A Review of Radiation Pattern of A 3λ/2 Dipole Antenna and Comparison with A λ/2 Dipole Antenna
Keywords:
Dipole Antenna, Half wave, Quarter wave, Radiation pattern, Wireless communicationAbstract
Dipole antennas are fundamental elements in antenna theory and are widely used in wireless communication systems due to their simplicity and effectiveness. Among the various dipole configurations, the half-wave (λ/2) dipole antenna is the most common, offering a predictable and stable radiation pattern suitable for many applications. However, extending the length of a dipole antenna to a three-halves wavelength (3λ/2) significantly alters its radiation characteristics. This study focuses on plotting and comparing the radiation patterns of a λ/2 dipole and a 3λ/2 dipole antenna to understand the impact of antenna length on radiation behavior.
The λ/2 dipole antenna typically exhibits a figure-eight radiation pattern in the plane perpendicular to its axis, with maximum radiation broadside to the antenna and nulls along the axis. In contrast, the 3λ/2 dipole, due to its extended length and altered current distribution, produces a more complex radiation pattern with multiple lobes and narrower beam widths, indicating increased directionality and directivity. These changes can be advantageous in applications requiring focused energy in specific directions but may also introduce unwanted side lobes and nulls.
This project uses analytical methods and simulation tools to plot the radiation patterns of both antennas in 2D and 3D and evaluate parameters such as main lobe direction, side lobe levels, and beam width. The comparison highlights the trade-offs between simplicity and performance when increasing dipole length.
This study enhances the understanding of how dipole antenna design affects radiation characteristics, which is critical for designing efficient communication systems. The findings can aid engineers in selecting the appropriate antenna type based on specific application requirements such as coverage area, directionality, and gain.
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