Prime Focus
Antennas
Precision-machined parabolic reflector antennas with waveguide-fed horn assemblies. Aluminum and fiberglass reflectors from 3 to 48 inches for satellite ground terminals, radar systems, and antenna measurement ranges.
High-Gain Directional Antennas for mmWave Systems
RF Essentials prime focus antennas use precision parabolic reflector geometry with the feed horn positioned directly at the focal point. This single-reflector design delivers high gain, symmetrical beam patterns, and predictable radiation characteristics across microwave and millimeter wave bands.
Aluminum reflectors provide rigid, lightweight construction with excellent surface accuracy for lab and indoor use. Fiberglass reflectors offer superior corrosion resistance and environmental durability for outdoor ground station and field installations. All reflectors are paired with gold-plated waveguide feed assemblies for minimal insertion loss.
Prime Focus Antennas by Diameter
Each row represents a standard reflector diameter offered by RF Essentials. Gain values shown are typical at a representative mid-band frequency. Custom diameters, frequency optimization, and feed configurations are available on request.
8 Standard Diameters| Diameter | Frequency Range | Typical Gain | Beamwidth | Material | Feed Interface | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3" | 26.5 - 110 GHz | 25 - 38 dBi | 8° - 2° | Aluminum | WR-28 / WR-10 | Request Quote → |
| 6" | 18 - 110 GHz | 30 - 44 dBi | 4° - 1° | Aluminum | WR-42 / WR-10 | Request Quote → |
| 8" | 18 - 110 GHz | 33 - 46 dBi | 3° - 0.8° | Aluminum | WR-42 / WR-10 | Request Quote → |
| 12" | 18 - 90 GHz | 36 - 48 dBi | 2° - 0.5° | Aluminum / Fiberglass | WR-42 / WR-12 | Request Quote → |
| 18" | 18 - 75 GHz | 39 - 50 dBi | 1.3° - 0.4° | Aluminum / Fiberglass | WR-42 / WR-15 | Request Quote → |
| 24" | 18 - 50 GHz | 41 - 50 dBi | 1° - 0.3° | Aluminum / Fiberglass | WR-42 / WR-22 | Request Quote → |
| 36" | 18 - 40 GHz | 44 - 52 dBi | 0.7° - 0.2° | Fiberglass | WR-42 / WR-28 | Request Quote → |
| 48" | 18 - 40 GHz | 46 - 55 dBi | 0.5° - 0.15° | Fiberglass | WR-42 / WR-28 | Request Quote → |
All specifications are typical at representative mid-band frequencies. Contact engineering for detailed patterns, datasheets, and custom requirements.
Design & Construction
CNC-machined reflector surfaces with sub-thousandth-inch RMS surface accuracy. Ensures optimal aperture efficiency and minimal beam distortion at mmWave frequencies.
Waveguide-fed horn assemblies with gold-plated interior surfaces for minimum insertion loss. Corrugated and smooth-wall configurations available by frequency band.
Aluminum reflectors for lab precision and indoor use. Fiberglass composite reflectors for outdoor ground stations with UV, wind, and corrosion resistance.
Every antenna ships with measured gain, VSWR, beamwidth, and radiation pattern data from our calibrated antenna range. E-plane and H-plane cuts provided as standard.
Feed assemblies mate directly with standard WR-series waveguide flanges. Compatible with existing test equipment, receivers, and transmitter chains without adapters.
Custom reflector diameters, non-standard f/D ratios, specialized feed designs, integrated mounting hardware, and complete sub-assembly integration available on request.
Where Our Antennas Perform
RF Essentials prime focus antennas are deployed in satellite ground terminals, radar calibration systems, antenna measurement ranges, and research laboratories worldwide. Each configuration is purpose-built for the operating environment and performance requirements.
- Satellite Ground Terminals
- Radar Calibration Systems
- Antenna Measurement Ranges
- 5G / 6G mmWave Research
- Point-to-Point Backhaul
- RF & EMC Test Labs
- Radio Astronomy
- Defense & EW Systems
Other Antenna Categories
Cassegrain Antennas
Dual-reflector antenna systems with primary parabolic dish and secondary hyperbolic sub-reflector. Reduced feed line losses and compact receiver integration.
View CategoryStandard Gain Horns
Pyramidal horn antennas with rectangular waveguide interfaces. Manufactured to strict tolerances for calibration, gain measurement, and reference applications.
View CategoryFrequently Asked Questions
A prime focus antenna uses a parabolic reflector surface with the feed horn positioned directly at the geometric focal point. Incoming RF energy reflects off the parabolic surface and converges at the feed, while transmitted energy from the feed illuminates the reflector to produce a focused, directional beam. This single-reflector geometry is simpler than Cassegrain designs and provides high gain with predictable radiation patterns.
RF Essentials offers prime focus reflector antennas in 8 standard diameters from 3 inches to 48 inches. Smaller diameters (3-8 inches) are common for lab testing and antenna ranges at W-band and above. Larger diameters (24-48 inches) provide higher gain and narrower beamwidths for satellite ground terminals and long-range links. Custom diameters are available on request.
Aluminum reflectors provide the best surface accuracy and are ideal for indoor labs, antenna ranges, and precision measurement applications. Fiberglass composite reflectors offer superior weather resistance, UV stability, and corrosion protection for outdoor ground stations and field installations. Both materials maintain their parabolic geometry and RF performance over extended service life.
RF Essentials prime focus antennas operate across K-band through W-band (18 GHz to 110 GHz), covering standard satellite, radar, and research frequency allocations. The usable upper frequency depends on reflector surface accuracy and diameter. Feed assemblies are available with standard WR-series waveguide interfaces matched to your operating band.