Mi-Wave provides a comprehensive range of millimeter-wave antenna products engineered for RF, microwave, and mmWave systems operating across microwave through sub-millimeter-wave frequencies. Our antenna portfolio is designed to deliver predictable radiation patterns, stable electrical performance, and reliable mechanical construction for demanding high-frequency applications.
Many Mi-Wave antenna systems can support dual-polarized operation, including vertical and horizontal polarization, when paired with appropriate feed assemblies and components such as the Series 281 Orthomode Transducer (OMT). The 281 Series OMT allows two orthogonal linearly polarized signals to be separated or combined within the same waveguide path, enabling efficient dual-polarized antenna architectures for SatCom, radar, telemetry, and advanced RF systems.
Mi-Wave antenna products support a wide range of industries and use cases, including communications, radar and telemetry, satellite communications (SatCom), antenna measurement and calibration, EMC and EMI testing, RF system validation, and millimeter-wave research and development.
The standard models shown represent only part of Mi-Wave’s broader product capabilities. Custom configurations are available to support specific frequency bands, interfaces, and application requirements, enabling optimized solutions for specialized RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave systems.
Dual Polarization Antenna System – How It Works
Series 281 Orthomode Transducer (OMT) enables two orthogonal polarizations to share the same antenna aperture without interfering with each other.
Reflector / Horn Lens / Other Configurations
RF Signals Enter the OMT
Vertical and Horizontal RF signals enter through separate waveguide ports.
Orthogonal Separation
The OMT separates or combines signals by polarization while maintaining high isolation.
Feed the Antenna
The combined V and H signal path travels through a common waveguide interface.
Radiation from Antenna
The antenna radiates both polarizations simultaneously through the same aperture.
Receive Path
In receive mode, the antenna collects both polarizations and the OMT separates them.
Dual-Channel Operation
Each polarization can carry an independent RF channel or data stream.
Features
Dual Polarization Support
Many Mi-Wave antenna systems support simultaneous vertical and horizontal polarization using Orthomode Transducers (OMTs) and compatible feed architectures.
Wide Frequency Coverage
Mi-Wave antennas support microwave and millimeter-wave frequency bands from approximately 5 GHz through 110 GHz and beyond depending on antenna configuration.
High Gain & Narrow Beamwidth
Reflector and horn antenna systems provide controlled directional radiation patterns for long-range RF communication and measurement applications.
Stable Radiation Performance
Precision reflector geometry and feed integration help maintain predictable beam symmetry, sidelobe performance, and polarization characteristics.
Waveguide Compatibility
Antenna systems support integration with standard WR-series waveguide interfaces, feed horns, OMTs, amplifiers, converters, and RF subsystems.
Rugged Mechanical Construction
Available materials include aluminum and metallized fiberglass structures optimized for laboratory, outdoor, airborne, and harsh-environment applications.
Custom Configurations Available
Custom reflector sizes, polarization options, feed systems, mounting arrangements, and frequency ranges are available to support specialized applications.
Applications
Mi-Wave dual-polarized antenna systems and Series 281 Orthomode Transducers (OMTs) are used in RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave systems where simultaneous vertical and horizontal polarization operation, high isolation, and efficient antenna integration are required.
Satellite Communications (SatCom)
Dual-polarized antenna systems support simultaneous transmit and receive paths, polarization diversity, and improved spectral efficiency in satellite communication ground stations and high-capacity links.
Radar Systems
Used in radar and tracking systems requiring stable polarization performance, high isolation between channels, and reliable high-frequency antenna operation.
Telemetry & Tracking
Supports telemetry, flight testing, and tracking systems where directional antenna performance and dual-channel operation are critical.
RF & Microwave Laboratories
Integrated into laboratory systems, antenna measurement ranges, and RF validation platforms for polarization testing and microwave characterization.
Millimeter-Wave Research
Supports advanced mmWave communication, sensing, imaging, and research systems operating across microwave and millimeter-wave frequency bands.
EMC & EMI Testing
Used in electromagnetic compatibility and interference testing environments where controlled antenna performance and repeatable radiation patterns are required.
Point-to-Point Communication Links
Enables high-gain directional communication links with polarization diversity and improved channel capacity using shared antenna apertures.
Aerospace & Defense Systems
Integrated into airborne, ground-based, and defense RF systems requiring compact integration, dual-channel capability, and stable microwave performance.
Antenna & Dual-Polarization Calculators
Estimate antenna gain, beamwidth, wavelength, polarization isolation leakage, and polarization mismatch loss for RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave antenna systems.
Antenna Gain
Estimate theoretical reflector antenna gain from diameter, frequency, and aperture efficiency.
Beamwidth
Estimate approximate half-power beamwidth for a reflector antenna.
Wavelength
Calculate free-space wavelength from operating frequency.
Isolation Leakage
Estimate leakage between vertical and horizontal polarization channels based on OMT isolation.
Polarization Mismatch Loss
Estimate signal loss caused by angular mismatch between two linear polarizations.
FAQ
What is a dual-polarized antenna system?
A dual-polarized antenna system supports two independent polarization paths, typically vertical and horizontal polarization, within the same antenna aperture.
What is an Orthomode Transducer (OMT)?
An OMT is a waveguide component that separates or combines two orthogonal polarized signals while maintaining high isolation between channels.
Why is dual polarization important?
Dual polarization improves spectral efficiency, increases channel capacity, and supports simultaneous transmit and receive architectures in communication and radar systems.
What frequency ranges are supported?
Mi-Wave antenna products support microwave and millimeter-wave operation from approximately 5 GHz to 110 GHz depending on antenna type and configuration.
What antenna types are available?
Available configurations include:
- Cassegrain Reflectors
- Horn Lens Antennas
- Scalar Feed Horns
- Conical Horns
Are custom antenna configurations available?
Yes. Mi-Wave supports custom reflector diameters, feed arrangements, polarization configurations, mounting systems, and specialized RF integration requirements.
What industries use these antenna systems?
Applications include:
- Satellite communications
- Radar systems
- Aerospace and defense
- RF testing
- Research laboratories
- EMC and EMI testing
- Telemetry systems
Glossary
Aperture Efficiency
A measure of how effectively an antenna aperture converts RF energy into directional radiation.
Beamwidth
The angular width of the main antenna radiation lobe, typically measured at the half-power (-3 dB) points.
Cassegrain Antenna
A dual-reflector antenna configuration using a primary reflector and secondary sub-reflector for improved feed integration.
Cross Polarization
Undesired signal components orthogonal to the intended polarization.
Dual Polarization
An antenna system supporting two orthogonal polarization paths simultaneously.
Gain (dBi)
A measure of antenna directivity and RF energy concentration relative to an isotropic radiator.
Horn Antenna
A waveguide-based antenna commonly used as a feed system or standalone directional antenna.
Millimeter-Wave (mmWave)
Frequency ranges typically above 30 GHz with very short wavelengths.
OMT (Orthomode Transducer)
A waveguide device used to separate or combine orthogonal polarized signals.
Parabolic Reflector
A curved reflector surface that focuses RF energy toward a focal point.
Polarization
The orientation of an electromagnetic wave’s electric field.
Prime Focus Antenna
A reflector antenna configuration where the feed is positioned directly at the reflector focal point.
Radiation Pattern
The spatial distribution of RF energy radiated by an antenna.
Sidelobes
Secondary radiation lobes outside the primary antenna beam.
Waveguide Interface
A microwave transmission structure used to route RF energy between antenna and RF components.
WR-Series Waveguide
Standardized rectangular waveguide sizes used for microwave and millimeter-wave systems.
Interested in this product or other Mi-Wave solutions?
Contact our team to discuss your frequency range, interface needs, and application requirements.
Custom configurations are available for specialized RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave systems.
Return to Antennas
Return to Products Page
