BasicB-006-011-009

How can the bandwidth of a Yagi antenna be increased?

C
Answer
Antennas and feed lines
Type
A
Use tapered elements
B
Install loading coils in the elements
C
Increase the diameter of the elements
D
Decrease the element spacing

Answer Notes

Increasing the physical diameter (thickness) of the elements on a Yagi antenna reduces the antenna's Q-factor. A lower Q-factor broadens the frequency range over which the antenna maintains an acceptable impedance match and performance, thereby increasing its overall bandwidth. The other options do not increase bandwidth. Decreasing element spacing typically narrows bandwidth and affects gain. Using loading coils electrically lengthens the elements but significantly narrows the bandwidth.
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For a three-element Yagi antenna, what approximate element spacing (in wavelengths) provides the best compromise between gain and front-to-back ratio?