Antennas are the core of most wireless devices. In wireless communication, the performance of antennas is of great importance. The spring antenna is an important antenna particularly used in satellite communications systems. As a broadband antenna, it is very realistic and functional. Its helical structure gives it a unique appearance.
Knowledge is key when dealing with antennas. So, it is important to always know more about a spring antenna if you intend to use one.
What is a Spring Antenna?
A spring antenna is designed from coiled wires which could be in the form of aluminum or copper. It is a type of antenna used with LoRa modules having low power transmission. Also, this antenna is a good buy for end devices with limited space. A spring antenna is a type of helical antenna, the reason it is also known as helical inductive antenna.
Some of the capabilities of this antenna is that it helps in transferring and receiving radio waves. When transmission is on, the antenna helps in transforming high currents to electromagnetic waves and when receiving, it does this vice versa. According to beliefs, this antenna plays a crucial role during radio communication. In contrast to the other antennas, which could be expensive, the spring antennas come very affordable.
They are lightweight and low cost antennas and installing them is very easy. Furthermore, the performance of their wave ratio is great and their anti-vibration capabilities are excellent. They last long as well, because of their anti-aging features.
Moreover, the nominal frequency of this antenna is similar to their products’ needs. Speaking frankly, they have a poor performance. This is so because they cannot be utilized with any existing product. The spring antennas have the ability to withstand pressure. This antenna’s frequency range falls between 30 MHz and 3 GHz. With respect to its application, spring antenna PCB antenna serve different purposes especially in radio astronomy, satellite communication, etc.
Furthermore, this antenna’s gain is lower when compared to the other types of antenna. Because of its narrow bandwidth, this antenna matching would have to be debugged. The spring antenna comes with various frequency bands. Examples include 868 MHz, 230 MHz, 915 MHz, etc.
What is a 433MHz Spring Antenna?
The 433 MHz spring antenna is mainly for systems for any wireless data transmission. Its features include:
- Smart structure
- Quick and easy installation
- Excellent anti-aging features
- Anti-vibration abilities
- Great standing wave ratios
- Stable performances
Features of Spring Antenna PCB Antenna
The spring antennas can be grouped as one of the unique antennas out there. This is due to the great features that they possess. These features are very important to majority of applications. Let’s consider some of them.
Excellent anti-vibration capability
The spring antennas deliver great performance and function effectively in applications where vibrations and shock take place. Because of this great property, spring antennas can withstand extreme shock as well asharsh environments.
Anti-aging capability
This is another feature of spring antennas. They can stand the test of time, one of the reasons they are applicable in satellite communication systems. In addition, these antennas are very durable and can withstand varying weather conditions.
High gain
Spring antennas have increased signal strength due to their high gain. Also, these antennas are more secure and functional than some signal transmission systems. They outperform a wide range of antennas due to their level of precision. Therefore, they have great use in spacious geographical areas. The gain of a spring antenna is within 1 dBi to 8 dBi.
Low VSWR
The VSWR of a spring antenna is lower compared to some other antenna types. The voltage standing wave ratio measures the efficiency of power gotten from a power source.
Omnidirectional
As an omnidirectional antenna, the strength at which a spring antenna receives and transmits signal is even. Also, it features a wide coverage area due to this feature.
Advantages of Spring Antennas
Spring antennas have a lot of benefits. Their benefits simply outweigh their drawbacks.
High directivity: These antennas offer good signal due to this benefit. Also, they radiate their signal evenly in all directions. As a result, they function perfectly in permanent installations like wireless backhaul and satellite. The signal of these antennas goes further and that is an ideal requirement in some applications.
Simple design
Spring antennas have a very simple design. The spring’s pitch is made to be equal. When you expose these antennas to external load, there is deformation. In this case, there will be a change in the stored energy. Spring antennas typically have fixed wires and equal pitch steel wires.
Easy installation
For installation, the procedure is a simple one. You don’t have to be a professional to install the sprig antenna PCB antenna.
Vertical polarization
The polarization of spring antennas is vertical. From basic indication, a low radiation angle is present. This ensures the power radiation at close angles. These polarized waves antenna types radiates in vertical forms.
Wide bandwidth
With a wide bandwidth, spring antennas would transmit signals at faster rates. The bandwidth of an antenna can be described as a range of frequency where it reaches a parameter’s specification.
Where can Spring Antennas be Used?
There are numerous use cases of the spring antenna
- Satellite communications
The spring antenna is great for space and satellite communication. Because the electromagnetic waves polarize in a circular way, they function effectively in that application. Furthermore, these antennas play a very significant function at earth stations.
- The significance of the spring antennas can be seen in different communication systems such as satellite, space telemetry, as well as radio astronomy.
- These antennas are useful for the transfer of VHF waves. They can also receive these waves.
- Spring antennas are very functional in the telemetry links through ballistic missiles.
- With spring antennas, communication between the moon and earth becomes possible.
- They are also useful in data and weather relay.
Other applications
Medical mobile devices: spring antennas provide wide bandwidth as well as transmit signals in medical mobile devices. These devices usually rely on any antenna that offers geat impact resistance and low loss.
Equipment for home care equipment: Some home care equipment need antennas that deliver high efficiency to function properly. This is where the spring antenna comes in. It can receive as well as transfer radio waves, no matter the distance
Respiratory Equipment: The antenna provides important benefits for applications such as this. This medical equipment utilizes very reliable antennas such as spring antennas.
Shock absorbers: The shock absorber is an important device which relies onusing low profile and low loss antennas to function.
What is the Construction of Spring Antenna PCB Antenna?
A spring antenna comprises a conducting wire. Most times, a thick copper wire alongside a metallic plate is used. Since its design is a very simple one, the waves of this antenna are circularly polarized. Therefore, it comes in handy in several communication-based applications.
Spring antennas may discharge power in various modes. However, the two major modes of these antennas are axial mode and normal mode. As regards the normal mode, the diameter and pitch of the antenna are small. Due to this, the antenna’s operation is analogous to a monopole. The normal mode features a very narrow bandwidth.
The radiation pattern of this antenna incorporates the short dipole and loop antennas. In the axial mode, you can’t define the radiation properties of this antenna. Therefore, this is a well-suited mode for earth-based stations which are in satellite communication systems.
Are Spring Antennas Ideal for your Application?
When choosing an antenna type for a device or application, you need to be sure of certain things. There are factors that determine if an antenna suits the purpose for which it is intended to be used. So, how do you know if a spring antenna is a perfect choice for you.
Frequency range
The frequency range of spring antennas is from 30MHz to 3GHz. Ensure the application you are using this antenna for matches its frequencies. Most times the selected frequencies will depend on the wireless technology standards.
Impedance
The impedance of a spring antenna is 50 ohms. After considering the impedance, you can choose the connector you want to use. It is always advisable to use connectors that match with the antenna’s application.
Gain and directionality
Antennas can be directional or omnidirectional. Spring antennas focus in all directions; hence, they are omnidirectional antennas. Also, an antenna’s gain usually interferes with the directionality. This means that antennas having higher gains are usually more directional. The spring antenna can be chosen if broadcasting it evenly is important.
Efficiency
If you desire high efficiency, then you should choose the spring antenna. Some important factors like placement and impedance helps in determining an antenna’s efficiency. High efficiency has the ability to impact an antenna’s performance.
Conclusion
We have been able to provide you with important details regarding the spring antennas. This also includes how they perform and function in different applications. These spring antennas are mostly used in satellite communication because of their excellent features as well as the benefits they provide.
