A Compact Quad-Element UWB-MIMO Antenna System with Parasitic Decoupling Mechanism

Abstract

This research work proposes a compact four-port multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna that operates in the whole license free ultra-wideband (UWB) spectrum of 3.1−10.6 GHz. Spatial diversity has been introduced by arranging these antennas in close proximity without developing a strong mutual coupling. Antenna elements are evolved from a conventional rectangular patch antenna whereas a customized decoupling structure is introduced on the back side of the substrate to achieve the desired isolation level. The parasitic decoupling structure consists of different features which are resonant at different frequencies offering a whole UWB coverage. In addition to the decoupling structure a dumbbell shaped stub has also been introduced to the partial ground plane to suppress the mutual coupling. The overall measured isolation among elements is more than 20 dB. Different MIMO performance parameters have also been investigated from the measured results. Whole MIMO system measures 0.41 λo × 0.44 λo at 3.1 GHz. The MIMO system is intended for high data rate and short-range communication devices used in wireless personal area networks.

Keywords

• channel capacity loss (CCL)
• decoupling
• envelope correlation coefficient (ECC)
• isolation
• multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO)
• total active reflection coefficient (TARC)
• ultra-wideband (UWB)