A microwave antenna is a physical transmission device used to broadcast microwave transmissions between two or more locations.[1] In addition to broadcasting, antennas are also used in radar, radio astronomy and electronic warfare.

A typical larger microwave antenna designed for mid to long range
A parabolic satellite antenna for Erdfunkstelle Raisting, based in Raisting, Bavaria, Germany.
C band 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.

Microwave frequency bands

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Radio bands where microwave antennas are commonly deployed in 2016 FCC[2]
C band 4 to 8 GHz 3.75 cm to 7.5 cm 4 GHz, 6 GHz
X band 8 to 12 GHz 25 mm to 37.5 mm 10 GHz, 11 GHz
Ku band 12 to 18 GHz 16.7 mm to 25 mm 12 GHz, 18 GHz
K band 18 to 26.5 GHz 11.3 mm to 16.7 mm 18 GHz
Ka band 26.5 to 40 GHz 5.0 mm to 11.3 mm 23 GHz, 31 GHz
Q band 33 to 50 GHz 6.0 mm to 9.0 mm 38 GHz
W band 75 to 110 GHz 2.7 mm to 4.0 mm 70 GHz, 80 GHz, 90 GHz

Uses

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Antenna types

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Reflector antennas

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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

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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.[3]

Lens antennas

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A lens antenna uses a lens to direct or collect microwave radiation.

Array antennas

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An array antenna is a high gain antenna consisting of an array of smaller antenna elements.

Leaky wave antenna

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A leaky wave antenna uses a leaking transmission line to obtain radiation.

Spiral antenna

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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.


References

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  1. ^ Balanis, Constantine. Antenna theory; analysis and design (3rd ed.).
  2. ^ "Point-to-Point Microwave". 22 February 2016.
  3. ^ Bevilaqua, Peter (2009). "Horn antenna - Intro". Antenna-theory.com website. Retrieved 2010-11-11.