Sensor-driven adaptive counterpoise antenna system

The present invention relates generally to radio antennas, and more particularly to an antenna for portable communication devices. An adaptive antenna system having a counterpoise conductor contained within a housing of a communication device and located distally from such surfaces of the housing that can be held by or placed in proximity to a user or external objects which detune the counterpoise. A tuning circuit is coupled between the counterpoise conductor and a ground. The tuning circuit is operable to adapt the resonant frequency of the counterpoise conductor to divert operational RF currents away from the ground located in proximity the user or external objects and onto the counterpoise conductor.