How do you tell if an antenna needs a ground plane?
To function as a ground plane, the conducting surface must be at least a quarter of the wavelength (λ/4) of the radio waves in radius. In lower frequency antennas, such as the mast radiators used for broadcast antennas, the Earth itself (or a body of water such as a salt marsh or ocean) is used as a ground plane.
How does an antenna ground plane work?
As the name indicates the antenna ground plane acts as a simulated ground. It is found that for a monopole antenna like a quarter wavelength vertical, the ground acts as a plane to reflect the radio waves so that an image of the top half of the antenna is seen in the Earth.
How is ground plane antenna calculated?
It’s a good antenna for testing. And, the impedance and reactance are perfect!…1/4 Wave Ground Plane Antenna Calculator.
| Quarter Wave Ground Plane Antenna Calculator | |
|---|---|
| Frequency | MHz |
| Give me the results in… | mm (MilliMetres) cm (Centimetres) m (Metres) in (Inches) ft (Feet) |
| A. Vertical Monopole Radiating Element (λ*0.25)*vf | |
| B. Radials (λ*0.28)*vf |
How big should ground plane be?
For example, if the ideal radial length is calculated at 4 inches, that means that the ground plane must extend out at least 4” in each direction from the antenna in the center, for a ground plane size of 8×8 inches (64 square inches.)
How big should a ground plane be?
All Answers (51) As per calculations, ground plane (m * n) should be minimum 6 times the height of the substrate added to the length (m) and width (n) of the patch. But, it can be optimized using slits, EBGs, PBG structures called Defected Ground Structures.
How big does an antenna ground plane need to be?
All 1/4 wave antennas work best if they are installed in the center of a metal ground plane with at least 1/4 wave length radius (1/2 wave length diameter: ~6 inches for 900Mhz and ~3 inches for 2.4Ghz); larger is better. The antenna can still work on a smaller ground plane but the efficiency will be reduced.
Does a 1/2 wave antenna need a ground plane?
Does a 1/2 wave antenna need a ground plane? Answer: No. It does not require a ground plane to work efficiently. In fact it is best to install the 1/2 wave antenna at least 8 inches from any nearby metal objects for better performance.