What is a dipole antenna?

A dipole antenna is characterized by its structure, which consists of two conductive elements, often referred to as arms or rods, that are aligned in opposite directions. This configuration allows the dipole to effectively radiate and receive electromagnetic waves, making it one of the most fundamental and widely used types of antennas in radio communication.

The design of a dipole antenna enables it to create a radiation pattern that is typically strongest in the plane perpendicular to the axis of the antenna, providing good directional characteristics along the horizontal plane for most applications. The simplicity of the dipole design contributes to its effectiveness across various frequency ranges when properly sized.

Other options describe different types of antennas or attributes that do not accurately represent a dipole. A circularly polarized antenna, for instance, relates to how it receives signals but does not define the two-element structure of a dipole. Similarly, antennas designed for microwave frequencies or arrays of multiple antennas pertain to specific functionalities and configurations that differ from the fundamental concept of a dipole antenna.