Characteristic Mode based antenna design — A straight forward approach to small form factor antenna integration

The Theory of Characteristic Modes proved to be a useful tool for the analysis and design of antennas integrated into various modern application. The metallic chassis of a smart phone can be excited by small coupling elements to effectively work as a multiband antenna or a multi antenna system with high isolation between its ports. Compact massive antenna arrays can be generated by exciting multiple modes on each array element. The array can then be either configured as a massive multi antenna system for MIMO or a multi mode beamforming array. For automotive applications the chassis of the car can be utilized as a whole as a terrestrial radio reception antenna or smaller chassis parts such as the rear view mirror can be excited to effectively work as antennas for mobile communications or car2× applications.