Dual-Band Folded Monopole MIMO Antennas with Enhanced Isolation

Abstract

In this paper, a compact dual-band multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) diversity antenna is proposed. Each of the two MIMO antennas consists of two folded strips working as radiating elements that are fed by a microstrip line. The antennas operate in three WLAN bands: ISM 2.45 GHz, 5.25 GHz, and ISM 5.775 GHz. To improve the isolation at WLAN (2.4–2.48 GHz), two L-shaped slots are etched in the ground plane while a U-shaped slot is cut in the ground plane to enhance isolation at WLAN (5.15–5.35 GHz and 5.725–5.825 GHz). Three slots on the substrate between radiating patches are also employed for an extra reduction in the mutual coupling at 2.45 GHz. The antenna performance was examined by simulation employing CST Microwave Studio Software. The proposed antenna offers minimum isolation of more than 19.5 dB, a low envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) of less than 0.0016, and good radiation efficiency (∼∼80%) through the operating frequency bands. The antenna is compact, thin, and suitable for portable devices.