Why a RHC antenna in Tx mode become LHC in receiving mode?

In summary, the book discusses the characterization of an antenna in receiving mode, specifically focusing on circularly polarized antennas. It explains that a left hand circular (LHC) antenna in transmitting mode will become a right hand circular (RHC) antenna in receiving mode due to the opposite direction of propagation. This arrangement can help reduce multipath and Fresnel Zone effects. However, the terminology around RHC and LHC can be confusing as different sources define them differently, with Kraus and Balanis having opposite definitions.
  • #1
yungman
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How do you characterize an antenna in receiving mode? The book said a LHC antenna in transmitting mode is RHC in receiving mode. Also if the antenna is LHC in transmitting mode, it's transmission characteristic is defined as [itex]\hat {E}_{(z,t)}=\frac{\hat {x}+\hat {y} j}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex]. But the same antenna is RHC in receiving mode and it's receiving characteristic is defined as [itex]\hat {E}_{(z,t)}=\frac{\hat {x}-\hat {y} j}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex]?

Is it because the same antenna when characterized as LHC when transmitting in +z direction, when placed on the z axis as the receiving antenna, has to be characterized in -z direction and therefore is RHC antenna in receiving mode?
 
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  • #2
I understand you to be talking about circularly polarized antennas. If for instance you have two fixed sites talking to each other. The transmitting antenna is right hand circular (RHC) going out, then the incoming signal will see the antenna from the opposite direction so it will see a left hand circular antenna.

Incidently, the polarization of a circularly polarized signal will reverse with each reflection, so if both the Tx and Rx antennas are properly polarized, this arrangement will reduce multipath and presumably Fresnel Zone effects.
 
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  • #3
Thanks. So a RHC antenna in transmitting mode become a LHC antenna in receiving mode.

Yes, I draw out the polarized wave travels from an RHC antenna and looks like LHC for the receiving as the propagation is in opposite direction for the two antennas.

This RHC and LHC is very confusing because of how IEEE defined and different books have different ways of defining Right or Left hand notation. A RHC for Kraus is LHC for Balanis...Which both are about the most popular book in antennas! They are pretty much the standard of antenna books and they defined this totally opposite.

Thanks
 

1. Why does the RHC antenna become LHC in receiving mode?

The RHC (right-hand circular) and LHC (left-hand circular) antennas are designed to transmit and receive circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. In order to effectively receive circularly polarized waves, the receiving antenna must be oriented in the same direction as the transmitted waves. However, the orientation of the antenna can be changed by a variety of factors, including reflections and scattering from surrounding objects, which can cause the RHC antenna to appear as LHC in receiving mode.

2. Can this change in antenna orientation affect the quality of the received signal?

Yes, the change in antenna orientation can affect the quality of the received signal. If the antenna is not aligned with the transmitted waves, it can result in signal loss, distortion, and reduced performance of the antenna. This can lead to a decrease in the signal strength and affect the overall performance of the communication system.

3. What can cause the RHC antenna to become LHC in receiving mode?

As mentioned earlier, the orientation of the antenna can be changed by reflections and scattering from surrounding objects. Other factors that can cause the RHC antenna to become LHC in receiving mode include changes in the Earth's magnetic field, atmospheric conditions, and interference from other electromagnetic sources.

4. How can this issue be resolved?

To ensure that the antenna is properly aligned and functioning in the correct mode, it is important to regularly calibrate and adjust the antenna. This can be done by using specialized equipment and techniques to determine the orientation of the antenna and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, using high-quality materials and proper installation techniques can help minimize the effects of external factors on the antenna's orientation.

5. Is it possible to prevent the RHC antenna from becoming LHC in receiving mode?

While it may not be possible to completely prevent the RHC antenna from becoming LHC in receiving mode, regular maintenance and calibration can help minimize its occurrence. Additionally, using directional antennas and proper shielding can also help reduce the effects of external factors on the antenna's orientation and improve overall performance.

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