For a reciprocal antenna, which pattern is usually specified and measured?

For a reciprocal antenna, which pattern is usually specified and measured?

• A. Receive
• B. Transmit
• C. Radiation pattern
• D. Field distribution

Answer: (B)

Reciprocity means a linear, passive antenna has the same directional pattern whether it’s transmitting or receiving. Because of that, engineers specify and measure the transmit pattern to characterize the antenna’s directional behavior. The receive pattern will be the same as the transmit one, thanks to reciprocity, so focusing on the transmit pattern provides the complete performance picture. The term radiation pattern describes that directional behavior in general, but in practice the measurement and documentation center on how the antenna radiates in transmission. Field distribution refers to near-field details and isn’t the standard pattern used for performance specification.

Reciprocity means a linear, passive antenna has the same directional pattern whether it’s transmitting or receiving. Because of that, engineers specify and measure the transmit pattern to characterize the antenna’s directional behavior. The receive pattern will be the same as the transmit one, thanks to reciprocity, so focusing on the transmit pattern provides the complete performance picture. The term radiation pattern describes that directional behavior in general, but in practice the measurement and documentation center on how the antenna radiates in transmission. Field distribution refers to near-field details and isn’t the standard pattern used for performance specification.