Helical Antenna
Antenna and Wave propogation / By Roshni Y / Leave a Comment
Definition: Helical antenna is a type of antenna that is designed using
conducting wire and is constructed in the shape of a helix. These antennas
are considered as one of the simplest antennas and are widely used in very
high and ultra-high frequency operations.
So, finds applications in extraterrestrial communication like satellite relays
etc.
The operating frequency of helical antennas lies between 300 MHz to 3
GHz.
Generally, helical antennas radiate circularly polarized waves and support
two modes of operations, which are:
Normal mode
Axial mode
In this article, we will have a complete idea about the helical antenna.
Content: Helical Antenna
1. Construction
2. Working
3. Radiation Pattern
4. Advantages
5. Disadvantages
6. Applications
Construction
A helical antenna is constructed using a conducting wire. Generally, a thick
copper wire is wound in the form of a helix and is used in conjunction with a
metallic plate. This metallic plate is the ground plate.
The excitation to the helical antenna is provided at an end using a coaxial
transmission line. Here the central conductor is attached to the helix and
outer conductor forms a connection with the ground plane. The figure
below represents the structure of the helical antenna:
Generally, a sheet and concentric conductor is used to form the ground
plane.
We have already discussed in the beginning that there are two modes of
operation of the helical antenna. And the deciding factor for the mode of
operation is the diameter of the helix and spacing between two consecutive
turns.
Suppose for a helical antenna, the length of a single turn is denoted as L
while S denotes the spacing between the consecutive turns. Then the total
length of the antenna will be NS.
The circumference of the helix is denoted as C and is given as πD.
: D represents the diameter of the helical spring.
Consider unrolling one turn of the helix, then the various parameters
associated with it can be defined by the triangle given below:
Here α is the pitch angle
Therefore, we will have:
The pitch angle of the helix is the angle existing between the tangential line
to the helical wire and the plane in direction, normal to its axis.
Thus
Hence
Thus, we can say, the radiation characteristics of the antenna are changed
by varying these parameters according to the wavelength.
Working of Helical Antenna
We know that when a conductive wire is excited by using feed likes like
coaxial cable or two-wire transmission line then current flows through the
conducting wire. This causes the generation of field lines and radiations are
emitted.
It is noteworthy that a helical antenna may radiate in various mode but the
two most prominent modes are discussed here.
Normal mode of radiation
This mode of operation is also known as perpendicular mode of
operation, this is so because, in this mode, maximal radiation is emitted in
the direction of the plane perpendicular to the axis of the antenna. And the
waves are circularly polarized in nature. This means that the field radiated
is maximum along the plane perpendicular to axis and minimum along the
axis.
This mode of operation is achieved when the dimensions of the antenna
are comparatively smaller than the wavelength. This means
NL < < λ
However, this small dimensional antenna offers low radiation
efficiency and very narrow bandwidth.
The antenna in this configuration is known as broadside helical antenna
and acts as an electric short dipole antenna.
It is to be noted that a helix resembles like a combination of small loop and
short dipole. Thus its radiation pattern resembles the radiation pattern of
the combination of a short dipole and small loop placed along the axis of
the helix.
The reason behind this is that at α = 0°, the helix corresponds as loop and
at α = 90°, it acts as a linear dipole. Therefore, patch angle at 0° and 90°
serves as the limiting conditions of the helical antenna.
So, we can say, if the spacing tends to zero but the diameter is constant
then helix resembles like a loop. But if the spacing is fixed while diameter
tends to zero, then helix transforms into a linear conductor.
This is represented below:
Due to the compact structure of this antenna, it offers suitability of use on
mobile and portable devices operating on VHF and UHF bands.
Axial Mode of Radiation
Axial mode is also referred as the end-fire mode of operation as here the
maximum radiation emission occurs along the axis of the helix. The
radiation pattern of the end-fire helical antenna is circular or nearly circular.
The crucial differentiating factor between normal mode and axial mode
is that in normal mode, maximum radiation is along the perpendicular
direction of the axis. While in axial mode, maximum radiation is along the
axis itself.
Now the question arises what is the condition of having an axial mode of
operation?
So basically, this mode of the helical antenna is the result of such
dimensions where the circumference and the spacing between the loops
are somewhat equivalent to one wavelength.
This means,
NL ≈ λ
Unlike normal mode, this mode of the helical antenna produces a broad
and highly directional beam in the axial direction. Thus, this mode of the
helical antenna is used for practical applications.
For practical purpose, the helix is made with circumference nearly equal to
one wavelength and spacing nearly λ/4.
For axial mode, the pitch angle shows variation between 12° to 18°,
however, at 14° this mode shows best results.
The complete length of the helix decides its gain and bandwidth.
The value of terminal impedance is nearly 100 ohms and varies according
to frequency.
Radiation Pattern
The figure below represents the radiation pattern of the helical antenna
operating in axial mode:
Advantages
The various advantages of the helical antenna are:
1. These offer simple construction.
2. The helical antenna exhibits highly directional behaviour.
3. It offers wide operating bandwidth.
4. The operational frequency range is very high i.e., operates in VHF
and UHF.
Disadvantages
The drawbacks associated with helical antennas are as follows:
1. The end-fire helical antenna exhibit large size thus is bulky.
2. The efficiency of the antenna is dependent on the number of turns,
as with the increase in the number of turns, efficiency decreases.
Applications of Helical Antenna
Helical antennas majorly find applications in space communication. Their
simplicity, high directivity, wide bandwidth and circular polarization serve as
the parameters for operating in space communication.
Generally, the telemetry data in space communication is propagated
through helical antennas.
Also, by placing either single or array of the helical antenna in the
surface, ionospheric wave propagation can be achieved. This allows the
transmission and reception of VHF signals. Thus, satellite and space probe
propagation use helical antennas.
Helical antennas configured in axial mode can receive signals of arbitrary
polarization easily. As end-fire helical antennas offer circularly polarized
waves over a wider bandwidth. Hence is widely used than broadside helical
antennas.
Related Terms:
1. Long Wire Antenna
2. Types of Antennas
3. Antenna Measurements – Radiation Pattern
4. Radiation Pattern of Antenna
5. V Antenna
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