Low profile frequency agile MIMO slot antenna with TCM characterization

In this paper, a frequency reconfigurable multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) slot antenna is presented. The proposed design is low profile and compact with wide tunability range, covering several well-known frequency bands from 1800 MHz to 2450 MHz. The frequency reconfigurability is achieved by loading the annular slot with varactor diodes. The antenna system is also analyzed for MIMO performance metrics. Moreover, the effect of circular slot antenna on the chassis modes is also investigated using the theory of characteristic modes (TCM). The physical principle behind frequency reconfigurability is also investigated using TCM analysis. An interesting finding is observed using varactor diodes for frequency reconfigurability, that is the reactive impedance loading does not alter the modal significance (MS) plots but only aid in the input impedance matching at different frequency bands.