Example 15: Quad Ridge Dual Polarized Vivaldi Horn

This sample report features a dual polarized Vivaldi antenna, evaluated with our 3D polar patterns at standard resolution (10 degree steps). The antenna was swept from 1300 MHz to 18 GHz.

Background: This interesting eBay antenna find is a pair Teflon PCBs.  It was specified in its listing as 698 to 6000 MHz for mobile phone testing. With dimensions of 100x100mm, we suspected it was far too small to work at 700 MHz, but the Teflon PCB material hinted at microwave performance. The eBay seller branded this under the name “Sunflower Antenna”.

Results: What we found was that the lower useable limit (showing any organized directivity) was about 1500 MHz. Forward gain ranged from about +2 dBi to a maximum of +8 dBi over its useful range up to about 10 GHz. Above that, the pattern fell apart and gain was highly variable. In fact, over the best operating range of 1.5 to 10 GHz, there was a lot of gain ripple making this a poor choice for calibration or measurement use. Our test report includes graphs of gains for both ports vs frequency, as well as our interactive variable frequency polar plots. As always, all data is provided in Excel spreadsheet format, allowing for additional plots and post-analysis. The results spreadsheet can be downloaded HERE.