Abstract: In order to avoid such problems that the detection device of UHF partial discharge has low test efficiency, and only a few testers with expert experience can use the device effectively, a fast inspecting and locating idea for UHF partial discharge based on strong directional antenna is proposed in this paper. High gain and strong directional antenna is the core of the idea. In this paper, the characteristics of single directivity are obtained as strong as possible through CST simulation to optimize structure parameters of back cavity because that the directivity can be improved by back cavity. Then such performance parameters as the gain, directivity and VSWR of two types of antennas are compared, and they are measured through test. Simulation and experimental results show that the lower frequency receiving performance of cavity backed Archimedean spiral beam antenna is better than that of helical beam antenna. In addition, the half power beam width of receiving local partial discharge signal is only 36?, and its receiving ability is more sensitive with the change of distance, which proves that it is more suitable to be used as partial discharge location antenna in the substation.