Compact four-port vertically polarized UWB monopole antenna for MIMO communications

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the design of a compact vertically polarized four-element UWB antenna suitable for MIMO communications.

Design/methodology/approach

The unit cell antenna is constructed using a square ring radiator excited through a stepped impedance feed. The proposed antenna covers the Ultra-wideband (UWB) spectrum ranging from 2.2 to 12.3 GHz. The isolation between the unit cell antennas in the array is enhanced using a simple microstrip line resonator. The decoupling element is connected to the ground through a via.

Findings

The proposed scheme offers at least 16 dB improvement in the port-to-port coupling. Furthermore, the four-element antenna array is constructed using a specific interlocking scheme. The proposed antenna array’s Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) performance metrics are analyzed.

Originality/value

By suitably selecting the excitation port, directional radiation patterns can be realized. The combined radiation pattern covers 360 degrees. A prototype antenna array is fabricated, and the simulation results are verified using real-time experiments. The proposed antenna is a suitable candidate for shark fin housing in automotive communications.

Citation

J., P. and D., S. (2021), "Compact four-port vertically polarized UWB monopole antenna for MIMO communications", Circuit World, Vol. 47 No. 2, pp. 129-137. https://doi.org/10.1108/CW-04-2020-0055