Optimal Single-Port Matching Impedance for Capacity Maximization in Compact MIMO Arrays

A complete multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system model with compact arrays at both link ends containing arbitrary matching networks is presented based on a Z-parameter approach. The complete channel matrix including the coupling effect is also presented. Utilizing this system model, the optimum single-port matching impedance for capacity maximization is derived for a 2 times 2 MIMO system with coupling at the receivers only. A closed-form result for the optimum matching impedance in high signal-to-noise ratio scenarios is given and proved to be equal to the input impedance of the receive end. Simulation of ideal dipoles verifies our analytical results and demonstrates the superiority of the optimum matching to other matching conditions in improving MIMO system performance. Experimental data for monopoles is also presented to further confirm our numerical findings and validate the accuracy of our derivation.