EM interaction of handset antennas and a human in personalcommunications

In personal communications, the electromagnetic interaction between handset-mounted antennas and the nearby biological tissue is a key consideration. This paper presents a thorough investigation of this antenna-tissue interaction using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) electromagnetic simulation approach with detailed models of real-life antennas on a transceiver handset. The monopole, side-mounted planar inverted F, top-mounted bent inverted F, and back-mounted planar inverted F antennas are selected as representative examples of external and internal configurations. Detailed models of the human head and hand are implemented to investigate the effects of the tissue location and physical model on the antenna performance. Experimental results are provided which support the computationally obtained conclusions. The specific absorption rate (SAR) in the tissue is examined for several different antenna/handset configurations. It is found that for a head-handset separation of 2 cm, the SAR in the head has a peak value between 0.9 and 3.8 mW/g and an average value between 0.06 and 0.10 mW/g for 1 W of power delivered to the antenna. Additionally, the head and hand absorb between 48 and 68% of the power delivered to the antenna     

Characterization of antennas for personal wireless communications applications

The advancement of antenna technology in personal wireless communication systems has been encouraged by the increasingly stringent demands placed upon these systems to provide low-power and highly reliable information transfer. The antenna designer must not only consider the cost, manufacturability, compactness, and system integrability of the radiator but also generate a product which satisfies rigid specifications concerning return loss, bandwidth, and gain while operating in a complex radiating environment. Successful, cost-effective approaches to the design of antennas for communication devices rely upon the implementation of sophisticated analysis tools, such as the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, capable of predicting the electromagnetic behavior of complicated topologies. In this work, the behavior of planar inverted F, monopole, and loop antennas is investigated using tools based upon the FDTD approach. Such factors as the effects of the conducting chassis, plastic casing, and biological tissue on the antenna performance are investigated. Experimental measurements are used to validate the results obtained from computations and to provide further insight into the behavior of the different geometries. The use of antenna diversity to reduce the effects of multipath fading is discussed, and several examples of antenna diversity configurations are provided.     

Parallel particle swarm optimization and finite- difference time-domain (PSO/FDTD) algorithm for multiband and wide-band patch antenna designs

This paper presents a novel evolutionary optimization methodology for multiband and wide-band patch antenna designs. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) are combined to achieve the optimum antenna satisfying a certain design criterion. The antenna geometric parameters are extracted to be optimized by PSO, and a fitness function is evaluated by FDTD simulations to represent the performance of each candidate design. The optimization process is implemented on parallel clusters to reduce the computational time introduced by full-wave analysis. Two examples are investigated in the paper: first, the design of rectangular patch antennas is presented as a test of the parallel PSO/FDTD algorithm. The optimizer is then applied to design E-shaped patch antennas. It is observed that by using different fitness functions, both dual-frequency and wide-band antennas with desired performance are obtained by the optimization. The optimized E-shaped patch antennas are analyzed, fabricated, and measured to validate the robustness of the algorithm. The measured less than - 18 dB return loss (for dual-frequency antenna) and 30.5% bandwidth (for wide-band antenna) exhibit the prospect of the parallel PSO/FDTD algorithm in practical patch antenna designs.     

Application of the finite-difference time-domain method to theanalysis of mobile antennas

A review of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is presented and then employed to model and predict the radiation patterns of three basic configurations of mobile antennas. The directive gain and the input impedance are also calculated. The antennas' configurations considered are a quarter-wavelength monopole mounted on a conducting box, a bent-slot half-wavelength dipole flush mounted on a conducting box, and a quarter-wavelength monopole mounted on the top of an automobile. Three-feed models are discussed and the contour integral is used to model the wire antenna. Transformation of the near field data, resulting from the FDTD, to obtain the radiation patterns is discussed based on the equivalence principle. The radiation patterns obtained using the FDTD compare well with published results     

Human proximity effects on circular polarized handset antennas inpersonal satellite communications

Satellite-based systems are the next step in mobile communications. Several low and medium Earth orbit mobile communication satellite systems have been proposed and are currently being deployed. For all these systems, high-performance circularly polarized antennas for the mobile terminals are of importance. Although considerable material is available on circularly polarized antennas, there is an absence of information on how the human's close proximity to the antenna affects the circular polarization purity of the radiated field. This paper presents an analysis of representative circularly polarized helical handset antennas. The helix is used because of its wide bandwidth properties and capability to provide both circular and linear polarization. Thus, this element could be used for handsets that are planned to work with both the terrestrial-based communications systems of today and the satellite-based communication systems of tomorrow. The intent is to characterize the effects the close proximity of a human head model has on the computed performance of the circular polarized antenna. The method of moments (MoM) and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) numerical techniques are used to study various helix structures on top of a small box representing a handset. In order to be able to effectively apply the FDTD, a novel square helix structure is introduced. Results computed with these two techniques are compared to illustrate the accuracy of each implementation. The results indicate significant polarization purity degradation caused by the presence of a human head. For the particular geometry simulated, the presence of a head model degraded the average axial ratio within a 50° vertical cone from 2.9 to 9.1 dB. This significant increase in axial ratio can have profound effects on link budgets     

TCM with preswitching diversity in slow Rayleigh fading forwardlink

The performance of trellis-coded modulation with finite interleaver size degrades in a very slow fading channel. In this case antenna diversity is effective. In personal communication systems, however, the limited size and complexity of the handset make diversity implementation at the handset difficult. The authors propose a scheme for obtaining interleaving effects by switching base station antennas in a forward link, without additional software or hardware in a small handset. Computer simulation shows that this scheme has significant performance gain in a slow fading forward link     

Analysis of the open-ended image NRD guide using FDTD

Simulation is an indispensable means of designing antennas, especially when the evaluation of the antenna characteristics using theoretical analysis is complex or not very accurate. This work proposes an open-ended image nonradiative dielectric (NRD) guide antenna and presents its characteristics obtained using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The key features of the FDTD implementation are discussed, particularly the simple and convenient approximate three dimensional modeling of the coaxial feed cable and the excitation probe that were used. The characteristics of the antenna that were determined are the return loss and absolute gain frequency characteristics and the E- and H-plane radiation patterns. Experimental results are used to verify the characteristics obtained using FDTD and are found to be in good agreement.     

Measurement and evaluation of multi-antenna handsets in indoormobile communication

A method for evaluating antenna diversity systems is presented with an example of a handset using up to four antennas in indoor mobile communication. The method includes a “two-at-a-time” measurement test setup that uses maximum likelihood estimation of the covariance matrix and compensation for the imperfect match, which typically occurs during the design and evaluation process for compact antennas. The diversity performance of the antenna system can be presented as an effective order of diversity, which is the equivalent number of equal power, uncorrelated diversity branches for the same diversity gain at a given probability     

A planar diversity antenna for handheld PCS devices

A polarization diversity antenna (PDA) is described, and its performance is compared to that of a monopole antenna at frequencies near 900 MHz. Numerical modeling of each antenna, using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique, incorporates a cellular telephone handset in the vertical orientation, the user's head and hand, and the mobile communications environment. Results indicate that the two modes of the PDA are sufficiently uncorrelated for diversity operation and that, overall, the values of the mean effective gain (MEG), efficiency, and averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) in the head are better for the PDA than for the monopole antenna. However, in terms of the MEG, the PDA is more sensitive than the monopole antenna to the presence of the user's body. For the PDA, most of the power absorbed in the user's body is deposited in the hand, whereas for the monopole antenna, most of the absorbed power is deposited in the head. For both antennas, the MEG depends on the environment (urban or suburban)     

Low profile diversity antenna for MIMO applications

A low profile diversity antenna for MIMO application is introduced. The design is based on a double folded dipole antenna filled with a slab of ceramic of /spl epsiv//sub r/=6. Two diversity antennas operating at 5.2 GHz are designed and implemented on a handset for IEEE.11a wireless systems. The isolation is found to be better than 20 dB in both measurement and simulation and measured bandwidth is about 250 MHz at -10 dB. Simulated and measured radiation patterns are close to each other. The envelope cross-correlation is calculated to be much less than 0.1 and the ratio of the mean effective gain between the antennas is close to unity.     

Accurate DOA estimation using array antenna with arbitrary geometry

The so called universal steering vector (USV) whose locus is equivalent to the array element pattern is applied to the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation by multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm. It is shown that if the USV which includes the effect of the mutual coupling between the array elements is used, the compensation for the received voltage to remove the effect of the mutual coupling is not required any more. The USV for array antennas with arbitrary geometry is derived and evaluated efficiently by using the method of moments (MoM) so that the DOA estimation can be performed accurately by using the array antenna with arbitrary geometry. Numerical examples of the DOA estimation by a dipole array antenna, and an antenna array composed of a monopole antenna and a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) mounted on a mobile handset are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

一种基于FDTD分析的多频带单极天线

提出一种基于时域有限差分法分析的多频带平面单极天线,以回波损耗-10 dB为标准,实际测得的天线工作频带覆盖了GSM900/DCS1800/PCS1900频段,同时还覆盖了TD-SCDMA相应工作频段。天线的主辐射单元是一个开槽的矩形辐射片,通过添加一个接地的耦合辐射分枝,有效扩展了天线的工作带宽。在设计过程中,比较了耦合辐射分枝的影响,以及主辐射单元中结构尺寸的变化对天线频率特性的影响,通过有目的的改进和优化,逐步提出性能良好,满足具体指标要求的多频带单极天线,通过对试验天线的测量得知,回波损耗和方向图的测量结果与仿真结果保持一致。     

Bandwidth, SAR, and efficiency of internal mobile phone antennas

This paper presents a thorough investigation into the effects of several phone chassis-related parameters-length, width, thickness, and distance between the head and phone-on the bandwidth, efficiency, and specific absorption rate (SAR) characteristics of internal mobile phone antennas. The studied antenna-chassis combinations are located beside an anatomical head model in a position of actual handset use. The effect of the user's hand is also studied with two different hand models. The main part of the study is based on FDTD simulations, but also experimental results, which support the computationally obtained conclusions, are given. The presented analysis provides novel and useful information for future design of mobile handset antennas. The results show the general trends of bandwidth, SAR, and efficiency with different chassis parameters. The results also reveal a connection between these three performance parameters: an increase in SARs and a decrease in radiation efficiency occur compared to the general trend when the bandwidth reaches its maximum. This happens when the resonant frequency of the chassis equals that of the antenna.     

Performance of shorted microstrip patch antennas for mobilecommunications handsets at 1800 MHz

We have investigated the application of two different types of novel shorted-patch antennas for mobile communications handsets at 1800 MHz. A single shorted-patch and a stacked shorted-patch antenna offering improved bandwidth are compared with data for a λ/4 monopole. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique was used to calculate antenna characteristics such as impedance and radiation patterns for two cases: on a handset and on a handset near a (2.5-mm voxel) heterogeneous head model in an actual position of phone use. We also obtained specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions and calculated the spatial peak 1-g SAR values. In addition, the effect on SAR and antenna characteristics of including a block model of the hand was assessed. Similar performance is achieved from the single or stacked shorted-patch antenna with the latter providing greater bandwidth, 8.2% versus 9.4% with the head and hand included. Both antennas reduce the l-g spatial peak SAR value in the head by 70% relative to the monopole. The presence of the hand reduces the efficiency of all three antenna types by approximately 10%     

Antenna diversity in mobile communications

The conditions for antenna diversity action are investigated. In terms of the fields, a condition is shown to be that the incident field and the far field of the diversity antenna should obey (or nearly obey) an orthogonality relationship. The role of mutual coupling is central, and it is different from that in a conventional array antenna. In terms of antenna parameters, a sufficient condition for diversity action for a certain class of high gain antennas at the mobile, which approximates most practical mobile antennas, is shown to be zero (or low) mutual resistance between elements. This is not the case at the base station, where the condition is necessary only. The mutual resistance condition offers a powerful design tool, and examples of new mobile diversity antennas are discussed along with some existing designs.     

Input impedance, radiation pattern, and radar cross section ofspiral antennas using FDTD

A finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) analysis of spiral antennas is performed to calculate input impedance, antenna gain, and scattering. A semicircular spiral mounted on a dielectric substrate was simulated for computing the input impedance versus frequency. The gain and scattering computations were performed on a square Archimedean spiral mounted in a ground plane with a cavity backing. Total-field FDTD calculations are used to compute the impedance and gain patterns, while a specially modified scattered-field approach for aperture antennas in infinite ground planes is used for the scattering results. Comparisons are made with published impedance measurements and gain and scattering calculations done with a finite element method. Good results were obtained for impedance, radiation, and scattering     

一种新型宽频带折合平面单极子手机天线的设计与分析

本文设计了一种新型微带馈电的折合平面单极子手机天线，采用时域有限差分法（FDTD）计算并分析了新型折合平面单极子天线几何参数对其性能的影响．实际测试发现，FDTD方法分析所得结果与实验结果基本一致,该天线具有结构简单、宽频带、馈电方便、便于集成等特点，为第三代移动通信手机天线增加了一种新选择.     

Modeling and investigation of a geometrically complex UWB GPR antenna using FDTD

A detailed analysis of ultrawide-band (UWB), dual-polarized, dielectric-loaded horn-fed bow-tie (HFB) antennas is carried out using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The FDTD model includes realistic features of the antenna structure such as the feeding cables, wave launchers, dielectric loading, and resistive-film loading. Important antenna characteristics that are usually difficult to obtain via measurements can be obtained more directly from this FDTD model. Since the HFB antennas under consideration are intended for ground penetrating radar (GPR) applications, the effects of the half-space medium are also investigated. The simulated results serve to verify the performance of the HFB antenna design, and to optimize various antenna parameters.     

A transmitter diversity scheme for wideband CDMA systems based onspace-time spreading

We present a transmit diversity technique for the downlink of (wideband) direct-sequence (DS) code division multiple access (CDMA) systems. The technique, called space-time spreading (STS), improves the downlink performance by using a small number of antenna elements at the base and one or more antennas at the handset, in conjunction with a novel spreading scheme that is inspired by space-time codes. It spreads each signal in a balanced way over the transmitter antenna elements to provide maximal path diversity at the receiver. In doing so, no extra spreading codes, transmit power or channel information are required at the transmitter and only minimal extra hardware complexity at both sides of the link. Both our analysis and simulation results show significant performance gains over conventional single-antenna systems and other open-loop transmit diversity techniques. Our approach is a practical way to increase the bit rate and/or improve the quality and range in the downlink of either mobile or fixed CDMA systems. A STS-based proposal for the case of two transmitter and single-receiver antennas has been accepted and will be included as an optional diversity mode in release A of the IS-2000 wideband CDMA standard