If you’re working with antennas—whether as a designer, integrator, or technical buyer—you’ll quickly encounter one question: How do I obtain the radiation pattern of an antenna?
The radiation pattern is one of the most important performance indicators of any antenna. It tells you how the antenna radiates energy in space, and it’s vital for coverage planning, interference management, and matching antennas to applications.
In this article, I’ll guide you through three proven methods to obtain an antenna’s radiation pattern: testing, simulation, and manufacturer resources. Each has its place depending on your project stage, available tools, and technical requirements.
Understanding the Radiation Pattern
What Is a Radiation Pattern?
A radiation pattern is a graphical representation of the relative strength of the electromagnetic signal emitted or received by an antenna in different directions. It shows the spatial distribution of power.
Patterns are usually plotted as:
2D polar plots in horizontal (H-plane) and vertical (E-plane)
3D plots showing spherical radiation
Why Do You Need It?
The radiation pattern determines:
Directionality (omni, directional, sectoral)
Main lobe and side lobe strength
Beamwidth and nulls
Coverage optimization and interference control
Whether you’re designing a product or choosing an antenna for deployment, the pattern tells you where the signal goes—and where it doesn’t.
Method 1: Laboratory Testing
Required Equipment
Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)
Rotating turntable or azimuth/elevation fixture
Anechoic chamber or far-field open range
Remote receiver and data acquisition system
Step-by-Step Measurement Process
Mount the antenna securely at a fixed reference point
Set up the signal source and measurement receiver
Rotate the antenna or the measuring probe around it
Record the power received at each angle
Plot the collected data into polar or 3D graphs
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Limitations
High accuracy and real-world data
Requires expensive lab setup
Can be used for certification
Time- and equipment-intensive
Lab testing is essential for product validation, performance tuning, or regulatory compliance.
Method 2: Electromagnetic Simulation
Software Options
CST Microwave Studio
ANSYS HFSS
Altair FEKO, Keysight ADS, COMSOL Multiphysics
Simulation Workflow
Create or import the 3D antenna model (e.g., .STP or .DXF)
Define materials, ports, boundary conditions, and frequency
Run the electromagnetic simulation
Export 2D and 3D far-field radiation patterns
Analyze gain, beamwidth, and side lobes
When Is Simulation Useful?
During antenna design or prototyping
For performance prediction before manufacturing
When lab testing is not available
Note: Simulation gives theoretical results. Always validate with real-world testing when possible.
Method 3: Requesting from Manufacturer
What to Ask For
When purchasing antennas from manufacturers (like Bafitop), you should request:
2D Radiation Patterns for both H- and E-plane
3D Radiation Diagrams if available
Measurement conditions (frequency, test distance, environment)
Beamwidth and gain data
How to Evaluate Quality
Indicator
What to Look For
Labeled main and side lobes
Clear angular markers and intensity levels
Gain integrated into pattern
Combined radiation and gain representation
Multiple frequency plots
Performance consistency across bands
Simulation + real test data
Verified and validated pattern profile
Manufacturers offering engineering-grade antennas will typically include these in their datasheets or provide them upon request.
Comparison Table: Which Method Should You Choose?
Method
Best For
Skill Level
Cost
Typical Users
Lab Testing
Final validation, certification
Advanced
High
RF Engineers, Test Labs
Simulation
Design stage, academic use
Intermediate
Medium
R&D Engineers, Students
Manufacturer Data
Product selection, deployment
Beginner
Low/Free
Purchasers, Integrators
Interactive Guide: Which Method Is Best for You?
Answer the following questions:
Do you have access to testing equipment or a lab?
Do you have 3D antenna models and simulation software?
Is the antenna already purchased or being evaluated for selection?
Do you need fast results for a real project?
Your Recommended Path
Mostly “Yes” → Use Lab Testing
Mostly “No” but have simulation tools → Run Simulation
Mostly “No” and using commercial antennas → Request from Manufacturer
Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid
Always confirm frequency and scale on the radiation pattern diagrams
Don’t rely solely on simulated results—test when possible
Avoid using radiation data without clear units or environmental context
Use pattern data with gain charts for a complete antenna evaluation
Request sample reports from suppliers to verify credibility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I measure the radiation pattern without a lab?
It’s difficult. Without a controlled environment and equipment, measurements are likely inaccurate. At least a VNA and a quiet open field are required.
How accurate is simulation?
Simulation is excellent for early design and comparative analysis but should be verified with lab data before production.
What format is radiation pattern data usually in?
Manufacturers typically provide PDF plots, polar graphs, or .s2p files. Simulation software can export .csv, .dat, or 3D formats.
Do all antennas come with radiation pattern info?
No. Only quality manufacturers provide detailed pattern data. All Bafitop antennas come with tested or simulated radiation charts.
Need Access to Verified Radiation Patterns for Evaluation?
At Bafitop, we support engineers, system integrators, and buyers by providing:
Verified 2D and 3D radiation pattern charts
Antenna samples with full test reports
Technical consultation for pattern-based deployments
You’ve come to the right place! Simply fill out the form below and our dedicated team will get back to you with a comprehensive quote within one business day.
