Prime Focus Parabolic Antenna 8-18 GHz 35dB Typ.Gain RM-PFPA818-35

The Prime Focus Parabolic Antenna is the most classic and fundamental type of reflector antenna. It consists of two main parts: a metallic reflector shaped as a paraboloid of revolution and a feed (e.g., a horn antenna) located at its focal point.

Its operation is based on the geometric property of a parabola: spherical wavefronts emanating from the focal point are reflected by the parabolic surface and transformed into a highly directional plane wave beam for transmission. Conversely, during reception, parallel incident waves from the far-field are reflected and concentrated onto the feed at the focal point.

The key advantages of this antenna are its relatively simple structure, very high gain, sharp directivity, and low manufacturing cost. Its main disadvantages are the blockage of the main beam by the feed and its support structure, which reduces antenna efficiency and raises side lobe levels. Additionally, the feed’s position in front of the reflector leads to longer feed lines and more difficult maintenance. It is widely used in satellite communications (e.g., TV reception), radio astronomy, terrestrial microwave links, and radar systems.