Technological Institute of the Philippines

935 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City

HELICAL ANTENNA

Nonan, Ivan Lawrence O.

Razon, Jan Joevil A.
Tabo, Jacob Jewel C.
ECE 503: Transmission lines and Antenna System

Date Submitted:
October 2016

Engr. Samuel S. Sabile

Instructor

Experiment No. 11
HELICAL ANTENNA
I. DISCUSSION:
A helical antenna is a specialized antenna that emits and responds to electromagnetic fields with rotating
(circular) polarization. These antennas are commonly used at earth-based stations in satellite
communications systems. This type of antenna is designed for use with an unbalanced feed line such
as coaxial cable. The center conductor of the cable is connected to the helical element, and the shield of
the cable is connected to the reflector.
Helical antennas are commonly connected together in so-called bays of two, four, or occasionally more
elements with a common reflector. The entire assembly can be rotated in the horizontal (azimuth) and
vertical (elevation) planes, so the system can be aimed toward a particular satellite. If the satellite is not
in a geostationary orbit, the azimuth and elevation rotators can be operated by a computerized robot that
is programmed to follow the course of the satellite across the sky.

Figure 1. Helical Antenna

II. Materials Needed:

Materials
4x4 Printed Circuit Board

Quantity
1 pc

Magnetic wire
Coaxial Cable

5m

Balun

1 pc

Cylindrical Container

1 pc

III. Equipment/Instrument
2

Soldering iron
Soldering lead
Wire cutter
DESIGN:

Figure 2. Helical Antenna Design for frequency band of 30 MHz to 300 MHz for VHF
The above figure shows the design of the Helical Antenna for frequency band of 30 MHz to 300 MHz for
VHF. The design is composed of two to four bays and a common reflector. Assuming a vertical
separation between the turns S = 0.05m, and axial ratio of AR = 1, the computed circumference is 0.21
m and the helix diameter 0.0668 m. The pitch angle is then computed which is 13.39 o. There are 5
number of turns. For the technical aspects of the antenna, parameters such as gain, input impedance,
and beam width can be obtained. The input impedance is 66.64 ohms with a gain of 2.84 dB and the
beam width is 145.23.These values were all computed. It is showed in the computation area of this
document.
COMPUTATIONS:
Frequency of Operation:
f c=

f l +f u
2

In here, we used the frequency band of 30 MHz to 300 MHz for VHF where most FM and TV
Stations operate.

f l =30 MHz ; f u =300 MHz

f c=

30 MHz+ 1330 MHz

2

f c =680 MHz

Wavelength for the given frequency:

c 3 x 108 m/s
= =
f
680 MHz

=0.4412 m

Circumference:
Assuming a vertical separation between the turns S = 0.05m, and axial ratio of AR = 1
AR=

2 S
=1; C 2=2 S
2
C

C2 =2 ( 0.4412 m ) (0.05 m)

C=0.21 m

Helix Diameter:
4

C=D ; D=

D=

0.21 m

D=0.0668 m

Pitch angle:
=tan1

S
C

=tan1

0.05 m
0.21 m

=13.39
Number of turns:
Assuming number of turns,
N=5 turns

For the technical aspects of the antenna, parameters such as gain, input impedance, and
beamwidth can be obtained.

Input Impedance:
Z i=140

C 140 ( 0.21 m)
=

0.4412 m

Z i=66.6364

Gain:

[( ) ( ) ]

D
G=10 log 15

NS

5( 0.05)

( 0.4412)

(0.0668) 2

0.4412
15
G=10 log

G=2.8398 dB

Beamwidth:
=

52
D NS

52

(0.0668) 5(0.05)
0.4412
0.4412

=145.23
OBSERVATION:
Like Yagi Antenna, the placing of the antenna is one of the factors to be considered. We should find the
best spot for reception in order for us to receive better quality of the channel. In doing the helical
antenna, it is very clear that it is a little difficult to do than the Yagi Antenna because the parameters of
6

helical involves circular geometry in which it is very difficult to turn a wire to get the exact diameter of the
helix. And also, we observe that the ground plane doesnt really matter as long as we can isolate the
positive to the ground line of the coaxial cable connected to the helical antenna by using reflector which
PCB is used.

CONCLUSION:
Antennas have been very useful in wave propagation. As defined, it is an electrical conductor that
radiates electromagnetic energy in space as transmitter and collects electromagnetic energy on space
as receiver. One of these antennas is the helical antenna that takes the form of helix, radiating
electromagnetic energy with circular polarization.

The design of a helical antenna depends on the parameters, physical and electrical, to be able to
transmit and receive signals. Assumptions are made to meet the requirement for the design. This
antenna has able to receive signals ranging from VHF to UHF band.

Part of the reception of signals shows unclear pictures and sound. This is due to the fact that other
factors in the environment affect the radiation of signal. Thus, it is recommended to produce antenna that
can perfectly receive signals in the given frequency band.
Part of the reception of signals shows unclear pictures and sound. This is due to the fact that other
factors in the environment affect the radiation of signal. Thus, it is recommended to produce antenna that
can perfectly receive signals in the given frequency band.