB=21dB Z=9
15m 1.125 274.5 270.5 70 G=6.2dB FB=10dB Z=32+j49
17m 1.375 330 305 33 G=6.7dB FB=21dB Z=9
17m 1.375 327 322 83 G=6.2dB FB=10dB Z=32+j49
20m 1.75 414 382 41 G=6.7dB FB=21dB Z=9
20m 1.75 410 404 104 G=6.2dB FB=10dB Z=32+j49
 Design Table: 3-el yagis
Element Lengths (in) Element
Pos. (in)
Band Element Ref. Drv. Dir. Drv. Dir. Notes
Dia. (in)
6m 0.5 119.75 113 103 49.5 83.5 G=7.4dB FB=24dB Z=45
6m 0.5 115.25 113.5 107.25 32 64 G=8.0dB FB=38dB Z=15
10m 0.875 210.5 199.5 181 87 147 G=7.4dB FB=24dB Z=45
10m 0.875 204 201 190 57 114 G=8.0dB FB=38dB Z=15
12m 1.00 240.5 226.75 206.75 99.5 168 G=7.4dB FB=24dB Z=45
12m 1.00 232 228.75 216 65 130 G=8.0dB FB=38dB Z=15
15m 1.00 282.5 266.5 243 117 197 G=7.3dB FB=24dB Z=45
15m 1.00 273 269 254 76.5 153 G=7.9dB FB=38dB Z=17
17m 1.25 331 312 285 137 231 G=7.3dB FB=24dB Z=45
17m 1.25 319 305 298 89 179 G=7.9dB FB=34dB Z=15
20m 1.375 423 399 364 175 295 G=7.3dB FB=24dB Z=45
20m 1.375 423 399 364 175 295 G=8.0dB FB=38dB Z=15
Design Table: Moxon Rectangle
Dimensions (in)
Band Element A B C D. E
Dia.
2m #14 29.25 4.125 1.125 5.5 10.75
6m #14 85.5 12.625 2.625 16 31.25
10m #14 150.75 22.75 4.125 28.125 55
12m #14 172.25 26 4.75 32 62.75
15m #14 202.75 30.75 5.5 37.75 74
17m #14 238 36.25 6 44.25 86.5
20m #14 303 46.5 7.5 56 110
 Design Table: X-Beam

Element Dimensions (in)

Band A B C
2m 16.000 8.753 7.625
6m 46.750 25.500 22.125
10m 82.125 44.875 39.000
12m 93.750 51.250 44.500
15m 110.250 60.250 25.250
17m 129.250 70.625 61.250
20m 165.000 90.125 78.250