What is a reference antenna compared to all other antennas with gain?

A reference antenna is typically defined as a standard against which other antennas can be measured or compared. In many cases, the dipole antenna, specifically a half-wave dipole, is used as this reference. The half-wave dipole has a known and predictable radiation pattern, gain, and impedance characteristics, making it a useful baseline for assessing the performance of other antennas.

When evaluating other antennas that claim to have gain, they are often compared to the dipole to quantify their enhanced performance in terms of gain, radiation efficiency, and directionality. This reference is crucial because it provides a common point of comparison, allowing engineers and technicians to communicate effectively about antenna performance.

Other antennas, like monopoles, Yagi, and parabolic antennas, may have higher gains and different applications, but they are generally not regarded as the baseline reference in the same way as the dipole. While each has specific use cases and advantages, the dipole's role as a standard reference antenna is what sets it apart in this context.