Omni Antennas

Wireless technology in industrial environments is becoming more and more common, whether it is utilizing Wi-Fi or proprietary systems for long-distance communication. In order for wireless technology to be successful, the signal must be transferred between a transmitter and receiver, converting the RF electrical signal from the transmitter into an electromagnetic wave in free space, and then converting that wave back again at the receiver. The device that makes this possible is the antenna. 

In industrial environments, there may be elements that interfere with the reception of a signal at the receiver and the right type of antenna can provide the transmission path to suit the application’s needs. Antennas come in many shapes and sizes and each has its own specific design characteristics that determine the range and radiation pattern of the radio signal. The radiation pattern or shape of the radio signal is what is referred to as antenna gain. Antenna gain is measured in decibels. The higher the gain of the antenna, the more focused the signal. The transmitting radiation pattern is the same as the sensitivity pattern for receiving. Which means that the direction in which the antenna transmits the strongest signal is also the direction in which it is most sensitive for receiving signals.

Omnidirectional antennas provide a 360 degree donut-shaped radiation pattern to provide the widest possible signal coverage in indoor and outdoor wireless applications. The antenna’s gain is limited due to its widespread coverage, therefore it is more suitable for short to medium distances. Omnidirectional antennas are typically used in point-to-multipoint applications. The antenna is connected to a device (like a base station, access point or gateway) placed at the center of client devices (field transmitters), and provides a central communications point to the surrounding clients. Omnidirectional antennas are also used when when the wireless modules are facing different directions or are mobile.