ARRL Technician Practice Exam

What is a typical characteristic of high gain antennas?

1. They have a wide radiation pattern

2. They can receive signals from multiple directions

3. They focus energy in a specific direction

4. They require more power to operate

The correct answer is: They focus energy in a specific direction

High gain antennas are designed to focus energy in a specific direction, which distinguishes them from lower gain antennas that tend to have a more omnidirectional radiation pattern. This focusing of energy results in a narrower beam width, allowing the antenna to be much more efficient in transmitting or receiving signals from a specific direction. The increased gain helps improve the overall range and quality of the communication link, as the antenna can effectively concentrate the radio waves towards the target, minimizing interference from other directions. In contrast, antennas with a wide radiation pattern or those that can receive signals from multiple directions do not exhibit high gain characteristics. Additionally, while some high gain antennas may require more power to achieve their performance, it's not a defining characteristic, as power requirements can vary based on numerous design factors. The key takeaway is that high gain antennas create a focused signal that enhances performance in specific applications where directed communication is paramount.