Beamwidth – Definition and Pronunciation
What is Beamwidth?
Beamwidth is a measure of the ability of an antenna to focus signal energy towards a particular direction in space (e. g., towards the satellite for a ground-based transmitting antenna), or to collect signal energy from a particular direction in space (e. g., from the satellite for a ground-based receiving antenna). The beamwidth is measured in a plane containing the direction of maximum signal strength. It is typically expressed as the angular separation between the two directions in which the signal strength is reduced to one-half of the maximum value (the -3 dB half-power points).
Examples of Beamwidth
The M40 has a 5:1 width-to-height aspect ratio, and accordingly the elevation beamwidth is wider than the azimuth beamwidth by the same factor. Likewise, the target standard deviation for pointing accuracy follows the same ratio.
From “Aeronautical Mobility Services”.
HTSs are an evolution of conventional spacecraft. When a satellite provides coverage of the entire region of the earth visible from the satellite utilizing a single beam, the gain of the satellite antenna is limited by the beamwidth.
From “High Throughput Satellites (HTS) and KA/KU Spot Beam Technologies”.
The beamwidth of a typical antenna is wide enough that the antenna only needs to “see” the signal as the antenna is manually aimed towards the satellite for the terminal to acquire the common signaling channel signal.
From “Empowering Global Communication with INMARSAT Satellites in shipping”.
Pronunciation of Beamwidth
