Multiport antenna system matching using Network Characteristic Mode analysis

Antenna matching networks (MN) have been developed intensively over the past years. One purpose of antenna impedance matching is to maximize the transfer of power from source to load (antenna) by transforming a complex load to match a resistive or complex source impedance over a desired frequency band. However, in multi-antenna systems such as antenna arrays or MIMO systems, we need to consider different criteria to insure that the power from the source has been radiated and not transferred to the other antenna(s). In this paper, we discuss unique criteria using Network Characteristic Modes (NCM), where the goal is to optimize the multi-antenna system to obtain the best possible radiation of each antenna and minimize the coupling between them. This can be done by optimizing the system simultaneously considering the criteria provided by NCM.