
Antennas come in various shapes and sizes. That makes them flexible to use in different situations. You must learn about antennas before integrating them into your system. This is because not every antenna can be suitable for every situation. A loop antenna and a folded dipole antenna are antennas that are named after their unique design and shape. If you think that you can use either of the wireless solutions for your specific needs, you may be wrong, because both antennas have different properties.
In this guide, we will explore a loop antenna and a folded antenna. If you don’t know how both of them are different, this guide will help you learn about these antennas in very simple words. Let’s get started!
What is a Loop Antenna?
A loop antenna consists of a loop or coil of wire. The loop can be designed with multiple loops which also gives it a unique design among others. Loop antennas help in establishing wireless communication and allow signals to be sent and received for different distances.
Loop antennas have various shapes of loops. Depending on the specific purpose and need, it can be circular, rectangular, or other. When you utilize this antenna in your system, it helps you to seamlessly share or receive signals wirelessly. The loop of the antenna is an important part. When alternative current travels through the loop, it creates a magnetic field and produces a voltage at every turn. This voltage generates an electromagnetic wave that radiates into space. That entire process enables users to create effective wireless communication and share their information efficiently.
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What is a Folded Dipole Antenna?
Folded dipole antenna is also known as a half-wave dipole antenna. This antenna has a folded design, which is why it got this name. The antenna has a long single-wire dipole that is folded back on itself. The first pole continued with its structure and another one split at the center. This unique structure creates two parallel elements, contributing to establishing reliable connections.
The folded dipole antennas come in small sizes. This allows them to be attached to mobile phones and small electrical devices. As the main part of the antenna is folded, it helps users adjust its effectiveness according to their specific concerns. Users can capture desired frequencies and ensure consistent signal transmission and reception.
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Difference Between a Loop Antenna And a Folded Dipole Antenna
There are many differences between a loop antenna and a folded dipole antenna. Below, we have discussed the main types of features of both. This will help you understand how these antennas differ from each other:
Structure
The most important difference that everyone can recognize at first glance is their structure. A small loop antenna can be easily recognized by its single continuous loop shape. While a folded dipole antenna has folded dipole elements. Both of the antennas are used for different purposes. For example, you can use a loop antenna in applications such as portable radios, RFID systems, etc. On the other hand, a folded dipole antenna is useful in applications such as television receivers and FM radio systems.
Impedance
To create a reliable connection, antennas need to have an impedance value close to 50 to 75 ohms. Talking about a large loop antenna generally has a higher impedance. That means you may experience poor connection in certain circumstances, but using an additional matching network will help you establish an effective connection. On the other hand, a folded dipole antenna has a lower impedance that creates a better flow of electromagnetic waves. This reduces the need for additional matching in the diploe antenna.
Frequency Range
If you are looking to purchase an antenna, then the frequency range that you are going to cover with your antenna plays a crucial role in your antenna selection. If we talk about a small loop antenna, it is generally known for interacting with lower frequencies. On the other hand, a folded dipole antenna can empower you to cover high-frequency radio waves. And you can get optimum performance when interacting with these waves.
Radiation Pattern
A loop antenna is known to emit a predominantly directional radiation pattern. This makes it a suitable solution for capturing and sharing radio waves in a particular direction. It is best to use this antenna to communicate in a specific direction. A folded dipole antenna is a great choice for sharing your radio signal in multiple directions. This antenna is an omnidirectional antenna, which means you can use it to share and receive antennas for 360-degree coverage.
Size and Installation
A loop antenna comes in a small size. It is designed for installation in limited spaces. There are many applications where the role of loop antennas is paramount. On the other hand, folded dipoles are usually larger. They are beneficial to employ in applications where larger applications require more space. They are known for achieving optimal performance in a variety of applications, such as satellite communication, FM broadcasting, and others.
Bandwidth
Talking about the bandwidth of both these wireless solutions, folded dipole antennas come with a wide range of bandwidth. This means that the cutting-edge device helps users keep up with multiple frequency waves. However, the loop antenna is not as flexible as the folded dipole antenna.
Conclusion
A loop antenna and a folded dipole antenna, both wireless solutions, help antenna enthusiasts access consistent communication in various applications. However, in this post, we get to know how both of these antennas have their own unique characteristics. We understand that a loop antenna has many attributes. It has a directorial property and comes in lower bandwidth compared to others. On the other hand, a folded dipole antenna holds folded elements. It radiates an omnidirectional pattern that makes it a flexible option in situations where covering signals from every direction is essential.
If you are planning to choose an antenna between them, you can choose a solution based on your specific requirements. As we have covered all the essential points in this post, you can decide which features you are going to prioritize when choosing a wireless solution. For example, for getting 360 coverage, you can move to a folded dipole antenna, and for a limited space, a loop antenna is a better option.