The influence of mutual coupling in a dual-helical antenna array in mobile handsets for mobile communications

The influence of mutual coupling on the performance of a small-size dual-helical antenna array mounted on a mobile handset model was studied for the purpose of diversity operation in mobile communications. The array was rigorously studied by measurements and simulations and the influence of the mutual coupling on its input characteristics, the correlation coefficient, and the diversity gain were obtained. It is found that a very low correlation coefficient, a high diversity gain, an equal-mean branch SNR, and a relatively matched input impedance can be achieved at the same time. Both measured and simulation results are presented.