E-plane and H-plane

This article is about electromagnetism. For the light aircraft, see e-plane SSDR.

The E-plane and H-plane are reference planes for linearly polarized waveguides, antennas and other microwave devices.

E-Plane

For a linearly-polarized antenna, this is the plane containing the electric field vector and the direction of maximum radiation. The electric field or "E" plane determines the polarization or orientation of the radio wave. For a vertically-polarized antenna, the E-plane usually coincides with the vertical/elevation plane. For a horizontally-polarized antenna, the E-Plane usually coincides with the horizontal/azimuth plane. E- plane and H-plane should be 90 deg apart. The simple way of remembering this for English-speakers is that the E in E-plane is the same as the E in Element.

H-plane

In the case of the same linearly polarized antenna, this is the plane containing the magnetic field vector and the direction of maximum radiation. The magnetizing field or "H" plane lies at a right angle to the "E" plane. For a vertically polarized antenna, the H-plane usually coincides with the horizontal/azimuth plane. For a horizontally-polarized antenna, the H-plane usually coincides with the vertical/elevation plane.

Diagram showing the relationship between the E and H planes for a horizontally polarized directional yagi antenna

Diagram showing the relationship between the E and H planes for a vertically polarized omnidirectional dipole antenna

See also

• Radiation pattern