Corner Reflector Antenna Calculator
Calculate wavelength, reflector dimensions, spacing, and estimated gain of a corner reflector antenna.
2
Inputs
Live
Math
3
Related
Enter parameters and click Calculate to view results
Formula & Theory
λ = 300/f, Driven Element = 0.475λ, Reflector Distance = 0.25λ, Reflector Size ≈ 1λThis formula is used to calculate antenna parameters for corner reflector antenna calculator.
Overview
The Corner Reflector Antenna Calculator computes optimal driven dipole lengths, vertex spacing, reflector grid dimensions, and estimated directional gain for corner reflector antennas. Widely deployed in UHF TV reception, point-to-point wireless links, and radar systems, corner reflectors provide high directivity and exceptional Front-to-Back (F/B) isolation across a wide frequency band.
Input Guide
Enter Frequency, Corner Angle exactly in the units shown by this corner reflector antenna. Check the operating band, unit prefix, and decimal position before calculating; these are the inputs used by the formula.
- Frequency — use MHz.
- Corner Angle — use °.
Output Guide
The results describe the calculated corner reflector antenna values for the inputs you entered. Check each value against the available space, selected components, feed system, and operating conditions before making a final design decision.
How This Calculator Works
The Corner Reflector Antenna uses λ = 300/f, Driven Element = 0.475λ, Reflector Distance = 0.25λ, Reflector Size ≈ 1λ. Supply Frequency (MHz), Corner Angle (°) in the displayed units, then use the calculated values as the first engineering target for this directional antennas design or analysis.
Design Notes
A corner reflector antenna consists of a driven dipole placed parallel to and at a distance $S$ from the apex of two flat conducting reflector sheets joined at an angle $\alpha$ (typically $90^{\circ}$ or $60^{\circ}$). Setting the corner angle to $90^{\circ}$ with a dipole-to-vertex spacing of $S \approx 0.25\lambda\text{ to }0.5\lambda$ generates a high directional gain ($10\text{--}12\text{ dBi}$) and an outstanding Front-to-Back ratio ($>25\text{ dB}$). Reducing the corner angle to $60^{\circ}$ increases gain but expands the physical reflector size required to avoid edge diffraction loss.
Build and Tuning Notes
Construct reflector surfaces using solid sheet metal or a grid of parallel wire rods/tubes to decrease wind resistance. When using a wire grid, keep rod spacing under $0.1\lambda$ and rod length parallel to the dipole polarization vector. Match the driven dipole to a $50\;\Omega$ coaxial feedline using a $1:1$ current balun to preserve pattern symmetry and prevent feeder radiation. Verify VSWR ($<1.5:1$) and radiation patterns across the band with a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Corner Reflector Antenna and why is it used?
A corner reflector antenna uses two intersecting flat metal sheets (or wire grids) inclined at a specific corner angle ($alpha$, usually $90^{\circ}$) behind a driven dipole. It provides high directional gain, a narrow main beam, and exceptional Front-to-Back rejection.
How does the Corner Angle (α) affect antenna performance?
Narrower corner angles (e.g., $60^{\circ}$ vs $90^{\circ}$) provide higher directivity gain ($+1\text{ to }2\text{ dBi}$) but require physically larger reflector sheets and precise dipole positioning relative to the apex.
Can parallel wire grids replace solid metal reflector sheets?
Yes. A screen of parallel metal rods aligned parallel to the driven dipole provides virtually identical RF performance to a solid sheet, provided the wire spacing remains less than $0.1\lambda$. This significantly reduces wind resistance.
What is the optimal spacing between the driven dipole and the corner apex?
For a $90^{\circ}$ corner angle, placing the driven element at a distance $S \approx 0.25\lambda\text{ to }0.5\lambda$ from the corner vertex provides optimal constructive phase interference, maximum gain, and a favorable feedpoint impedance.
Alex Warren
B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE)
Alex specialises in antenna design and wave propagation. His expertise helps ensure these calculators present practical RF concepts, useful design estimates, and clear engineering guidance for students, HAM operators, and wireless professionals.