Different Antenna Types

In radio systems, many different antenna types are used with specialized properties for particular applications. Antennas can be classified in various ways. The list below groups together antennas under common operating principles, following the way antennas are classified in many engineering textbooks.

The dipole, monopole, array and large loop antenna types below typically function as resonant antennas; waves of current and voltage bounce back and forth between the ends, creating standing waves along the elements. Aperture antennas can be resonant or not. Traveling wave antennas are nonresonant types, the current and voltage waves travel in one direction along the antenna elements.

Isotropic Antenna
Dipole Antenna
Monopole Antenna
Array Antenna
Loop Antenna
Conical Antenna
Aperture Antenna
Traveling wave Antenna
Other antenna types