Multiband handset antenna combining a PIFA, slots, and ground plane modes

A multiband handset antenna combining a PIFA and multiple slots on a ground plane is presented. It is shown by means of simulations that the slots on the ground plane have a double function: to tune the ground plane resonance at low frequencies (f ≈ 900 MHz) and to act as parasitic radiators at high frequencies (f ≈ 1800 MHz). A prototype is designed and built featuring a behavior suitable for low frequencies (GSM850 and GSM900) and for high frequencies spanning from DCS1800 to Bluetooth, and including, for instance, PCS1900, UMTS2000, and other possible systems. Reflection coefficient, efficiency, and radiation patterns are measured and compared with a design without slots to prove the advantages of the slotted ground plane. The component effect is investigated to determine critical areas where the placement is not recommended. Besides, the effect of the slot of the ground plane on SAR is investigated, by discussing the effect of the ground plane and slot modes for two phone positions. The total antenna volume of the proposed design is 40 × 15 × 6 mm³.