Radiation Pattern
From ExoDictionary
This definition article has been automatically generated. As such it may contain serious errors. You can help ExoDictionary by expanding, updating, or correcting it. |
| This autostub has not yet had its initial copyediting proof. |
| This autostub has not yet had its initial categorization proof. |
Radiation Pattern
</dt>
A graphical representation of the radiation of an antenna
as a function of direction. Cross sections in which radiation patterns are
frequently given are vertical planes and the horizontal plane, or the principal
electric and magnetic polarization planes. Also called antenna pattern,
lobe pattern, coverage diagram.
</dd>
Two types of radiation patterns should be distinguished. They are: (a)
the free-space radiation pattern which is the complete lobe pattern of the
antenna and is a function of the wavelength, feed system, and reflector characteristics,
and (b) the field radiation pattern which differs primarily from the free-space
pattern by the formation of interference lobes whenever direct and reflected
wave trains interfere with each other as is found in most surface-based radars.
The envelope of these interference lobes has the same shape, but, for a perfectly
reflecting surface, it has up to twice the amplitude of the free-space radiation
pattern.
</dd>
[edit] References
This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use
