ENHANCING MIMO ANTENNA PERFORMANCE THROUGH INNOVATIVE DECOUPLING SOLUTIONS

Abstract This paper introduces a compact multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna design tailored for 5G cellular applications. The proposed array comprises four identical, compact antenna elements designed to deliver extensive radiation coverage and support diverse functionalities. Each antenna element is based on a dual-polarized square-ring resonator, which is fed by two T-shaped feed lines and operates at a frequency of 3.5 GHz, making it suitable for the 5G frequency band. The paper highlights the significance of achieving optimal isolation between adjacent elements and presents straightforward yet effective decoupling techniques to address this. These techniques include the incorporation of Ten zigzag slots between the radiator and feeder, a T-shaped feed line, rectangular slots within the feeders, a defected ground plane, and the strategic arrangement of radiating elements at varying orientations. The designed antenna achieves a bandwidth of 600 MHz (ranging from 3.25-3.85 GHz) and exhibits high-gain radiation patterns with minimal envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) and total active reflection coefficient (TARC). Experimental measurements validate that the antenna's performance aligns closely with the anticipated characteristics, demonstrating its reliability for practical 5G applications.