A cellular 5G sub-6 GHz vehicle antenna design with a consistent radiation pattern across the frequency bands in 0.617–5 GHz is demonstrated via characteristic mode analysis. The design focuses on maintaining monopole first-order mode radiation pattern over cellular frequency bands and avoiding higher-order modes out of the operational frequency bands to provide optimal performance for automotive requirements. Rather than using an empirical design method, the design procedure in this paper uses the calculated modal significance, characteristic current, modal radiation pattern, and reflection coefficient to define the antenna structure dimensions. The proposed design was simulated, a prototype was measured, and the performance was evaluated on a 1-m ground plane. The antenna has perfect omnidirectionality with a high and stable gain across the frequency range in the 30° area above the horizon.

This paper illustrates a single antenna structure that simultaneously satisfies the antenna requirement for 5G cellular and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). The antenna has a linearly polarised omnidirectional radiation for the newly defined 5G sub‐6 GHz cellular bands in the 617–5000 MHz frequency range. In contrast, a right‐hand circular polarisation (RHCP) with a hemispherical radiation pattern at the GNSS L1 has a frequency range of 1559–1606 MHz. This multi‐function antenna would provide a simplified product design and better space utilisation, particularly suitable for flat antenna modules and automotive. The primary concept involves employing a planar inverted F antenna structure to generate radiation modes for cellular bands and incorporate U‐slot on the top plate to generate the GNSS radiation modes. The design methodology utilises the characteristic mode analysis tool to tune the desired radiation characteristic mode at the intended frequency range for each function. The antenna was fabricated, and the performance was evaluated on a 1‐m ground plane. The GNSS RHCP gain measures 5 dBc at boresight, with an axial ratio below 2 dB across the L1 bands, while the cellular gain maintains an excellent return loss and omnidirectional radiation pattern performance across the cellular bands.