Module 1 2013

Jimma University
Jimma Institute of Technology
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Communication Stream

Antennas and Radio Wave Propagation

Module 1

Antenna Fundamentals

Antenna
An antenna is a metallic conductor system capable of radiating and capturing electromagnetic energy.
Antennas are used to interface transmission lines to the atmosphere, the atmosphere to transmission
lines, or both. In essence, a transmission line couples energy from a transmitter to an antenna or from an
antenna to a receiver. The antenna, in return, couples energy from a transmission line to the atmosphere
and energy received from the atmosphere to a transmission line.

Radio Waves
Electrical energy that has escaped into free space in the form of transverse electromagnetic waves.
The escaped radio waves travel at approximately the velocity of light.
Comprised of magnetic and electric fields that are at right angles to each other and at right angles to the
direction of travel

All electrical circuits that carry alternating current radiate a certain amount of electrical energy in the
form of electromagnetic waves.
However, the amount of energy radiated is negligible unless the physical dimensions of the circuit
approach the dimensions of a wavelength of a wave.

Magnetic Fields
A magnetic field is an invisible force field created by a magnet. An antenna is a type of electromagnet. A
magnetic field is generated around a conductor when current flows through it.
The strength and direction of the magnetic field depend upon the magnitude and direction of the current
flow.
The strength of a magnetic field H produced by a wire antenna is expressed by
=
where: I = current, A
d = distance from wire, m

Antennas and Radio Wave Propagation, Prepared by: Engr. S. Catolos Page 1
 Module 1 2013

Electric Field
An electric field is also an invisible force field produced by the presence of a potential difference between
two conductors.
An electric field exists between any two points across which a potential difference exists.
The strength of an electric field E is expressed by
=
where: q = charge between the two points
= permittivity
d = distance between conductors

Basic Antenna Operations The Nature of an Antenna

If a parallel-wire line is left open, the electric and magnetic fields escape from the end of the line and
radiate into space in the form of electromagnetic waves. This radiation, however, is inefficient and
unsuitable for reliable transmission and reception.

Radiation efficiency is the ratio of radiated to reflected energy

The radiation from a transmission line can be greatly improved by bending the transmission line
conductors so they are at a right angle to the transmission line.
Optimum radiation occurs if the segment of transmission wire converted to an antenna is one-quarter
wavelength long at the operating frequency

Antennas and Radio Wave Propagation, Prepared by: Engr. S. Catolos Page 2
 Module 1 2013

An antenna, then, is a conductor or pair of conductors to which is applied the ac voltage at a desired
frequency.
In most practical applications, the antenna is remote from the transmitter and receiver, and a
transmission line is used to transfer the energy between antenna and transmitter or receiver.

Antenna Equivalent Circuit

In radio communications systems, transmitters are connected to receivers through transmission lines,
antennas, and free space.
With antennas, the degree of coupling is much lower than a transformer, and an electromagnetic wave is
involved rather than just a magnetic wave

Antennas and Radio Wave Propagation, Prepared by: Engr. S. Catolos Page 3