Full radiation pattern measurements of antenna arrays to obtain accurate pattern correlation levels for use in MIMO system performance

In this paper, the limitations of pattern correlation, based on simple approximations and 2D data, is illustrated. Full 3D correlation is explained with reference to an array of isotropic radiators and an array of ideal dipoles, then, using measured data to a two-element monopole array for a variety of separations. It is shown that low correlation is achieved for small element separations (≈0.38λ₀) and that this is a desirable consequence of mutual coupling.