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Antenna
Antenna
What is an antenna?
An antenna is a specialized transducer that converts electric current into electromagnetic (EM) waves or
vice versa. Antennas are used to transmit and receive nonionizing EM fields, which include radio waves,
microwaves, infrared radiation (IR) and visible light.
Also an antenna is a device or mechanism that is made of metallic material and absorbs or emits
electromagnetic waves, also called electromagnetic radiation. Antennas are used for many types of
telecommunication, a type of long-distance communication that uses radio waves to transmit messages
which are then converted into audio or other mediums.
Radio wave antennas and microwave antennas are used extensively throughout most industries and in
our day-to-day lives. Infrared and visible light antennas are less common. They're still deployed in a
variety of settings, although their use tends to be more specialized.
WHAT IS AN AERIAL?
“Aerials” was the old common name for antennas because all common early antennas were large and
well elevated. They were “in the air”.
As aerials changed over the years, the commonly accepted name changed to “antenna” or
“antennas”(plural), which was more descriptive of changing designs. Although the names are still
somewhat interchangeable, around WWII “antennas” or “antenna” started rapidly gaining popularity
and is now the almost exclusive use.
The Latin plural “antennae” has traditionally been reserved for biological “feelers” or insect sensors.
Some newer people unfamiliar with accepted engineering jargon or common usage use the incorrect
Latin plural “antennae” when speaking of electromagnetics or radio. Use of “Antennae” in radio is
almost exclusively by inexperienced people, since it is widely unaccepted in the field.
In Telecommunication,an aerial is a type of antenna that is designed for receiving and not transmitting.
1. Antenna:
-Antenna refers to a structure or device designed to transmit or receive electromagnetic waves, such
and discussions.
2. Aerial:
communications.
-In many countries, especialy in the United States, the term "antenna" is more commonly used.
electromagnetic waves.
-Antenna is the more internationally recognized term, and it is widely used in technical literature
-Similar to an antenna, an aerial is a structure or device used for transmitting and receiving
-It is widely accepted as a technical term in the field of electrical engineering and radio
-Antennas come in various types, designs, and configurations, including dipole antennas, Yagi
-The term "aeria" is more common in general public usage and informal contexts, including
-Aerial is considered a less technical term compared to "antenna" and is more often used in
-In some regions, particularly in the United Kingdom and certain Commonwealth countries, the term
IN SUMMARY:
1. The word Antenna is an American English and mostly used among Americans while Aerial is a British
English used in most British colonised countries.
2.An aerial is for receiving radio signals only, (like an ariel for a TV or radio) and an antenna is for
transmitting (some can receive also) radio signals (like you see on the top of tall buildings and hills), also
found in mobile phones to send and receive signals for Wi-fi, GSM, etc.
3.Aerials are typically found in televisions and radios and are used to pick up over-the-air broadcast,
they are generally smaller in size and are intended for use in a single location, such as a car or a house
while antennas are typically larger and are used to receive and transmit signals over long range distance.
They are used in telecommunication systems such as those used by radios and television stations, cell
power towers and satellite dishes,
4. An aerial is a type of antenna that is designed for receiving and not transmitting while an antenna can
be designed for either receiving and transmitting.
5. Aerials are ominidirectional meaning that they can pick signal from all directions, They are also often
designed to bebadjustable, allowing users to fine-tune their reception.Aerials are generally not as
powerful or as versatile as antennas, as they are designed for use in a specific location and often have
limited range. They are also typically less expensive than antennas, making them affordable option for
consumers who want to pick up local broadcasts.Antennas, on the other hand, are typically larger and
more powerful than aerials. They are used to transmit and receive radio signals over longer distances,
making them ideal for use in ,telecommunications systems such as cell phone towers, radio and
television stations, and satellite dishes. Antennas can be designed for either omnidirectional or
directional use, depending on the application. Omnidirectional antennas are designed to send and
receive signals in all directions, while directional antennas are designed to focus their direction. signal in
a specific Antennas can also be designed to operate on different frequencies, depending on the type of
signal they are transmitting or receiving. For example, a television antenna is designed to pick up signals
in the VHF and UHF frequency ranges, while a satellite dish is designed to pick up signals in the Ku-band
or C-band frequencyIn summary, while aerials and antennas both serve the purpose of transmitting and
receiving radio signals, they differ in terms of their size, power, range, and application.
1. Function: Both antennas and aerials serve the same fundamental function in radio
functionality or design.
3. Types and Designs: Both antennas and aerials come in various types and designs, tailored to
and contexts. In some countries, "antenna" is more commonly used, while in others, "aerial" may be
wireless communication, or satelite systems, both antennas and aerials are essential components in
respective tasks. They are optimized to capture weak signals in the case of reception or radiate the
omnidirectional antennas for broadcasting signals in all directions, or directional antennas for
2. Terminology: The terms "antenna" and "aerial" are often used interchangeably in various regions
the preferred term. The difference in terminology does not impy a significant difference in their
communication systems. They are used in various devices, including radios, televisions, cell phones,
4. Use in Communication Systems: Whether it's for radio broadcasting, television transmission,
5. Radio Frequency Communication: Antennas and aerials are designed to work with radio
6. Signal Reception and Transmission: Both antennas and aerials are designed to be efficient in their
communications, which is to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves. They are designed to
frequencies and other electromagnetic wave frequencies. They are impedance-matched to the
specific applications and frequency ranges. They can be designed for specific purposes, suchas
IN SUMMARY:
3. They both have a certain space that is designed to focus radio waves in a particular direction.
5. Overal, whie there may be regional differences in the use of the terms "antenna" and "aerial," the
fundamental simiarities between the two lie in their function, purpose, and usage in radio