Question
What is a folded dipole antenna?
Answer Options
- A) A dipole one-quarter wavelength long
- B) A center-fed dipole with the ends folded down 90 degrees at the midpoint of each side
- C) A half-wave dipole with an additional parallel wire connecting its two ends
- D) A dipole configured to provide forward gain
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
The structure of the folded dipole is distinct from a simple dipole and is primarily used because it presents a desirable input impedance and a broadband frequency response. The definition is based on the addition of a second radiating conductor that modifies the current flow.
A folded dipole antenna is a half-wave dipole with an additional parallel wire connecting its two ends. This forms a transmission line-like structure that is folded back on itself. The inclusion of the parallel wire modifies the current distribution, resulting in a higher feed point impedance (typically 300 \Omega for a two-wire folded dipole) and a wider operational bandwidth than a simple dipole.
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