Computing and Visualizing the Input Parameters of Arbitrary Planar Antennas via Eigenfunctions

We propose a method for modeling planar multiport antennas of arbitrary shape using characteristic mode theory (CMT) without physically including the feeds. The characteristic modes of the feed-free structure are expanded to form a basis for the eigenfields, and a virtual probe is introduced to excite the antenna. We develop a broadband multiport circuit model for the antenna impedance based on the excitation of each mode, where the feed locations only affect transformer ratios in the model, enabling design and analysis of arbitrary feed combinations over a wide frequency range. Because a CMT expansion can be computed for any planar geometry, the shape of the radiating element can also be arbitrary. While this approach is approximate, several examples are presented to demonstrate that its accuracy and flexibility make it suitable for various planar antenna design applications. With the rapid evaluation of input impedance at multiple excitation points, input parameters, such as the multiport S, Y, or Z parameters, can be plotted as a heat map on the antenna structure, facilitating planar multiport antenna optimization and feed selection.