Richard G. FitzGerrell, Raymond D. Jennings, and John R. Juroshek

Abstract: Relative gain of fifteen television receiving antennas was measured as a function of frequency and azimuth angle. Input voltage standing-wave ratio was measured as a function of frequency to determine the scalar impedance properties of the antennas. These antennas, a sample of those available from sources likely to be utilized by TV antenna installation technicians as well as consumers, ranged in price from $1.00 to $78.00 and in length from 18 cm to 400 cm. Insertion loss of a sample of system components, balanced-to-unbalanced line transformers and VHF/UHF signal splitters, was measured, and transmission line attenuation was obtained from manufacturers' data. Antenna gain, component insertion loss, transmission line attenuation, and calculated dipole antenna constant are the significant components of a power budget equation relating power flow in the TV signal field incident upon the antenna to the signal power available at the receiver. Results for four simple types of home installations are given. The range of the power budget data for best and worst combinat.ions of antennas, transmission lines, and other system components illustrates the range of the power available at the receiver versus frequency for a specified power flow in the signal field.

Keywords: antenna gain; power budget calculations; TV

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

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