Directivity is a measure of how well an antenna, microphone, or other directional device focuses or receives electromagnetic or acoustic energy in a specific direction relative to an ideal omnidirectional source. It quantifies the concentration of radiation or reception in a particular direction relative to the average intensity in all directions.
Higher directivity indicates that the device is more effective at focusing energy in a desired direction, which is useful in applications where precise control over radiation or reception patterns is important.
Directivity refers to the ability of an antenna, microphone, or other directional device to focus its output or reception in a particular direction. It is a fundamental parameter in signal processing and transmission technologies, influencing the efficiency and performance of devices that transmit or receive waves.
In practical terms, directivity is often quantified in decibels (DB) and is crucial in fields such as telecommunications, radar systems and acoustics where directional sensitivity or emission is essential.
Directive Gain combines the concepts of directivity and efficiency in antennas. It represents the ratio of the power radiated or received in a specific direction to the power that would be radiated or received by an isotropic antenna (one that radiates uniformly in all directions) with the same input power.
Directivity gain takes into account both the focusing ability (directivity) of the antenna and any losses in the antenna system. It provides a comprehensive measurement of the antenna’s effectiveness in directing or receiving signals in a desired direction.
A directivity pattern, also known as a radiation pattern or polar plot, visually represents the directivity of an antenna or microphone. It illustrates how the intensity of radiation or reception varies depending on the direction relative to the orientation of the device.
Directivity diagrams typically plot the radiation or receive intensity in the database on a polar coordinate system, with the antenna or microphone at the center. These diagrams are essential for engineers and technicians to understand and optimize the performance of directional devices in various applications.
Array directivity refers to the collective directivity of multiple antennas or elements working together as a single unit.
Antenna arrays are used to achieve higher directivity compared to single antennas by combining signals from individual elements in a way that enhances radiation in desired directions and cancels it in others. The directivity of an array depends on the geometry, spacing and phase relationships between individual elements. Arrays are commonly used in radar systems, wireless communications networks, and radio astronomy to improve sensitivity and resolution in specific directions while minimizing interference from unwanted directions