microwave antenna
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File:Erdfunkstelle Raisting 2.jpg, Bavaria, Germany.]]
File:Hogg horn antennas.jpg horn-reflector antennas on the roof of a telephone switching center in Seattle, Washington, part of the U.S. AT&T Long Lines microwave relay network.]]
A microwave antenna is a physical transmission device used to send and receive microwaves between two or more locations.{{cite book |last1=Balanis |first1=Constantine |title=Antenna theory; analysis and design |edition=3rd}} In addition to broadcasting, antennas are also used in radar, radio astronomy and electronic warfare.
== Microwave frequency bands ==
| class="wikitable nowrap"
|+ Radio bands where microwave antennas are commonly deployed in 2016 FCC{{Cite web|url=http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=microwave|title=Point-to-Point Microwave|date=22 February 2016}} | ||
| C band | 4 to 8 GHz | 3.75 cm to 7.5 cm
|style="white-space:normal;"| 4 GHz, 6 GHz |
| X band | 8 to 12 GHz | 25 mm to 37.5 mm
|style="white-space:normal;"| 10 GHz, 11 GHz |
| Ku band | 12 to 18 GHz | 16.7 mm to 25 mm
|style="white-space:normal;"| 12 GHz, 18 GHz |
| K band | 18 to 26.5 GHz | 11.3 mm to 16.7 mm
|style="white-space:normal;"| 18 GHz |
| Ka band | 26.5 to 40 GHz | 5.0 mm to 11.3 mm
|style="white-space:normal;"| 23 GHz, 31 GHz |
| Q band | 33 to 50 GHz | 6.0 mm to 9.0 mm
|style="white-space:normal;"| 38 GHz |
| W band | 75 to 110 GHz | 2.7 mm to 4.0 mm
|style="white-space:normal;"| 70 GHz, 80 GHz, 90 GHz |
Uses
{{see also|Microwave transmission}}
- One-way (e.g. television broadcasting) and two-way telecommunication using communications satellites
- Terrestrial microwave relay links in telecommunications networks including backbone or backhaul carriers in cellular networks linking BTS-BSC and BSC-MSC.
- Radar
- Radio astronomy
- Communications intelligence
- Electronic warfare
Antenna types
=Reflector antennas=
A parabolic antenna is an antenna that uses a parabolic reflector, a curved surface with the cross-sectional shape of a parabola, to direct the radio waves. These devices range anywhere from 6" to more than 12' diameter depending on application and use.
=Horn antennas=
A horn antenna or microwave horn is an antenna that consists of a flaring metal waveguide shaped like a horn to direct radio waves in a beam. Horns are widely used as antennas at UHF and microwave frequencies, above 300 MHz.{{cite web | last = Bevilaqua | first = Peter | authorlink = | title = Horn antenna - Intro | work = Antenna-theory.com website | date = 2009 | url = http://www.antenna-theory.com/antennas/aperture/horn.php | accessdate = 2010-11-11}}
=Lens antennas=
A lens antenna uses a lens to direct or collect microwave radiation.
=Array antennas=
An array antenna is a high gain antenna consisting of an array of smaller antenna elements.
=Leaky wave antenna=
A leaky wave antenna uses a leaking transmission line to obtain radiation.
= Spiral antenna =
A spiral antenna, configured in the shape of a spiral, serves as a radio frequency antenna. It can function independently or as a feeder for satellite communication reflector antennas. It ensures excellent impedance matching and radiation pattern performance across the entire operating frequency band.