Antenna Coupling Model in Receiving Mode
José Amado Gustavo Fano
Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fı́sicas y Naturales
Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
and
Instituto Nacional de Tecnologı́a Industrial
Centro Regional Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
Emails: jose.amado@unc.edu.ar / jamado@inti.gov.ar
Abstract—In this paper, a new accurate model for evaluating
coupling between antennas is presented, based in the conven-
tional Z-Parameters model but including recently introduced
new concepts about mutual impedance in receiving arrays. An
array of two antennas can be modeled by a two port network
and characterized by port impedances and mutual impedances
between ports. This is the classical model of Z-Parameters which
is defined for antennas in transmitting mode, but two receiving
antennas present a different coupling mechanism. In this work
mutual impedance approach of an antenna array in receiving
mode has been introduced for achieving new accurate terminal
voltage equations for receiving antennas. It is proposed a new
receiving model for two element arrays and preliminary results
are presented by simulation of two dipole array at 800 MHz and
2000 MHz.
Index Terms—Antennas Mutual Coupling, Terminal Volt-
age, Z-Parameters Model, Receiving Mode, Receiving Mutual
Impedance.
I. I NTRODUCTION
The mutual coupling between antennas is the undesired
energy transfer between two adjacent radiating elements (part
of the energy related to one influences the other), an effect
which can produce a serious problem, specially if the antennas
are very close each other [1][6]. The mutual coupling is an
important issue in the world of electromagnetic compatibility
(EMC), because it can be present in a lot of situations, as
two close antennas in a test setup, or between one measuring
antenna and any reflective surface, or even between two
radiating tracks in a printed circuit board [5][7].
The rigorous analytical study of the different mechanisms
of coupling between antennas is very complex and highly de-
pendent on various factors, so they have been historically used
two-port network models for characterizing mutual coupling
between antennas, greatly facilitating analysis. Typically, two
antennas are viewed as a linear network with two ports, where
each port represents the antennas terminals. Taking the Z-
Parameter model from the circuit theory, this two-port network
can be viewed as a ”black-box” where terminal voltages can
be expressed as linear functions of terminal currents, and
the coefficients of these equations are impedances, called
“Z-Parameters”. This is very useful and practical way to
describe and characterize the antenna array, specially the
mutual coupling between elements without a thorough knowl-
edge of the coupling mechanism. This is the point of view
Facultad de Ingenierı́a
Universidad de Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Email: gustavo.fano@ieee.org
presented in all classical literature [1][3][4][6][8] [2]. But the
classic impedances model presupposes that antennas work in
transmitting mode. In recent years, H. T. Hui has introduced
new concepts about mutual coupling in receiving mode, the
works of him and others have proved that the application of
the conventional model to the case of a receiving array leads to
errors in calculation of the mutual impedances [9][10][12]. In
this paper we use these contributions to propose a new matrix
equations for an array of two half wave dipoles that receive
an incident wave, that is, we propose a two elements model
defined for the receiving mode that includes new concepts
recently introduced. The voltage at antenna terminals has been
obtained with the mutual coupling included by this model.
Preliminary results obtained by simulations of two half wave
dipoles at 800 MHz and 2000 MHz are presented.
A. Mutual Coupling between Antennas
Coupling mechanisms between two antennas differ if they
are in Transmitting Mode (TX mode, Fig. 1), where one
antenna emits electromagnetic waves and the other receive
them, or in Receiving Mode (RX mode, Fig 2), where two
antennas receive an impinging wave [6][13].
The mechanism of TX mode is shown in Fig. 1, where
antenna (#2) transmits, excited by a signal source, while
antenna (#1) receives and its output is connected to a passive
load. The wave generated by the source, symbolized by (0),
travels through the antenna (#2) and it is radiated to the space
(1). Some of this radiated energy is received by the antenna
(#1), in which a current is induced, causing that antenna begins
emitting waves. So, part of the energy received by antenna (#1)
is transferred to the load (4) and part is radiated again to the
space (3), what we call “re-radiation”. Some part of the re-
radiated energy returns to antenna (#2) as incident wave (5)
and the process is repeated indefinitely between two elements.
The same process occurs when (#1) transmits, excited by a
source, and antenna (#2) receives [6][13].
The mechanism of RX mode is shown in Fig. 2, where
two adjacent antennas connected to respective loads receive
an external incident wave, none of them is excited by any
source. When a plane wave Einc (0) impinges on the antenna
(#1), an induced current appears and it carries part of the
received energy to the load (1) and radiates back to the

Fig. 1: Mutual coupling in Transmitting (TX) mode, one
antenna transmits and another receives waves.
Fig. 2: Mutual coupling in Receiving (RX) mode, two antennas
receive waves.
space the remaining energy (2), a re-radiation process. Part
of this energy re-radiated by antenna (#1) is received by
antenna (#2), represented by (3), which in turn induces another
current on antenna (#2), symbolized by (4). If the load on
the antenna (#1) has some degree of mismatch, there will
be a reflected wave travelling from the load to the end of
the antenna (5) and finally it will be radiated into space
as well. If the wave impinges on antenna (#2) the same
energy transfer process between antennas occurs. If both close
antennas receive incident waves, there will be mutual transfer
of energy between them, and total energy received by each
element comes from external waves and re-radiation from the
other antenna [6][13].
Always, regardless of the mode of operation, in each
element the coupled energy received from the other element
modifies the current distribution, total terminal voltage and its
impedances. Thus, the total voltage or total impedance seen
at the terminals of a receiving antenna near another receiving
antenna is a measure of the mutual coupling between them.
The use of the Z-Parameters model to characterize the antenna
array represents a practical solution to the problem, as it has
been doing all these years.
B. Conventional Impedances Model
If we consider the two elements antenna arrays as passive
linear bilateral two-port network, as it showed in Fig. 3, from
the circuit theory, it can be shown that voltage at network ports
(terminals of the antennas) can be defined in terms of currents
and impedances of the system [1][6][11]:
Fig. 3: Two antenna elements represented by Z-Parameters
Model.
V1 = Z11 I1 + Z12 I2
(1)
V2 = Z21 I1 + Z22 I2
where impedances at ports 1 and 2 can be calculated as:
V1 V2
Z11 = Z22 = (2)
I1 I2 =0 I2 I1 =0
Coefficient Z11 is the impedance seen at Port 1 with Port 2 at
open circuit (I2 = 0), and it represents the self impedance of
antenna (#1). Coefficient Z22 is the impedance seen at Port 2
with Port 1 at open circuit (I1 = 0), and it represents de self
impedance of the atenna (#2).
Mutual impedances between ports of the networks (between
antennas) are calculated as:
V1 V2
Z12 = Z21 = (3)
I2 I1 =0 I1 I2 =0
Coefficient Z12 is the mutual impedance at Port 1 respect
to Port 2, with antenna (#1) at open circuit and antenna
(#2) at short circuit condition. Coefficient Z21 is the mutual
impedance at Port 2 respect to Port 1, with antenna (#2) at
open circuit and antenna (#1) at short circuit condition. These
are the mutual impedances used for several years to charac-
terize the mutual coupling between antennas [1][2][3][4][8].
C. Problems with Classic Model
The conventional Z-Parameter model is defined for antennas
in TX mode, where one element transmits and the other
receives. According to eq. (2), self impedances of each antenna
are calculated with other antenna at open circuit condition,
what supposes that an antenna in open circuit does not scatter
the field, and according to eq. (3), calculations of mutual
impedances are performed with one antenna at open circuit
and other at short circuit condition, what also means that an
antenna does not re-radiates energy. Besides, definitions of
classic model does not consider any loading effect on the
antennas. All these assumptions are incorrect, an antenna in
open circuit condition is a scattering object that can modify the
field, current and impedance of any other close antenna, and
a load connected to antenna terminals can modify its current
distribution So, self and mutual impedances must be obtained
in a different form for a receiving arrays, specially if their
elements are so close each other [1][3][8][9][10][13].
The classical model appears to be inaccurate for describe
the operation of two adjacent receiving elements. Although
classical literature already mentions the problems of the classic
model if the antennas are very close each other [1][3][8],
for years mutual coupling problems in RX mode have been
analyzed with a model defined for a TX mode, what lead to
errors [9][10][12][16]. These inconveniences were observed
and studied by H. T. Hui (and others) in research on incoming
signals, who introduced a new concepts for mutual coupling
in receiving antenna array and demonstrated the validity and
accuracy of these concepts for some particular cases, as
monopoles and dipoles [9][10][12].
An antenna with terminals in open circuit state is a scatter-
ing object that can alter field and impedances of another close
antenna, and mutual impedances calculation must take in ac-
count the re-radiation effect. The approach of the classic model
of eq. (1) is not good if two antennas are receiving waves,
specially if they are very close each other. [1][3][8][9][10].
D. Receiving Mutual Impedance
H. T. Hui introduced important contribution to correct
mentioned problems, as the definition of a new receiving
mutual impedance [9][10][12][14]. For the explanation, let us
suppose an two tuned dipoles receiving array, as it is showed
in Fig. 3. If both dipoles have been tuned to the working
frequency, each element presents an antenna impedance of
ZA ≈ 73Ω, while the load connected to its terminal is sup-
posed to be ZL = 50Ω. So, there is a mismatch between dipole
impedance and load, characterized by a reflection coefficient
of Γ = (ZL − ZA )/(ZL + ZA ) ≈ −0.19.
R
In these conditions, mutual impedance Z12 in antenna (#1)
respect to antenna (#2) will be obtained. First at all, antenna
(#2) is removed from its site and antenna (#1) is radiated
isolated in the space (there is no mutual coupling), the voltage
at antenna (#1) terminals solely due to the external incident
wave V1R is obtained. After that, the antenna (#2) is placed
again in its position and both antennas are radiated together
(there is mutual coupling effect), so the total voltage V1 is
taken at terminal of antenna (#1). Besides, in this case the
total current I2 at antenna (#2) is taken too. Voltage V1R is only
due to the external incident wave and voltage V1 is the total
value due to de external incident wave and mutual coupling
effect. So, the voltage only due to the mutual coupling effect
is the difference V1M = V1 − V1R . The new Receiving Mutual
Impedance (RMI) in antenna (#1) respect to antenna (#2) is
defined as the relation between the terminal voltage at antenna
(#1), only due to the mutual coupling, to the total current in
antenna (#2) [9][10][14]:
V1M V1 − V1R
R
Z12 = = (4)
I2 I2
Here, superscript “R” indicates a value from an isolated RX
mode (effect of the incident wave), superscript “M” indicates
a value from mutual coupling, and no superscript indicates
total values (effect of the incident wave and mutual coupling).
In the case of the impedance, the superscript R means that it
is calculated in RX mode, to differentiate it from de classic
mutual impedance. Similarly, receiving mutual impedance Z21 R
at antenna (#2) respect to antenna (#1) can be calculated as
the relation:
R V2M V2 − V2R
Z21 = = (5)
I1 I1
where V2 and I1 are total voltage at antenna (#2) and to-
tal current at antenna (#1) respectivelly, with both elements
present. Voltage V2R is only due to external incident wave,
with antenna (#1) removed, and voltage V2M = V2 − V2R is
only due to mutual coupling with antenna (#1).
II. N EW I MPEDANCE M ATRIX M ODEL
New concepts of receiving mutual coupling can be intro-
duced in the classic model to obtain a new and more accurate
Z-Paremeters model for receiving mode.
A. Isolated Receiving Antenna
Let us consider half wave dipole antenna (#1) totally iso-
lated in the space, no other scattering object in its proximity,
and loaded with a known impedance ZL (Fig. 4, right side).
When external incident wave Einc gets the antenna a current
I1R is induced and a voltage V1R is developed on the load,
so the antenna behaves as a voltage source delivering power
to the load. Applying Thevenin to the receiving antenna, an
open voltage source V1OC and self impedance Z11 are obtained
(Fig. 4, left side) [15][16]. Impedances Z11 deduced in this
way represents much more accurately the self impedances of
the antennas than the classic definition, because there is no
scattering objects in the vicinity of the antenna.
Fig. 4: Antenna (#1) in isolated receiving mode, loaded with a
known load ZL (right). Equivalent circuit of the antenna (left).
Knowing the voltage developed on the load V1R , the current
I1Ris given by I1R = V1R /ZL , and applying voltage divider
equation to the equivalent circuit of Fig. 4, open circuit voltage
V1OC can be calculated as:
V1OC = V1R (1 + Z11 /ZL ) (6)
A similar procedure for isolated antenna (#2), impedance Z22
and current I2R = V2R /ZL are obtained and open circuit
voltage V2OC is given by:
V2OC = V2R (1 + Z22 /ZL ) (7)
B. Coupled Receiving Antennas
   OC     R  R  
Both antennas are arranged exactly as they would be in V1 V Z 0 I1 Z 0 I2
= 1OC − 11 + 12
real situation and they are simultaneously illuminated by the V2 V2 0 Z22 I2R 0 R
Z21 I1
incident wave Einc , as it is shown in Fig. 5, where V1 /V2 and (11)
I1 /I2 are total voltages and currents on terminal circuits. A re- In a symbolic and conceptual form:
radiation effect will be present in antennas and there will be    OC     R   R   
mutual coupling between them, whereby the equivalent circuit Vi = Vi − Zii Ii + Zij Ij (12)
of isolated receiving antenna (Fig. 4) is modified by adding a
R where (i=1,2), ViOC is the matrix of open circuit voltages, Zii
voltage source Z12 I2 (Fig. 6). A similar process account for R
and Zij are matrix of self and mutual impedances respectively,
antenna (#2). R
Ii is the matrix of currents in isolated receiving operation
and Ij is the matrix of currents in mutual coupling mode of
working.

III. R ESULTS
Numerical simulations of two tuned half wave dipoles (#1)
and (#2) loaded with ZL =50Ω, radiated by an incident plane
wave produced by a third antenna placed at the far field
(20λ) have been performed. The separation d between two
interest dipoles varies between d=0.1λ and d=1.0λ with an
increment of 0.1λ. The general procedure can be resumed as
Fig. 5: Two coupled antennas in RX mode. follows (i,j=1,2): in isolated receiving antenna mode (Fig. 4)
values of Zii , IiR and ViOC are obtained, then two elements
are measured together as coupled receiving antennas (Fig. 5),
R
where Vi , Ii and Zij are obtained. The results for Module
and Phase of V1 are presented in Fig. 7 and 8 for 800 and
2000 MHz respectively. Due to the symmetry of the system,
the curves for antenna (#2) are very similar to figures 7 and
8.
The values named “Reference”, indicated with a solid black
line, are obtained by simulation of the whole system, just as it
Fig. 6: Equivalent circuit of antenna (#1) coupled with (#2). would be in a real application (these are values to be predicted
by new model). The values of the new model are obtained by
eq. (10) and represented by circles ’o’ (New RX) in the figures.
C. New Receiving Model of Impedances The values of conventional model are obtained by eq. (1) and
From figures 4, 5 and 6, it follows that the voltages at represented by crosses ’x’ (Classic), linked by weak dotted
terminals of each antenna due only to the external incident line. To match the comparison conditions, eq. (1) of classic
wave are given by: model were affected by voltage divider ZL /(ZL + Zii ), which
is already considered in new model.
V1R = V1OC − Z11 I1R In all cases it can be observed the extraordinary accuracy
(8) of the new RX model respect to the reference value, and
V2R = V2OC − Z22 I2R
the important error that conventional model presents, specially
and voltages due only to mutual coupling effect are: when two antennas are very close to each other, as predicted.
For example, in the case of module of V1 at 800 MHz, classic
V1M = Z12
R
I2 V2M = Z21
R
I1 (9) model presents maximum error of 95% and minimum error
of 20% approximately, while new RX model presents exactly
Considering a linear system, from the equivalent circuit for the same values as the reference. Similar observation can be
two antennas in mutual coupling situation (Fig. 6), the total made in other figures.
voltages at antennas terminals are the sum of both effects,
IV. C ONCLUSION
incident waves and mutual coupling. So, by superposition of
equations (8) and (9): In this work we review and explained new concepts about
mutual coupling introduced and validated during last years,
V1 = V1R + V1M = V1OC − Z11 I1R + Z12
R
I2 and we proposed a new two elements Z-Parameters model
(10) that includes these new concepts. A matrix equation for a
V2 = V2R + V2M = V2OC − Z22 I2R + Z21
R
I1
new model of two receiving antennas was proposed and its
In a matrix form: beneficial differences respect to classic one were remarked.
 A preliminary validation by simulating two dipoles at 800
90
800 MHz
and 2000 MHz was presented. It is observed the remarkable
80 similarity between the new proposed model and the reference
values, against the important error of classic model. The
Module of V1 [mV]

70 new receiving model introduces an important improvement in

characterization of two close receiving antennas.
60
The simulation experiments were done with antennas very
50 close each other because this is the worst condition for the
Reference
classic model, as it is predicted in the classic related literature
40 [1][3][8]. When antennas are very close each other the mutual
New RX

30
Classic effect is important and the definition of the classic model
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
d/λ
fails [9][10][12]. The rigorous validation of the model is not
an easy task because the complexity of the mutual coupling
-80
Reference
phenomena and the great variety of situation to test, as distance
New RX of separation between dipoles, power of voltage sources,
-85
Classic frequencies, types of antennas, etc. So, we begun simulating
Phase of V1 [deg]

-90 two half wave close dipoles in two frequencies of interest, and
varying separation up to one wavelength, which are enough to
-95 take a first preliminary evaluation of the model in first insight.
-100
The authors will study the model in other situations.
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0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
d/λ

Fig. 8: Module (top) and Phase (bottom) of voltage V1 at

antenna (#1) terminals, loaded with ZL = 50Ω, for 2000 MHz.