Antenna Systems The study of antennas is very extensive and would need several texts to cover adequately. In this chapter, however, a brief description of relevant performances and design parameters will be given for introductory purposes. An antenna is a component that radiates and receives the RF or microwave power. It is a reciprocal device, and the same antenna can serve as a receiving or transmitting device. Antennas are structures that provide transitions between guided and free-space wave