Minor lobes usually represent radiation in undesired directions, so in directional antennas a design goal is usually to reduce the minor lobes. Side lobes are normally the largest of the minor lobes. The level of minor lobes is usually expressed as a ratio of the power density in the lobe in question to that of the major lobe. This ratio is often termed the side lobe ratio or side lobe level. Side lobe levels of −20 dB or greater are usually not desirable in many applications. Attainment of a side lobe level smaller than −30 dB usually requires very careful design and construction. In most radar systems, for example, low side lobe ratios are very important to minimize false target indications through the side lobes.
Minor lobes usually represent radiation in undesired directions so in directional antennas a design goal is usually to reduce the minor lobes Side lobes are normally the largest of the minor lobes The level of minor lobes is usually expressed as a ratio of the power density in the lobe in question to that of the major lobe This ratio is often termed the side lobe ratio or side lobe level Side lobe levels of −20 dB or greater are usually not desirable in many applications Attainment of a side lobe level smaller than −30 dB usually requires very careful design and construction In most radar systems for example low side lobe ratios are very important to minimize false target indications through the side lobes