An overview of the important basic characteristics of antennas is presented to establish a framework of simple equations within which specific antenna types may be discussed further. Electromagnetic antenna theory is complex and rather mathematical and much has been written on the basic theory of antennas and the design of many specific antennas for communications use from HF to millimetric wavelengths. Emphasis of the chapter is on the practical aspects of antenna characteristics which EMC engineers and test technicians can use with a view to minimising potential measurement errors.

Chapter Contents:

• 5.1 EMC antennas
• 5.2 EMC antenna basics
• 5.2.1 Arbitrary antennas
• 5.2.2 EMC antennas
• 5.3 Basic antenna parameters
• 5.3.1 Gain
• 5.3.2 Aperture
• 5.3.3 Transmitting antenna factor
• 5.3.4 Receiving antenna factor
• 5.3.5 Antenna phase centre
• 5.3.6 Mutual antenna coupling
• 5.3.7 Wavefield impedance
• 5.3.8 Near-field/far-field boundary
• 5.3.9 beamwidth
• 5.4 References

Inspec keywords: antennas; electromagnetic compatibility; millimetre wave antennas; HF antennas

Other keywords: potential measurement error; EMC engineers; millimetric wavelength; electromagnetic antenna theory; HF wavelength; EMC measurement; antenna characteristics; antenna communication

Subjects: Single antennas