A multi-band antenna allows users to transmit and receive over multiple frequency bands of interest, in a single antenna unit. This is advantageous in that it minimizes the number of antennas required on a platform, for the best combination of compact size, light weight, space efficiency and ease of integration, install, test, maintenance and upgrade within military systems.
A multi-band antenna may be directional, omnidirectional, or an antenna array. Directional multi-band antennas have directional radiation patterns and can be understood as analogous to speaking with a particular person: your (the antenna’s) aim is to speak only to (transmit signals to) the other person, and to hear only from (receive signals from) the other person. A directional multiband antenna is designed for tranmsit to, and receive from, the direction of the user’s choice. In contrast, omnidirectional multi-band antennas are designed for transmit and receive to/from all directions. Multiband antenna arrays are composed of multiple antenna elements in a single enclosure (radome).
A multiband antenna can be used in a wide variety of military applications, including signal receiver, transmit and information warfare over multiple frequency bands in a single antenna unit. Multiband antennas can be produced in a wide variety of sizes, and can be made to be ultra lightweight with excellent performance. Examples of military applications that can benefit from multiband antennas include ships, aircraft (including UAVs), ground vehicles and team-transportable/man-portable.
Selecting the best multi-band antenna for your application should begin with an evaluation of the space (cylinder volume, defined by the cylinder height and diameter) and weight available on your platform, and a determination of whether a directional, omnidirectional or array multiband antenna is required. Based on this information, a successful antenna developer or vendor can typically provide you with the maximum frequency range that can be achieved within your parameters.
