Design Tools for Applying Characteristic Modes to Platform Integrated Antennas

Physical insights provided by the Characteristic Mode (CM) theory are utilized to optimize HF, VHF, and UHF antennas onboard small low-cost autonomous scouting/surveillance UAVs. Increasing demand for real-time high data rate communication links between mobile or short-term stationary network nodes (such as base stations and command centers) necessitates smaller conformal antennas with continuous HF to low-UHF coverage. Smaller sizes of such future platforms necessitate the utilization of the platform body as part of the radiating structure through properly designed excitation ports. These platform currents can be optimally excited -for the desired mode of operation- through a formal optimization process based on significant CMs. We propose to develop a computational algorithm based on the CMs for optimization of conformal antenna placement in the HF through lower UHF bands (2MHz to 450MHz). In Phase I period we have successfully outlined, implemented, and demonstrated the eigen-computation of the CMs using curvilinear platform modeling. Our Phase II goal is to develop a ready-to-commercialize, user friendly CEM code suite based on the CMs and a state of the art GUI for automated design of platform feeds and modifications as well as electrically small antennas and arrays.