Compact multiple input and multiple output/diversity antenna for portable and mobile ultra-wideband applications

This study presents a miniaturised multiple input and multiple output /diversity antenna which is suitable for high data-rate communication systems such as mobile ultra-wideband (UWB). This antenna assembly comprises two identical planar inverted-F antennas, a T-shaped structure connecting them and a finite ground plane. The T-shaped structure improves the impedance matching and suppresses the mutual coupling between the antenna elements over a wider bandwidth than previously reported. The compact envelope dimension of this antenna is 50 × 90 × 7.5 mm³. Theoretical and experimental S-parameters are illustrated for this antenna that fully cover the UWB operating frequency band of 3.1-10.6 GHz, with a reflection coefficient and mutual coupling better than -10 and -20 dB, respectively. Acceptable agreement is obtained between computed and measured radiation patterns, gains, envelope correlation coefficient and channel capacity loss. The proposed antenna is an attractive candidate to provide pattern diversity and enhance channel capacity in a rich scattering environment.