NBS TECHNICAL NOTE 688

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

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-
Yagi Ant enna Design
Pet er P. Vi ez bi cke
Ti me and Fr equency Di vi si on
I nst i t ut e for Basi c St andar ds
Nat i onal Bur eau of St andar ds
Boul der , Col or ado 80302
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Elliot L. Ri char dson, Sec r et ar y
Edwar d 0 . Vet t er , Under Secret ary
Dr. Betsy Ancker-Johnson, Assistant Secret ary for Sci ence and Technol ogy
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Er nest Ambl er, Act i ng Di r ect or
Issued December 1976
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS TECHNICAL NOTE 688
Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), Tech Note 688, 27 pages (December 1976)
CODEN: NBTNAE
U S GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFI CE
WASHINGTON 1976
For Sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U S Government Printing Office, Washington. D C 20402
(Order by SD Catalog No C13 46 688) Price 65 Cents (Add 25 percent additional f or other than U S mailing)
FOREWORD
Th i s work was c ar r i ed out by t he Nat i o n al
Bur eau of St andar ds a t ant enna t es t r anges
l o c at ed i n St e r l i n g , Vi r g i n i a, and a t Tab l e
Mount ai n near Boul der , Col or ado.
These measurement s wer e c ar r i ed out by t h e
Ant enna Resear ch Sec t i on of t he Radi o Syst em
Di v i s i o n , Nat i o n al Bur eau of St andar ds.
iii
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .
2. METHOD OF MEASUREMENT
3. RESULTS .
3.1 Effect o f Reflector Spacing on Measured Gain .
3.2
Effect o f Di fferent Equal Length Directors and Spacing on Heasured Gain
for Different Yagi Lengths
Effect of Di fferent Diameters and Lengths of Directors on Heasured Gain
Effect of the Size of a Supporting Boomon the Optimum Length of a
P arasi ti c Element .
3.3
3.4
3.5
Effect of Spacing and Stacking o f Yagi Antennas on Realizable Gain
Page
1
1
1
2
2
6
6
6
3.6 Measured Radiation P atterns o f Di fferent Length Yagi Antennas 6
4. DESI GNI NG THE Y AGI ANTENNA 16
5 . CONCLUS IONS 21
6. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . 2.1
7. REFERENCES . 21
LI S T OF TAGLES and FIGURES
Table 1. Optimized Lengths of P arasi ti c Elements for Yagi Antennas o f Six
Different Lengths . 7
Figure 1. Gain i n dB of a Dipole and Reflector f or Different Spacings Between
Elements 3
Figure 2. Arrangement of Three Reflecting Elements Used With the 4.21 Yagi . 3
Figure 3. Photograph of the Trigonal Reflector Experimental Set-Up Used With
the 4.21 Yagi 4
Figure 4. Gain of a Yagi as a Function of Length (Number of Directors) for
Di fferent Constant Spacings Between Girectors of Length Equal t o
0.3822, . 4
Figure 5. Gain of a Yagi as a Function o f Length (Number of Directors) for
Di fferent Constant Spacings Between Directors of Length Equal to
0.4111 . 5
Figure 6. Gain of a Yagi as a Function o f Length (Number of Directors) for
Di fferent Constant Spacings Between Directors of Length Equal to
0.4242, . 5
V
Figure 7.
Figure 8.
i
Figure 9.
i
Figure 10.
Figure 11.
figure 12.
Figure 13.
Figure 14.
Figure 15.
Figure 16.
Figure 17.
Figure 18.
Figure 19.
Figure 20.
Figure 21.
Comparison of Gain of Di fferent Length Yagis Showing the Relationship
Between Directors Optimized I n Length to Yield Haximum Gain and
Directors of Optimum Uniform Length . 8
Measured Gain Vs Director Length o f a 1.251 Yagi Antenna Using Three
Directors of Di fferent Length and Diameter Spaced 0.351 . 8 ,
Yagi Antenna Design Data Showing the Relationship Between Element
Diameter to Wavelength Ratlo and Element Length for Di fferent Antennas
?
9
Graph Showing the Effect of a Supporting Boomon Length of Elements . - 10
Gain of an Array o f Yagis, Stacked One Above the Other and i n Broadside,
as a Function of Spaclng . 11
Gain o f an Array of Two Sets o f Stacked Yagis Spaced 1.61 as a functi on
of Horizontal Distance Between Them . 11
Radiation Patterns o f a Dipole and Reflector With 0.21 Spacing . 12
Radiation Patterns o f a 3-Element, 0.41 Long Yagi . 12
Radiation Patterns of a 5-Element, 0.81 Long Yagi . 13
Radiation Patterns of a 6-Element, 1.21 Long Yagi . 13
Radiation Patterns of a 12-Element, 2.21 Long Yagi . 14
Radiation Patterns o f a 17-Element, 3.21 Long Yagi . 14
Radiation Patterns o f a ls-Element, 4.21 Long Yagi . 15
Use of Design Curves i n Determining Element Lengths of 0.8X Yagi
Considered in Example 1 18
Use of Design Curves i n Determining Element Lengths o f 4.21 Yagi
Considered in Example 2 20
Y AGI ANTENNA DESI GN
Peter P. Viezbicke
This report presents data, using modeling techn ques, f or the optimum design
of di fferent length Yagi antennas. This information i s presented i n graphical
form to f aci l i tate the design of practi cal length an ennas--from 0.ZX t o 4. 2A
long--for operation i n the HF, VHF, and UHF frequency range.
di fferent antenna parameters on real i zabl e galn were al so investigated and the
resul ts are presented.
of two or more antennas to provide addi ti onal gain.
Key words:
Yagi.
The effects of
F i nal l y, supplemental data are presented on the stacking
Antenna, director, driven element, gain, radi ati on pattern, refl ector,
1. INTRODUCTION
The Yagi-Uda antenna 111, commonly known as the Yagi, was invented i n 1926 by Dr. H. Yagi
I ts configuration normally consists of a number of di rectors and refl ectors and Shintaro Uda.
that enhance radi ati on i n one di recti on when properly arranged on a supporting structure.
Since i t s discovery, a large number of reports have appeared i n the l i terature rel ati ve
to the analysis, design, and use of the Yagi antenna [2, 3 , 4, 5 , 6 , 7, 8, 91. However,
l i t t l e or no data seem to have been presented regarding how parasi ti c element diameter,
element length, spacings between elements, supporting booms o f di f f erent cross sectional
area, various refl ectors, and overal l length affect measured gain.
This report presents the resul ts of extensive measurements carri ed out by the National
Bureau of Standards to determine these effects and gives graphical data t o f ac i l i tate the
design of di fferent length antennnas to yi el d maximum gain. I n addition., design cri teri on
i s also presented on stacking--one above the other and i n a columnar configuration.
gain i s given i n decibels (de) rel ati ve to a di pol e (reference antenna) at the same height
above ground as the test (Yagi) antenna.
The
2. METHOD OF MEASUREMENT
The measurements were carried out at the NBS antenna range when it was located at
Sterl i ng, Vi rgi ni a, and at Table Mountain, Colorado, af ter the antenna research group was
relocated to Colorado.
The antenna under test was used as a receiving antenna and was located approximately
320 meters froma target transmitter and antenna. The transmi tti ng antenna was located at
a height above ground so that the receiving antennas were illuminated at grazing angles.
The Yagi under test was mounted 3X (wavelength) above ground and i t s gain was compared to
a reference dipole antenna located approximately 5X to one side and at the same height as
the test antenna. Each antenna was matched precisely to 50 ohms and switched al ternatel y
to an attenuator and associated receiving and detecting equipment located i n a nearby
wooden bui l di ng.
constant receiver output level, l i ne losses to each were measured and compensated f or i n
arri vi ng at f i nal values of gain. The values of gain were reproducible to wi thi n 0.2 dB
over the period when measurements were being carri ed out.
measured i n a forward di recti on compared to the maximum response of a di pol e a t the same
height above ground and are believed accurate t o wi thi n 0.5 dB.
i sotropi c source, the values must be increased by 2.16 dB.
A l l measurements were conducted at a modeling frequency o f 400 MHz.
I n comparing the attenuator readings o f the two antennas t o produce a
The values presented are those
i f referenced to an
3. RESULTS
The resul ts of the measurements carri ed out i n thi s study are presented i n graphical
form.
dimensions wi th maximum gain for the configuration under consideration.
these tests was to determine the following:
They are intended to provide a simple means of designing a Yagi antenna of practi cal
The purpose of
i
a.
b. E ffect o f di fferent equal length di rectors, thei r spacing and number on
E ffect of refl ector spacing on the gai n of a di pol e antenna
real i zabl e gain
E ffect of di fferent diameters and lengths of di rectors on real i zabl e gain c.
d. E ffect of the size o f a supporting boom on the opti mum length o f parasi ti c
e 1 emen ts
e.
f. Measured radi ati on patterns o f di f f erent Yagi configurations
E ffect o f spacing and stacking o f antennas on gain
3.1 EFFECT OF REFLECTOR SPACING ON MEASURED GAIN
These tests as wel l as a l l others were carri ed out on a non-conducting plexiglass
boom mounted 31 above ground.
and 3.4, a l l parasi ti c elements were constructed of 0.63 cm (one-fourth inch) diametcr
aluminum tubing.
was a half-wave folded dipole matched to 50 ohms using a double-stub tuner.
With the exception of measurements stated i n sections 3. 3
The driven element used i n the Yagi as wel l as i n the reference dipole
The gai n o f a di pol e and refl ector combination for di f f erent spacings between the two
elements i s shown i n fi gure 1. Maximummeasured gain was 2.6 dB and was real i zed a t a
spacing of 0.21 behind the dipole.
measurements. However, for the di fferent Yagi configurations the refl ector length was
optimized t o yi el d maximum gain.
refl ector configuration shown i n fi gure 2.
This refl ector spacing was used i n a l l subsequent
An addi ti onal 0.75 dB gain was real i zed using the
Although thi s arrangement was used only on the 4.21 long Yagi, comparable benefits
would be real i zed wi th other antenna lengths. A photograph of the experimental set-up for
thi s configuration i s shown i n figure 3.
Various arrangements and spacings o f ref l ector elements were tested on the 4.21 Yagi
using the dr i l l ed plexiglass support as shown. The refl ecti ng elements were arranged i n
shapes of plane refl ecti ng surfaces, parabolas and corner refl ectors.
di fferent shaped s ol i d refl ecti ng surfaces placed at various distances behind the driven
element were al so used. O f the combjnations tested, the one shown i n fi gure 2 yielded the
largest increase i n gain over that of the si ngl e refl ecti ng element.
In addition,
3.2 EFFECT OF DIFFERENT EQUAL LENGTH DIRECTORS AND
SPACiNG ON MEASURED GAIN FOR DIFFERENT YAGI LENGTHS
These measurements were conducted using the same non-conducting boomas mentioned i n
the preceding section.
was 0.4821 i n length and spaced 0.21 behind the dri ven element.
elements was 0.00851 (0.25 inches =0.63m).
The driven element consisted of a x/2 folded dipole; the refl ector
The diameter of a l l
The gain o f the Yagi was measured as a functi on of antenna length (number of di rectors)
for di fferent equal length directors and spacing between them. The di rector lengths were
varied from 0.304X to 0.4231 and spacings from 0.011 to 0.401. The Yagi length, measured
from the driven element to the l ast di rector, was varied from an overal l length of 0.2x to
10.2X. The refl ector i n a l l cases was fixed. . Although many measurements were carri ed out,
only those resul ts and associated graphs are presented that show the effects o f these
parameters on measured gain.
Figures 4, 5, and 6 show the rel ati ve gain of a Yagi as a function o f length for
Figure 4 shows that for rel ati vel y short di rectors at a spacing of 0.3X,
di fferent spacings between director elements using di rector lengths o f 0.3821, 0.4111,
and 0.424A.
the gain o f the Yagi increased to a maximum value o f 14.5 dB when the antenna length was
increased t o approximately 101. Note, however, that as the spacing between elements was
2
W
2
5
W
e 1
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-T DE REFL ECTOR
21
: I f , I , +,
s
- 05 .10 1 5 2 0 .25 3 0 . 35A
SPACI NG, S, OF REFLECTOR BEHI ND DRI VEN ELEMENT
F I G. 1 GA I N I N dB OF A DI POLE AND REFLECTOR FOR
DI FFERENT SPACINGS BETWEEN ELEMENTS
0-
L R3
- OI RECTORS- 0
L R3
DRI VEN 1
EL EHE NT
REFL ECTOR L ENGTHS
L R 1 = LR2 = 0 . 4 5 5 1
L R 3 = 0 . 4 7 3 1
FREQ = 4 0 0 MHz
0. 271
L R 2
0
[ L ENGTHS NOT CORRECTED FOR BOOM OR SUPPORT T HI CK NESS]
F I G. 2 ARRANGEMENT OF THREE REFLECTING ELEMENTS USED WI TH THE 4.2X YAGI
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F I G. 3 PHOTOGRAPH OF THE TRIGONAL REFLECTOR EXPERIMENTAL
SET-UP USED WITH THE 4. 2X YAGI
0. 3X SPA CI NG
0. 4X SPA CI NG
14
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FI G. 4 GAl N OF A YAGI AS A FUNCTION OF LENGTH (NUMBER OF DIRECTORS)
FOR DIFFERENT CONSTANT SPACINGS BETWEEN DIRECTORS OF LENGTH
EQUAL TO 0.3821
4
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FOR REFL L ENGTH OF ANTENNA I N UAVEL ENGTHS
FIG. 6 GAIN OF A YAGI AS A FUNCTION OF LENGTH (NUMBER OF DIRECTORS)
FOR DIFFERENT CONSTANT SPACINGS BETWEEN DIRECTORS OF LENGTH
EQUAL TO 0.4241
5
1
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decreased, an os ci l l atory wave pattern resul ted wherein the max
shorter Yagi l ength and varied between a maximum and minimum va
was changed. As the length of the di rectors was increased, the
pattern were al so enhanced together w i t h a reduction i n gain as
mum gain occurred at a
ue as the length of the Yagi
vari ati ons i n the wave
shown i n fi gures 5 and 6 .
The curves presented i n fi gure 7 show a comparison of real zed gain vs Yagi length up
to 4.21 for antennas using di rectors of equal length and those optimized i n length.
optimized length configurations the gain increased from 0.5 dB f or the 2. 2A antenna to
approximately 1.5 dB for the 4. 2X Yagi.
For the
Table 1 gives detai l s of antenna parameters f or the
3.3
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DIAMETERS AND LENGTHS OF DI RECTORS ON MEASURED GAI N
This ef f ect was determined by measuring the gain o f di fferent Yagi configurations for
di fferent di rector lengths of various diameters. Curves showing the resul ts of measurements
carried out on the 1.251 long Yagi are given i n fi gure 8. As expected, the maximum gain f or
the di fferent combinations remained unchanged. The l arger diameter elements yi el ded maximum
gain at shorter lengths whi l e the smaller diameter elements yielded maximum gain a t corre-
spondingly greater lengths. Results of a seri es of measurements, noti ng these effects, were
carried out on the di fferent length Yagis and, together wi t h resul ts presented i n Table 1 , a
set of design curves was produced and i s presented i n figure 9.
basic design cri teri on o f the Yagi antenna and are val i d over a large frequency range provided
the selected element diameter to wavelength r ati o d/X f al l s wi thi n the l i mi ts shown.
These data provide the
3.4 EFFECT OF THE S I ZE OF A SUPPORTING BOOM ON
THE OPTIMUM LENGTH OF A P ARASI TI C ELEMENT
Round and square supporting booms of di f f erent cross-sect-ion area were employed i n
Yagi antennas of di f f erent lengths t o determine what effect the boom diameter had on the
optimum length of the parasi ti c elements.
results. The ef f ect of a round supporting boom on the length of a parasi ti c element i s
represented by the curve i n figure IO. T hi s experimental response can be used i n applying
the boom correcti on for the f i nal Yagi design.
The round and square booms yi el ded si mi l ar
3.5 EFFECT OF SPACING AND STACKING OF Y AGI ANTENNAS ON REALIZABLE GAI N
As shown i n fi gure 11, addi ti onal gai n i s real i zed when antennas are stacked one
above the other or i n broadside. Not onl y i s gain increased but the beamwidth i s reduced
appreciably depending upon the confi gurati on employed.
Figure 11 (A) shows the effects o f stacking two antennas, one above the other. These
responses show si mi l ar mutual effects between two seven-element Yagis and between two
fifteen-element Yagis. A t close spacing, approximately O.Bh, the gain was reduced due to
high mutual impedance effects but increased t o a maximum of 2.5 dB as the spacing was
increased t o approximately 1.61. Si mi l ar ef f ects were measured wi th the combination shown
i n fi gure 11 (B). Maximum gain i n thi s case was real i zed wi th the two antennas spaced at
approximately 2.01.
A combination o f the above two confi gurati ons using spacings as shown yi el ded an
additional 2.5 dB gain and a corresponding reduction i n beamwidth. For example, four 0.8;
Yagi antennas, appropriately stacked, spaced and fed i n phase yielded a gain of 14.2 dB
rel ati ve t o a di pol e located at the same hei ght above ground. I n contrast, a combination
of four 4.2). Yagi antennas yielded a gain of 19.6 dB rel ati ve t o a dipole, as shown by the
graph i n fi gure 12.
3.6 MEASURED RADI ATI ON PATTERNS OF DIFFERENT LENGTH Y A G I ANTENNAS
Radiation patterns measured i n the E (hori zontal - sol i d curves) and H (vert ical-dashed
curves) planes f or di fferent Yagi designs are presented i n figures 13 through 19. The
6
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TABLE 1 . OPTI MI ZED LENGTHS OF PARASI TI C ELEMENTS
FOR YAGI ANTENNAS OF S I X DI FFERENT LENGTHS
GAI N REL ATI VE
TO HALF-WAVE
DI POL E I N d B
DESI GN CURVE
( SEE FI G. 9)
7. 1 9. 2 10.2 12.25 13. 4 14. 2
(A) (B) ( c ) ( 6) (D)
ELEMENT DI AMETER = 0.0085
f = 400 MHz
REFLECTOR SPACED 0.21 BEHI ND DRI VEN ELEHENT
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DIRECTOR LENGTHS OPTI MI ZED
FOR ElAXlMUM GAIN ( SEE T A B L E 1)
N = NUMBER OF DI RECT ORS
S = SPA CI NG BETWEEN DI RECT ORS
( REFL ECTOR SPACED 0.21 ON A L L ANTENNAS)
p
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S.0.2A ,
7
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F I G. 7
COMPARISON OF GAI N OF DIFFERENT LENGTH Y AGI S SHOWING THE
RELATI ONSHI P BETWEEN DIRECTORS OP TI MI ZED I N LENGTH TO Y I E LD
MAXIMUM GAI N AND DIRECTORS OF OPTIMUM UNIFORM LENGTH
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OVERALL LENGTH, I N WAVELENGTHS, OF DI FFERENT YAG IS
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LENGTH OF DIRECTORS I N INCHES
F I G. 8 MEASURED GAI N VS DIRECTOR LENGTH OF A 1. 251 Y AGI ANTENNA
USI NG THREE DIRECTORS OF DIFFERENT LENGTH AND DIAMETER
SPACED 0.351
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F I G. 11 GAI N OF AN ARRAY OF YAGI S, STACKED ONE ABOVE THE OTHER
AND I N BROADSIDE, AS A FUNCTION OF SPACING
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1 .o 2 . 0
0
HORIZONTAL SPACING, H I N WAVELENGTHS, BETWEEN STACKED Y AGI S
F I G. 12 GAI N OF AN ARRAY OF TWO SETS OF STACKED Y AGI S SPACED 1. 61
AS A FUNCTION OF HORIZONTAL DISTANCE BETWEEN THEM
11
I - .. .
Az imu t ha 1
m
U
aJ
m
c
0
n
-0
aJ
N
v
tu
E
0
z
ngl e, degrees
POLE AND REFLECTOR WI TH 0.2x SPACING
m
U
01
ln
C
0
P
#I
W
QI.
D
W
N
..
-8-
7
E
0
z
-
_ _ . .
i-
--
I
1 - _ - - - -
!
I
i
I
A-
F
, ' -\
c;:
Azimuthal Angle, degrees
FI G. 16 RADI ATI ON PATTERNS OF A 6-ELEMENT. 1. 21 LONG YAGI
13
m
U
13
0,
N
-I-
-
TI
al
N
i
Azimuthal Angle, degrees
FI G. 1 7
RADI ATI ON PATTERNS OF A 12-ELEMENT, 2. 21 LONG YAGI
Azimuthal Angle, degrees
FI G. 18
RADI ATI ON PATTERNS OF A 17-ELEHENT. 3.2x LONG YAGI
14
I ..
_II-- -a
e . -
---T--------- ' . . - . . . .. . . . -~- . - - ~ ~ -
I
FIG. 19 RADI ATI ON PATTERNS OF A 15-ELEMENT, 4.21 LONG YAGI
15
i
I
element) are presented i n fi gure 13.
11l 0 respecdively.
measured 57
i s i n the order of 24 dB, while the radi ati on to the rear was only 8 dB down from that i n
the forward direction.
The 3-dB E and H plane beanwidths measured 66' and
The beanwidth of the 3-element 0.4X antenna, as shown i n figure 14,
and 72' i n the E and H planes respectively. The E plane, front-to-side r ati o
The radiation pattern o f the 5-element 0.81 Yagi presented i n fi gure I 5 i s characterized
by a 3 dB beamwidth o f 48' and 56' i n the E and H planes respectively.
front-to-side rati o remained comparable to the 3:element antenna; however, the front- to-
back rati o was improved considerably and measured 15 dB. I n radi ati on patterns o f 6, 12,
17 and 15-element Yagis as shown i n figures 16 through 19, the beamwidths became progres-
si vel y smaller as was expected wi th increased gain.
The E plane,
4. DESI GNI NG THE Y AGI ANTENNA
To f aci l i tate the design o f an antenna o f practi cal dimensions and yet real i ze maximum
gain, refer to the curves shown i n fi gure 9. These data were developed fromresul ts o f
model measurements carri ed out a t 400 HHz using elements o f di f f erent diameters.
those curves are presented which w i l l enable the user to design the 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 2.2,
3.2 and 4.2h long Yagis that yi el d gains o f 7.1, 9.2, 10.2, 12.3, 13.4 and 14.2 dB respec-
ti vel y over that of a dipole mounted at the same height above ground.
Only
I n designing a Yagi antenna, the following basic informatton i s required and, of
course, w i l l depend upon individual requirements.
1.
2.
Frequency of operation, f (wavelength, h)
Antenna gain required, G (dB)
3.
4.
Careful consideration should also be given t o selection o f the diameter o f the
elements and boom at the wavelength or frequency of operation. This i s important since
smaller diameter and l i ghter materials can be used a t the higher frequencies i n contrast
to larger and heavier materials needed for support at the lower frequencies. Note al so
that the selected element diameter-to-wavelength rati os used in the design of the chosen
antenna must f al l wi thi n the l i mi ts shown.
Diameter of parasi ti c elements (directors-reflectors) used i n construction, d/A
Diameter of supporting boom used i n construction, D/x
I f maximum gain i s to be realized using the data presented, it i s essential to follow
TO
The f i r s t considers the design of a 5-element,
very closely the procedure described here. In addition, the element lengths should be
measured and cut to a tolerance o f about 0.0031 wi th respect t o the calculated values.
ai d the user i n the design o f thi s antenna and t o fami l i ari ze him i n use of the design
data, two speci fi c examples are presented.
0.81 Yagi; the second example presents a step-by-step procedure for the design of a 15-
element, 4.21 Yagi.
operate at a frequency o f 50.1 MHz i n the amateur radi o band and yi el d a gain o f 9.2 dB
rel ati ve to a dipole. The elements shal l be constructed of 2.54 cm (1 in.) diameter
aluminum tubing wi th the boom of 5.08 cm (2 in.) diameter aluminum tubing.
I n the f i r s t example, consider the design o f a 0 . 8 ~ Yagi antenna t o
GI VEN: Frequency 50.1 HHz, X =597 cm. (235 in.)
Element Diameter, d =2.54 cm. (1 in.)
d/h = 0.0042
Boom diameter , D = 5.1 cm. (2 in.)
D/X = 0.0085
Element spacing = 0.21 = 119 cm. (47 in.)
Overall length 2 0.81 =478 cm. (188 in.)
16
STEP 1 :
STEP 2:
STEP 3:
STEP 4:
STEP 5:
Plot the lengths of the parasitic elements obtained from Table 1 for 0.81 long
Yagi on the corresponding curve In figure 9. For clarlty, these curves are
reproduced in figure 20. Establish points LD = L , L , LR and determine
1 O3 D2
the parasitic element lengths for d/X = 0.0085.
Thus LD = Lo3 = 0.4281
1
L - 0.4241
LR =0.4821
D2
For our design, where the element diameter to wavelength ratio d/X - 0.0042,
plot and establish this point on the director curve and indicate by a check
mark (4.
For the same d/1 ratio, determine the uncompensated length of the reflector
LR - 0.4851.
With a pair of dividers, measure the distance along the curve between the initial
points 0, =D
point established in Step 2 downward along the curve and determine the uncom-
pensated length of director L
From the foregoing, the uncompensated parasitic element lengths for the 50.1 MHz
Yagi are:
This is the uncompensated director length of D1 =D =0.442X.
3
to D2 determined i n Step 1. Transpose this distance from the
3
=0.4381.
O2
L =0.438X
LR =0.4851
D2
To these values, a correction must be added to compensate for the boom diameter.
Refer to figure 10. For a boomdiameter-to-wavelength ratio O/X =0.0085,
determine the fractional increase in wavelength by which each of the para-
sitic elements must be increased. From the chart this length =0.0051.
Thus, for this design the exact lengths of the parasitic elements should be
measured and cut to the following lengths.
=L =0.4421 +0.0051 = 0.4471 = 267 cm.
O3
L =0.4381 +0.0051 = 0.4431 = 264. 5 cm.
= 0.4851 +0.005X =0.490X =293 cm.
O2
LR
The driven element is designed so that the Yagi can work either into a 50 or 200 ohm load
impedance.
Precise matching to 50 ohms can be accomplished by using a double-stub tuner connected into
the feed line.
For a 50 ohm impedance, a folded dipole and a quarterwave balun can be employed.
17
!
SHlSN313AVM N I SlN3W313 30 H19N31
18
I f the antenna i s designed wi th a 200 ohm balanced input impedance, then the driven
element should be designed to provide an impedance step-up r ati o of 12.
tion, a X/2 balun secti on and stubs can be used to provide proper impedance transformation
For thi s configura-
and matching. OtHer matching methods can also be employed such as Gamma or T match [l o, 11,
121.
As a second example, consider the design of a 4.2h long Yagi to provide a gain of 14.2
d8 rel ati ve to a di pol e t o operate on 827 HHz i n the center of TV Channel 73. For the
construction o f thi s antenna l et us select and use a 1/2-inch diameter boom wi th 3/16-inch
diameter elements usi ng thi n wal l brass tubing.
GI VEN:
STEP 1:
STEP 2:
STEP 3:
STEP 4:
STEP 5:
Frequency 827 HHz, A - 36.34 cm. (14.3 in.)
Element diameter, d
d/X = 0.013
Boom diameter, D = 1.27 cm. (1/2 in.)
D/X =0.035
Element spacing
Overall length =4.2A = 152 cm.
P l ot the lengths of parasi ti c elements from Table 1 for the 4.21 long Yagi on
the corresponding curve i n fi gure 9. For cl ari ty, these curves are reproduced
and presented i n fi gure 21. Establish points LD = L 02* L ~3 * - * L ~l and locate
the paras i ti c element lengths on the curve as i n the previous example for the
d/A = 0.0085 case.
For our parti cul ar design, however, where the element diameter to wavelength
r at i o d/X =0.013, pl ot and establish thi s poi nt on the 4. Z- long Yagi curve
and i ndi cate thi s starti ng point wi t h a check (4.
di rector length of D1 =D2 =0.4141.
For the same d/X rati o, determine the uncompensated length o f the refl ector,
LR =0.473X; fromcurve D, figure 21.
With the use o f a pai r of dividers, establ i sh and measure the distance be-
tween the poi nts D1 =D2 to D Transpose thi s distance fromthe i ni ti al (4
mark downward along the di rector curve and determine LD
Measure the distance fromD1 = D2 t o D4.
i n i t l a l (4 poi nt and determine length of D4 =0.3951.
determine remaining di rector lengths.
0.381X, L to LD = 0.3771.
' 8 13
To these values a correction must be added to compensate f or boom diameter.
Again, refer to fi gure 10.
0.035, determine the fracti onal amount by which each element must be
increased to compensate for boom. From the curve, determine thi s length =
0.0261.
Thus, t o real i ze maximum gain fromthi s antenna, measure and cut the
parasi ti c elements to the following lengths:
- 0.48 cm.
=0.3081 = 11.2 cm.
1
This i s the uncompensated
3'
=0.4091.
3
Transpose thi s distance from
S i mi l arl y,
=0.3911, LD =0.385X, L =
LD5 6 DJ
For a boom diameter-to-wavelength r ati o D/X =
19
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
SH13N313AVM N I Sl N3W313 30 H19N31
20
= L = 0.414X +0.026X = 0.440X = 16.0 cm.
O2
I
I
I
L = 0.4091 + 0.0261 = 0.4351 = 15.8 cm.
L = 0.3951 + 0.026X = 0.4211 = 15.3 cm.
L =0.391h + 0.0261 = 0.4171 = 15.1 cm.
L =0.3851 +0.0261 = 0.4111 = 14.9 cm.
L =0.3811 +0.0261 =0.407X = 14.8 cm.
D3
D4
D5
D6
DJ
, = 0.3771 +0.026X = 0.4031 = 14.6 cm. L -
'8 LD13
LR =0.4731 +0.0261 = 0.4991 = 18.1 cm.
The driven element can be of a vari ety o f designs and w i l l depend upon
individual requirements. I t i s usually measured and cut to one-half
wavelength less a shortening factor to compensate f or end-effects and
matched to the characteri sti c impedance of the feed l i ne.
5. CONCLUSIONS
The data presented i n thi s report provide the necessary information for the design of
Yagi antennas ranging i n length from 0.21 to 4.2X.
antennas t o yi el d maximum gain for seven di fferent design configurations.
stacking of antennas, side by side and one above the other- - al l fed i n phase--provides an
addi ti onal gai n up to 5.2 dB over that of the si ngl e array.
These data al l ow the user to design
In addition,
6. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author wishes to extend sincere appreciation to William Gorboczieski for hi s assi st-
ance i n the fabri cati on of test set-ups and i n carrying out of the measurements. Also,
sincere appreciation and thanks to Al vi n Wilson for providing the radi ati on patterns.
7. REFERENCES
[l] Shintaro, U., and Yasuto, H., Yagi-Uda Antennas (Sasoki P ri nti ng and Publishing Co.,
Ltd., Senda, J apan, 1954).
[2] Mailloux, R. J . , The long Yagi-Uda array, I EEE, Trans. Antennas and Prop., AP-14,
pp. 128-137 (Mar. 1966).
[3] Barbano, N., Log periodic Yagi-Uda array, I EEE, Trans. Antennas and Prop., AP-14,
pp. 235-238 (Mar. 1966).
[4] Thiele, G. A., Analysis Y Yagi-Uda type antennas, I EEE, Trans. Antennas and Prop. AP-17,
pp. 24-31 (J an. 1969).
[SI Emerson, J ., Arranging Yagi antennas for posi ti ve resul ts, Broadcast Engineering, No. 5 ,
pp. 32-40 (May 1971).
[6] Shen, L., Di recti vi ty and bandwidth of single-band and double band Yagi arrays,
I EEE,
Trans. Antennas and Prop., AP-20, pp. 178-180 (Nov. 1972).
21
[7] Cheng, 0. K . , and Chen, C. A., Optimum element spacings for Yagi-Uda arrays, I EEE, Trans.
Antennas and Prop., AP-21, pp. 615-623 (Sept. 1973).
I
[8] Chen, C. A . , and Cheng, 0. K., Optimum element lengths for Yagi-Uda arrays, IEEE, Trans.
Antennas and Prop., AP-23, pp. 8-15 (Jan. 1975).
191 Nose, K . , Crossed Yagi antennas for circular polarizatlon, QST, pp. 21-24 (Jan. 1973).
[lo] Healey, 0. J., 1 1 1 , An examination of the G m Match, QST, pp. 11-15 (Apr. 1969).
[ l l ] Nose, K . , Adjustment of Gamma-matched parasitic beams, QST, pp. 44-46 (Mar. 1958).
!
[I21 The Radio Amateur's Handbook, Fifty Second Ed. (AH Radio Relay League, 1976). i
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