The Parabolic Reflector Antenna Gain conversion calculator determines the gain of a parabolic dish antenna based on its diameter and operating frequency. It helps engineers estimate how efficiently the antenna focuses energy into a narrow beam, which is critical for satellite, radar, and microwave communication systems.
Formulas
Gain (dB) = 10 * log10[ 6 * (D / λ)² ]
λ = c / f
Formula Explanation
- D is the diameter of the parabolic reflector in meters.
- f is the operating frequency in Hz.
- c is the speed of light, approximately 299,792,458 m/s.
- λ represents the wavelength, calculated by dividing the speed of light by frequency.
- The formula assumes an average efficiency factor of 0.55 to 0.65, represented here as a constant value of 6 in the logarithmic term.
Uses of this calculator
- Estimating gain for parabolic antennas in satellite communication systems.
- Designing high-gain reflectors for microwave links and radar systems.
- Calculating expected beam strength for given dish size and frequency.
- Comparing gain performance across different dish diameters or frequency bands.
What is the gain of a 1.2 m parabolic dish operating at 12 GHz?
Input: D = 1.2 m, f = 12 GHz
Output:
- λ = 3e8 / 12e9 = 0.025 m
- Gain (dB) = 10 * log10[ 6 * (1.2 / 0.025)² ] = 10 * log10[ 6 * (48)² ] = 10 * log10(6 * 2304) = 10 * log10(13824) = 10 * 4.14 = 41.4 dB
- Parabolic Dish Gain = 41.4 dB