Rubber duck antenna is a type of antenna that is typically made of a flexible wire that is covered in a rubber or plastic coating. The antenna is commonly used in portable communication devices such as two-way radios, walkie-talkies, and portable radios.
Rubber duck antenna is a popular choice because of its flexibility and durability, which makes it ideal for use in portable devices that are frequently moved or exposed to harsh conditions.
Introduction of Rubber Duck Antenna
Rubber duck antenna is an electrically short monopole antenna that functions somewhat like a base-loaded whip antenna. It consists of a springy wire in the shape of a narrow helix, sealed in a rubber or plastic jacket to protect the antenna. Rubber duck antenna is a form of a normal-mode helical antenna.
Rubber duck antennas are available in various lengths and thicknesses depending on the application and frequency range. The antenna’s design is typically compact and flexible, which makes it easy to integrate into small devices without taking up too much space. The antenna’s rubber coating provides additional protection against moisture, dust, and other environmental factors that may affect its performance.
Feature of Rubber Duck Antenna
1. More Flexible
A rubber duck antenna is an electrical short quarter wave antenna in which the inductor is built into the antenna itself rather than in the base.The antenna is made of a narrow coil of wire like a spring, which acts as the required inductor.
The springy wire is flexible, making it less prone to damage than a stiff antenna. Rubber duck antennas are typically 4% to 15% of a wavelength long. That is, 16% to 60% of the length of a standard quarter-wave whip.
2. More Convenient
Before the rubber duck, antennas on portable radios usually consisted of quarter-wave whip antennas, rods whose length was one-quarter of the wavelength of the radio waves used. In the VHF range where they were used, these antennas were 0.6 or 0.9 m (2 or 3 feet) long, making them cumbersome. They were often made of telescoping tubes that could be retracted when not in use. To make the antenna more compact, electrically short antennas, shorter than one-quarter wavelength, began to be used.
3. Omni-directional Antenna
One of the primary features of a rubber duck antenna is its omnidirectional radiation pattern. This means that it can transmit and receive signals in all directions, making it ideal for use in situations where the device may be moved around or used in different positions.
Rubber coating provides additional protection against environmental factors such as moisture and dust that may affect the antenna’s performance.
The antenna’s compact size and flexible design make it easy to integrate into small devices without taking up too much space.
Rubber Duck Antenna Product Categories
There are several different categories of rubber antennas available on the market, including ：
LORA Antenna: 315MHz / 433MHz / 868MHz / 915MHz
2.4GHz / 5.8GHz Dual Band Antenna: 2400-2500MHz / 5180-5850MHz
3G 4G 5G Antenna: 700-2700MHz / 600-6000MHz
High-Frequency antennas are commonly used in marine, aviation, and land mobile applications, while other antennas are commonly used for two-way radio communications.
Function of Rubber Duck Antenna
The primary function of a rubber antenna is to transmit and receive radio signals. This is achieved through the antenna’s ability to convert electrical energy into electromagnetic radiation that can travel through the air. The antenna receives incoming signals and converts them into electrical energy that can be processed by the device. It also transmits outgoing signals by converting electrical energy into electromagnetic radiation that can be detected by other devices.
In conclusion, the rubber duck antenna is a flexible and durable antenna. It is commonly used for portable communication devices. Its compact size, omnidirectional radiation pattern, and ability to transmit and receive signals at a variety of frequencies make it an important component of many communication devices. With different categories designed for specific applications, rubber antennas are a versatile choice for a wide range of communication needs.
