4-37
Figure 4-31.—Patterns obtained using a reflector with proper spacing.
Because the voltage induced in the reflector is 180 degrees out of phase with the signal produced at
the driven element, a reduction in signal strength exists behind the reflector. Since the magnitude of an
induced voltage never quite equals that of the inducing voltage, even in very closely coupled circuits, the
energy behind the reflector (minor lobe) is not reduced to 0.
The spacing between the reflector and the driven element can be reduced to about 15 percent of a
wavelength. The parasitic element must be made electrically inductive before it will act as a reflector. If
