In microwave antenna design, optimal gain needs to balance performance and practicality. Although high gain can improve signal strength, it will bring problems such as increased size, heat dissipation challenges and increased costs. The following are key considerations:
1. Matching gain with application
5G base station (millimeter wave AAU):24-28dBi, requires vacuum brazing water cooling plate to ensure long-term high-power operation.
Satellite communication (Ka band): 40-45dBi, relying on buried copper tube water cooling to solve the heat dissipation problem of large aperture antennas.
Electronic warfare/radar: 20-30dBi, using stir friction welding liquid cooling to adapt to high dynamic heat load.
EMC testing: 10-15dBi, ordinary welding heat sink can meet the needs.
Cassegrain Antenna（40dBi）
Circularly Polarized Horn Antenna（20dBi）
2. Engineering limitations of high gain
Heat dissipation bottleneck: Antennas above 25dBi usually require liquid cooling (such as vacuum brazing or stir friction welding water cooling plate), otherwise the power capacity is limited.
Size constraints: Antennas above 30dBi may exceed 1 meter in the Ka band, and the structural design needs to be optimized.
Cost factors: For every 3dB increase in gain, the cost of the cooling system may increase by 20%-30%.
Planar Antenna（30dBi)
Dual Circular Polarized Horn Antenna(10dBi)
3. Optimization suggestions
Prioritize matching application requirements and avoid excessive pursuit of high gain.
The cooling solution determines the power capacity, and high-gain antennas must be equipped with efficient cooling (such as liquid cooling).
Balance bandwidth and gain. Narrowband systems can pursue higher gain, and broadband systems need to make appropriate compromises.
Conclusion: The optimal gain depends on the specific application, usually between 20-35dBi, and needs to be combined with advanced cooling technology (such as vacuum brazing or stir friction welding water cooling) to ensure reliable operation.
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Post time: Jun-12-2025
