What is the purpose of directivity in antennas?

Directivity in antennas refers to the ability of the antenna to focus energy in a specific direction rather than radiating it uniformly in all directions. This characteristic is crucial because it influences how effective an antenna is at sending or receiving signals over a distance. When an antenna has high directivity, it creates a narrow beam, allowing for stronger signal transmission and reception in that particular direction, which enhances communication quality and range.

By controlling the direction and shape of the beam, directivity ensures that the antenna can target a specific area or object, which is particularly beneficial in applications like satellite communications, radar systems, and point-to-point communication links. The ability to direct energy efficiently reduces interference and improves the overall performance of communication systems, making directivity a fundamental concept in antenna design and implementation.