Directional Antenna Polarization Demystified

Understanding Antenna Polarization

Cell phone signal boosters have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing a solution to areas that have weak or no cellular signal. However, there are still many questions surrounding the proper installation and mounting of cell phone antennas both inside and outside a building. In this article, we will discuss the basics of antenna polarization and how it relates to the mounting of a Yagi antenna, which is a type of directional antenna commonly used in cell phone booster systems.

Before we dive into the specifics of the Yagi antenna, let’s first discuss antenna polarization. Antenna polarization is the orientation of the electric and magnetic fields of an antenna. The polarization of an antenna can be either vertical, horizontal, or circular. When two antennas are communicating with each other, it is important that they have the same polarization. If the polarizations are different, the antennas will not be able to effectively communicate with each other.

Omni-Directional Antennas

There are two main types of antennas – omnidirectional and directional. Omnidirectional antennas receive and transmit signals in a 360-degree radiation pattern, making them suitable for situations where the cell tower is going to change its position relative to the user, such as in the case of cell phone booster systems used in vehicles. This is particularly the case of cell phone booster systems used in vehicles, where the user is moving in relation to the cell phone tower.

On the other hand, directional antennas are designed to focus their signal in a particular direction, making them ideal for situations where the cell tower is in a fixed position. One type of directional antenna that is commonly used in cell phone booster systems is the Yagi antenna.

The Yagi Antenna

The Yagi antenna is a type of directional antenna that consists of a driven element, a reflector, and one or more directors. The driven element is the only part of the structure that is connected to the power source, and the rest are feeding off of that driver and exactly 180 degrees out of phase with the driver. This creates the polarization effect in directing the signal in a particular direction. The parasitic elements are less than or greater than λ/2, keeping them out of phase with the director element. The director is the spine of the structure, while the driver elements are the ribs sticking out of the spine.

The spacing between the elements of a Yagi antenna is crucial to its performance. The spacing is generally either 1/4th or 1/10th of the wavelength of the signal being transmitted. The driven element is typically placed at the center of the antenna, with the reflector behind it and the directors in front of it. The directors are shorter than the driven element, while the reflector is slightly longer. This careful arrangement of elements ensures that the transmission is directed in the forward direction and not in the backward direction.

Mounting a Yagi antenna properly is crucial to its performance. The antenna should be mounted in a location where it has an unobstructed line of sight to the cell tower. It should also be mounted as high as possible to avoid any obstacles that may interfere with the signal. When mounting the antenna, it is important to use the correct mounting hardware to ensure that it is secure and stable.

In conclusion, the Yagi antenna is a type of directional antenna commonly used in cell phone booster systems. Its carefully designed elements ensure that the transmission is directed in the forward direction and not in the backward direction. When mounting a Yagi antenna, it is important to consider the location and height to ensure that it has an unobstructed line of sight to the cell tower. By understanding the basics of antenna polarization and the proper mounting techniques, you can ensure that your cell phone booster system is working at its optimal level.