Covariance Matrix Evaluation of a Diversity Slot Antenna for Vehicular Communications

A dual-port slot antenna is proposed for vehicular communications. The antenna works at 5.9 GHz in intelligent transportation system (ITS) band. The diversity performance of the design is evaluated using a novel covariance matrix methodology based on reciprocity theorem. The performance evaluation at the early design stage is explained for the first time by relating the radiation pattern of the designed antenna to the effective length matrix. The antenna offers -21 dB of isolation and a minimum gain of 6.5 dB before mounting on the vehicle roof. The evaluated effective diversity gain is 8.6 db.