4-39
Figure 4-32.—Yagi antenna.
YAGI ANTENNAS.—An example of a multielement parasitic array is the YAGI ANTENNA
(figure 4-32, views A and B). The spacings between the elements are not uniform. The radiation from the
different elements arrives in phase in the forward direction, but out of phase by various amounts in the
other directions.
The director and the reflector in the Yagi antenna are usually welded to a conducting rod or tube at
their centers. This support does not interfere with the operation of the antenna. Since the driven element is
center-fed, it is not welded to the supporting rod. The center impedance can be increased by using a
folded dipole as the driven element.
The Yagi antenna shown in figure 4-32, view A, has three directors. In general, the greater number
of parasitic elements used, the greater the gain. However, a greater number of such elements causes the
array to have a narrower frequency response as well as a narrower beamwidth. Therefore, proper
adjustment of the antenna is critical. The gain does not increase directly with the number of elements
used. For example, a three-element Yagi array has a relative power gain of 5 dB. Adding another director
results in a 2 dB increase. Additional directors have less and less effect.
A typical Yagi array used for receiving and transmitting energy is shown with a support frame in
figure 4-33. This antenna is used by the military services. It operates at frequencies of from 12 to 50
megahertz and consists of two separate arrays (one high-frequency and one low-frequency antenna array)
mounted on one frame. The various elements are indicated in the figure. The high-frequency (hf) array
consists of one reflector, one driven element, and two directors; the low-frequency (lf) array has the same
arrangement with one less director. The lengths of the elements in the high-frequency array are shorter
than those in the low-frequency array. The physical lengths of the elements in the individual arrays are
equal, but the electrical lengths can be varied by means of the tuning stubs at the center of the elements.
The array can be rotated in any desired direction by a remotely controlled, electrically driven, antenna
rotator.
