射频技术入门之：天线基础.pdf

9 Antenna Basics Introduction Antennas are a very important component of communication systems. By definition, an antenna is a device used to transform an RF signal, traveling on a conductor, into an electromagnetic wave in free space. Antennas demonstrate a property known as reciprocity, which means that an antenna will maintain the same characteristics regardless if it is transmitting or receiving. Most antennas are resonant devices, which operate efficiently over a relatively narrow frequency band. An antenna must be tuned to the same frequency band of the radio system to which it is connected, otherwise the reception and the transmission will be impaired. When a signal is fed into an antenna, the antenna will emit radiation distributed in space in a certain way. A graphical representation of the relative distribution of the radiated power in space is called a radiation pattern. Antenna Glossary Before we talk about specific antennas, there are a few common terms that must be defined and explained: - Input Impedance For an efficient transfer of energy, the impedance of the radio, of the antenna and of the transmission cable connecting them must be the same. Transceivers and their transmission lines are typically designed for 50 Ω impedance. If the antenna has an impedance different from 50 Ω , then there is a mismatch and an impedance matching circuit is required. € - Return loss € The return loss is another way of expressing mismatch. It is a logarithmic ratio measured in dB that compares the power reflected by the antenna to the power that is fed into the antenna from the transmission line. The relationship between SWR and return loss is the