Compact modified circular patch quad-band MIMO antenna with high isolation and low correlation

Abstract

A compact quad band slot antenna with high isolation suitable for multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) applications is developed. The quad bands are achieved by introducing slots in a modified, size reduced circular patch antenna. The single-antenna element consists of a substrate sandwiched between a modified circular patch with F shape slot, a feeder line and a via running between the radiating patch and the feeder line. The proposed design resonates at the frequencies of 1.8 GHz (1.7–1.88 GHz), 3.6 GHz (3.50–3.76 GHz), 5.4 GHz (5.25–5.38 GHz), and 7.2 GHz (7.15–7.35 GHz) covering the GSM II, WIMAX, wireless local area network (WLAN), and C-band applications, respectively. The independent tuning of frequency bands is achieved by varying the length of the slots. Orthogonally placed two- and four-element MIMO antenna system are fabricated, tested, and the measurement results are presented. The separation between each element is reduced to 0.085λ while introducing slotted and pulsed stubs to improve isolation between elements. A detailed analysis, including mutual coupling, low correlation, diversity gain, and total array reflection coefficient had been reported. The two- and four-element MIMO antennas achieved correlation as low as 0.005, mutual coupling ≤−15 dB, and diversity gain nearly 10 dB.