SL-BCA-1200-6000 Biconical Antenna, 1.2–6 GHz, 50 W CW, N-type

The SL-BCA-1200-6000 is a broadband biconical antenna covering 1.2 GHz to 6 GHz through a single 50 Ω N-type connector. It is vertically polarised and omnidirectional in azimuth across the whole band, with a nominal gain of 2 dBi. Rated for 50 W CW and 500 W peak pulsed power, it works as a transmit antenna as well as a wideband receive antenna for surveillance, broadcasting and measurement.

A biconical antenna is two cones fed tip to tip. That geometry gives a vertically polarised pattern that is omnidirectional in azimuth over a wide band, and here the radiator is housed in a compact Ø205 × 144 mm cylindrical body, so a single small antenna covers L-band through C-band without tuning or band switching. With an external low-noise amplifier it becomes an active receive antenna. The aluminium body has a chemical conversion finish and mounts vertically on a Ø50 mm tube below the feed point.

Pattern and gain. At the bottom of the band the pattern has the familiar vertical-dipole shape: a circle in azimuth with nulls along the antenna axis. Higher in the band the elevation pattern breaks into several lobes while the azimuth pattern stays close to a circle. On the unit measured, gain is lowest from 1.2 GHz to 1.5 GHz and rises to 6–7 dBi higher in the band. Measured gain, VSWR and radiation-pattern plots for a typical unit are given in the datasheet and shown in the product images.

Key specifications

Features

• 1.2 GHz to 6 GHz in one antenna
• 2 dBi nominal gain
• Omnidirectional in azimuth, vertical linear polarisation
• VSWR 2.0:1 max
• 50 W CW and 500 W peak pulsed power handling
• 50 Ω, N-type female connector
• Aluminium body with chemical conversion coating
• Mounts on a Ø50 mm tube
• Pairs with an external LNA for active receive use

Applications

• Surveillance and spectrum monitoring
• Broadcasting
• Antenna and EMC measurement
• System integration
• Radio and other receiver systems

Installation. Mount the antenna vertical on a Ø50 mm mast or tube so that the polarisation is vertical and the omnidirectional pattern lies in the horizontal plane, and give it as much clear space from large metal structures as the site allows. At the rated power levels the field close to the elements can exceed exposure limits for people; install it where nobody can come within the safe distance for the transmitted power.

Preliminary datasheet. Figures marked TBD have not yet been characterised and are subject to change. Contact support@stripline.org for the latest datasheet, quotations and technical support.