Skew (antenna)
Encyclopedia
Skew is a term used in antenna engineering
. It is a technique to improve the horizontal radiation pattern
of a high power transmitter station
.
In a high power VHF or UHF station, usually the antenna system is constructed to broadcast to four directions each separated 90° from each other. So the directivity of the antenna system resembles a four leaf clover. While settlements within the main lobe
receive enough energy, the energy received by the settlements between the main lobes may be 6 dB less.
One popular method to solve the problem is to skew the antenna panels symmetrically around the central axis of the mast. Usually a skew of λ/4 gives the desired almost-uniform horizontal radiation pattern. But in cases where more than one RF
signal is applied to antenna system (via combiner), the improvement in the horizontal radiation pattern may be inadequate for some signals.
Antenna (radio)
An antenna is an electrical device which converts electric currents into radio waves, and vice versa. It is usually used with a radio transmitter or radio receiver...
. It is a technique to improve the horizontal radiation pattern
Radiation pattern
In the field of antenna design the term radiation pattern most commonly refers to the directional dependence of the strength of the radio waves from the antenna or other source ....
of a high power transmitter station
Transmitter station
Transmitter station refers to terrestrial infrastructure for transmitting radio frequency signals. The station maybe used for, wireless communication, broadcasting, microwave link, mobile telephone etc.-Choice of location:...
.
In a high power VHF or UHF station, usually the antenna system is constructed to broadcast to four directions each separated 90° from each other. So the directivity of the antenna system resembles a four leaf clover. While settlements within the main lobe
Main lobe
The main lobe, or main beam, of an antenna radiation pattern is the lobe containing the maximum power. This is the lobe that exhibits the greatest field strength....
receive enough energy, the energy received by the settlements between the main lobes may be 6 dB less.
One popular method to solve the problem is to skew the antenna panels symmetrically around the central axis of the mast. Usually a skew of λ/4 gives the desired almost-uniform horizontal radiation pattern. But in cases where more than one RF
Radio frequency
Radio frequency is a rate of oscillation in the range of about 3 kHz to 300 GHz, which corresponds to the frequency of radio waves, and the alternating currents which carry radio signals...
signal is applied to antenna system (via combiner), the improvement in the horizontal radiation pattern may be inadequate for some signals.