Hybrid Multi-Mode Narrow-Frame Antenna for WWAN/LTE Metal-Rimmed Smartphone Applications

A hybrid multi-mode narrow-frame antenna for WWAN/LTE metal-rimmed smartphone applications is proposed in this paper. The ground clearance is only 5 mm × 45 mm, which is promising for narrow-frame smartphones. The metal rim with a small gap is connected to the system ground by three grounded patches. This proposed antenna can excite three coupled-loop modes and one slot mode. By incorporating these four modes, the proposed antenna can provide coverage for GSM850/900, DCS/PCS/UMTS2100, and LTE2300/2500 operations. Detailed design considerations of the proposed antenna are described, and both experimental and simulated results are also presented.