Mutual coupling reduction of a two-port MIMO antenna using defected ground structure

Abstract

In response to the escalating demand for high data rates and the expanding user base, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology has recently become of paramount importance in addressing the imperative for high-capacity communication systems aligned with emerging standards. In this paper, a single antenna element that achieves a wideband frequency coverage by adjusting the slots ‘dimensions and a satisfactory gain of 6.4 dBi is presented. To enhance the antenna's gain and capabilities, we introduced a MIMO antenna designed to operate within the frequency range of 36.8 to 40.9 GHz. The proposed MIMO antenna configuration consists of two-element arrays etched on a compact 25.94×26.76×1.3 mm³ Rogers RT/duroid 5880 substrate. While maintaining the operational band and enhancing gain, a critical challenge involving inadequate isolation between the two antenna elements is encountered due to the confined area. To effectively tackle this issue, a parametric study on the inter element distance between antennas is conducted and Defected Ground Structure (DGS) is implemented. This refinement results in a substantial 3.6 dB enhancement in isolation, which is found to be lower than -31 dB, a notable improvement in impedance matching, and a remarkable high gain of approximately 7.7 dBi is achieved. Besides, the analysis of the MIMO metrics demonstrates that they consistently fall within acceptable ranges, with the antenna showcasing an envelope correlation coefficient of approximately 0.005 and a commendable diversity gain of around 9.99 dB. The proposed antenna's combined attributes, including its compact, simple, and low-profile design, position it as a highly promising choice for 5 G communication system and future miniature devices intended for Internet of Things (IoT) applications.