Choosing the Right Horn Antenna: How Coaxial Input Design Speeds Up Lab Testing

For microwave labs and field test teams, choosing the right reference antenna directly affects setup time and measurement confidence. Our newly launched WR112 coaxial input Standard Gain Horn is designed to address exactly this challenge.

A traditional Waveguide Input Horn requires precise flange alignment and bolt clamping — every repositioning eats into productive test time. This Coaxial Input Horn uses a standard N-type coaxial connector: simply screw on a coaxial cable and start testing. No waveguide adapters or special tools are needed. In applications where the antenna is moved frequently, this straightforward hookup reduces setup overhead and lets engineers focus on the measurement itself.

Operating from 6.57 to 9.99 GHz with VSWR ≤1.5 and 10 dB gain, the antenna is built from aluminum with a conductive oxidation finish and sea-grey paint — lightweight yet rugged, easy to mount on stands or positioners. It serves as a stable, repeatable reference across metrology, antenna pattern measurement, and communication link verification, whether in a university laboratory, a commercial test house, or an R&D facility.

When selecting an antenna, engineers often weigh a Standard Gain Horn against a Double Ridged Horn. The former offers stable gain and low VSWR for narrow-band precision calibration and gain-transfer measurements. The latter, with its ultra-wide bandwidth, is better suited as an EMC Measurement Antenna covering multiple octaves. If your work concentrates on the X-band and demands measurement accuracy, a standard gain horn is the more cost-effective choice. If you need a single Broadband Horn spanning a ten-octave range for EMI troubleshooting, a double-ridged design is the better fit.

We support customization across frequency band, connector type, and interface dimensions. Beyond the standard N-type connector, SMA and other connector options are available depending on your band and power requirements. Contact our engineering team to discuss your specific needs.