c
 c c
c


The antenna is often the most visible element of a radio system. The sizes and shapes of the
conductors that comprise the antenna determine the directional characteristics of the
electromagnetic (radio)waves it radiates. However, the antenna cannot be considered
independently. Additional elements, such as the transmission line, duplexers, matching
networks, à
, must be considered as part of the  à à. The full description of the
interaction of an antenna with its surrounding environment is based on very complex
mathematics, but its function in a radio system is quite simple. When an antenna is used for
transmitting, it converts electrical signals, delivered by a transmission line, from a transmitter
into propagating electromagnetic waves. When an antenna is used for receiving, it converts
electromagnetic waves back into electrical signals that are delivered by a transmission line to
a receiver for processing. In fact, the same antenna (used for both transmitting and receiving)
is often attached to a transmitter and a receiver using either a
à àor a  à
àà
(XMT/RCV) 
. A duplexer allows one antenna to be used by both the transmitter and
receiver at the same time (see sec. 6.3), and a transmit/receive switch connects the antenna to
either the transmitter or receiver.