RBFNN-based UWB 4 × 4 MIMO antenna design with compact size, high isolation, and improved diversity performance for millimeter-wave 5G applications

Abstract

Abstract The millimeter-wave spectrum has emerged as a compelling solution to address the pressing need for high-data-rate capabilities in the development of 5G technology systems. Spanning between 20 GHz and 40 GHz, this spectrum encompasses several prominent frequency bands crucial for advancing 5G applications. In light of this, our study presents a thorough investigation into the design and performance of a compact cross-shaped slot broadband antenna, complemented by a 4 × 4 Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) configuration tailored for 5G operations at 28 GHz. The primary objective of this study is to develop an antenna system capable of achieving an extended bandwidth ranging from 20 GHz to 40 GHz, effectively covering the crucial frequency bands essential for 5G millimeter-wave (mmWave) operations. To accomplish this, the optimization of antenna performance is meticulously carried out using the Radial Basis Function Neural Networks (RBFNN) model. The RBFNN model serves as a robust tool for establishing the intricate relationship between antenna dimensions, resonant frequency, and bandwidth. Subsequently, the developed RBFNN model is employed to predict optimal antenna dimensions, ensuring resonance at 28 GHz and meeting specified bandwidth targets. The single antenna is designed with a rectangular patch and a cross-shaped slot and is constructed on the low loss Rogers RT Duroid 5880 substrate. This design reaches an outstanding bandwidth of 19.5 GHz, and exhibits excellent radiation characteristics, with a high radiation efficiency of up to 99% and a corresponding gain of 5.75 dB. The antenna’s design and performance are rigorously designed using HFSS software, which is then compared to the results acquired using CST software. In addition, the proposed MIMO configuration offers excellent performance in terms of key features such as small size (16×16.2 mm2), very wide bandwidth of 20 GHz, good gain of 6.75 high isolation exceeding 35 dB, and significant improvements in diversity performance measures such as Envelope Correlation Coefficient (ECC), Diversity Gain (DG), Channel Capacity Loss (CCL), Total Active Reflection Coefficient (TARC), and Mean Effective Gain (MEG). The potential of the proposed MIMO configuration for high-speed applications is particularly remarkable. Practical verification of the MIMO configuration is carefully carried out by fabrication and measurement. Experimental results strongly confirm the effectiveness of the proposed antenna design, establishing it as a competitive challenger for 5G technology.