In electronic communications, an antenna gain (also known as gain margin) is a fundamental parameter that blends the power characteristic of the input signal as well as its efficacy. In a receiving antenna, the gain refers to how effectively the antenna converts the input signal into radio waves already headed in the specified direction. The term gain is actually a mathematical expression for the angle, momentum, and height at which a wave encounters an electric source of low pressure and high frequency. Attuning a transmitter and receiver, then, involves computing the characteristic of the signal as it interacts with the antenna. In the context of a communication system, it determines how well a transmitted signal is transmitted over a network.
There are many types of antennas used to transmit signals over networks. They can be fixed-array antennas, which use a series of antenna points to receive and emit signals; mobile antennas, which are smaller versions of fixed arrays that use LNB or TDMA technology; and satellite antennas, which send and receive signals from satellites above the earth. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Fixed-array antennas are widely used because they provide the most reliable system performance; however they consume the most power.
When designing a communications system, designers consider antenna gain in different ways. The antenna gain Determination (AGD) technique is used to optimize power consumption. This technique makes use of the formula: Maximum gain (STD) or Maximum transmit power (TDP). Then, all that is needed to reduce the consumption of power is to tweak the equation to reduce the STD while increasing TDP. To do this, the equation is modified to: Maximum gain (Determined by AGD) x Maximum transmit power (MTP). For instance, if an antenna has a maximum gain of three decibels, the output signal level can be tuned to approximately four decibels.
A second method of optimizing antenna gain involves controlling the number of channels that are fed into the system. If there is only one frequency that is being used for receiving data, then this will reduce power consumption. This also allows for lower power requirements since only one frequency is being used. On the other hand, if more than one frequency is being used, then this can also improve power consumption because of the added RF interference from other frequencies.
Antenna Switching is another form of optimizing antenna gain. With this technique, several frequencies are selected and their respective gain is varied. This allows the system to shift from one frequency to another without affecting the signal. In addition, switching multiple antennas on and off allows for better coverage. However, this technique can result in lower power savings.
Another way to optimize the gain of a specific antenna system is to combine antennas. Combining antennas allows for a more stable transmit and receive condition. Combining two or more antennas allows for greater transmission distance since the antenna receives information with more power. This is especially useful when used in conjunction with distributed antenna system systems.
The third way to optimize the antenna gain is by physically altering the antenna. When an antenna is pointed towards the strongest possible signal, the strength of the signal can be strengthened. For instance, pointing an antenna away from a source of strong signal will not allow as much of that signal to be received. In order to do this, physically altering the antenna can make it stronger or weaker. This will also change the directional signal that the antenna is able to receive.
One of the best ways to optimize the antenna gain for a particular wireless device is to test different antennas in different environments and along with different transmission strengths and transmission frequencies. In order to do this, it is important to send different signals and set different Antennas up in order to determine which method produces the best results. Testing a variety of antennas along with different transmission strengths and frequencies will allow you to find out which type of Antenna will produce the strongest signal. It is also important to experiment with different locations in order to find the best signal conditions.