Circularly polarized diversified MIMO antenna design for millimeter-wave on-body applications using characteristic mode theory

Abstract This paper presents a systematic design approach for developing a semiflexible multiple-input–multiple-output antenna system operating in the millimeter wave frequency spectrum, specifically designed for body-worn applications in biotechnologies. The designed antenna features dual flower-shaped antenna radiators placed in a spatial diversity configuration. Strategic modifications have been implemented by integrating dual crescent-shaped slots in the ground layer to attain the targeted frequency band of 25.7–30.6 GHz. Later, the upper edge of the ground plane is truncated in order to achieve circularly polarized radiation characteristics at 29.4 GHz with 3 dB ARBW of 0.6 GHz (29.1–29.7 GHz). The realization of circular polarization in the antenna geometry is validated through the analysis of characteristic mode theory. A maximum gain of 5.6 dBi is attained along with a port isolation of >30 dB. The proposed antenna undergoes analysis to assess its performance in the bending conditions and specific absorption rate, besides validation of diversity metrics encompassing envelope correlation coefficient, diversity gain, channel capacity loss, total active reflection coefficient, and mean effective gain has also been conducted. Finally, the proposed antenna structure is fabricated, and its performance is validated and subsequently compared with that of its simulated counterpart.