Side edge printed eight-element compact MIMO antenna array for 5G smartphone applications

Abstract

A compact eight-element antenna array based on loop antennas to be utilized in 5G mobile applications is presented in this paper. The individual antenna elements are installed on the side frames of the main circuit board. The array operates over LTE 42 (3.4–3.6 GHz) band with a compact size of $9.5\times 3$ mm${}^2$. The performance parameters that characterize the proposed array such as, isolation (>14.8 dB), Envelop correlation coefficient ($\mathrm{ECC}<0.1$) are presented. The proposed array has decent channel capacity of 41 bps/Hz. The effects of installing battery and plastic frame have been discussed. In addition, the user's hand proximity effect on the proposed antenna array performance is presented. The array design was fabricated and its radiation characteristics are experimentally verified. The simulated and measured results are in good agreement with each other.

Keywords:

• Compact antennas
• fifth generation
• high isolation
• MIMO antennas
• 5G smartphone
• ultra-thin smartphone

Acknowledgments

Authors are grateful to Dr. Kumud Ranjan Jha, of Electronics and Communication Engineering Department, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, J&K, India for allowing the access of the laboratory facilities and helping in measurement.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Vishakha Thakur

Vishakha Thakur received her Masters Degree from Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat in 2018. Her research interest includes MIMO Antenna Array, 5G Mobile Terminals, and Multiband Antennas. Currently she is pursuing her Phd in Electronics Engineering Department in Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat.

Naveen Jaglan

Naveen Jaglan was born in 1989, obtained B. Tech (Hons.) and M. Tech (Hons.) degrees in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India in 2009 and 2011, respectively. He obtained his Ph.D. on “Design and Development of Microstrip Antennas integrated with Electromagnetic Band Gap structures” from Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Sec62, Noida, U.P., India in June 2017. He has authored/co-authored several research papers in referred international journals and conferences. His research has included microwave communications, 5G antenna design, planar and conformal microstrip antennas including array mutual coupling, artificial materials (metamorphic, metamaterials), EBG, PBG, FSS, DGS, novel antennas, UWB antennas, MIMO systems, numerical methods in electromagnetics, Composite Right/Left Handed (CRLH) transmissions and High-k dielectrics. His skill includes modelling of antenna and RF circuits with Ansoft HFSS/CST Microwave Studio/ADS Momentum, measurements.

Samir Dev Gupta

Samir Dev Gupta obtained his B.E. (Electronics) from Bangalore University (University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering, Bangalore), M. Tech (Electrical Engineering) from I.I.T. Madras, M.Sc. (Defence Studies) from Madras University, and Ph.D. from J.I.I.T. Noida. He is currently designated as Director and academic head of Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT) Waknaghat, Solan, H.P., India. He has over three and a half decades of work experience in the areas of avionics, communication, radar systems and teaching at UG & PG level. His teaching career spans over 22 years and 6 months includes in addition to teaching at JIIT, Noida since December 2002, teaching at Institute of Armament Technology under Pune University, now Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (Deemed University) for PG programmes and training & development needs of Indian Air Force (I.A.F.) and Defence Research & Development Organization (D.R.D.O.), Air Force Technical College (A.F.T.C.), Bangalore where graduate engineers from IIT's, NIT's and Indian & foreign Universities undergo Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) course for about 18 months prior joining Technical Officers' branch of the I.A.F. and Advanced Stage Trade Training Wing at Guided Weapon Training Institute, Baroda He was also a recognized postgraduate teacher in microwave communication at Pune University. His research interest is in the area of conformal microstrip patch antenna for aircraft systems. His publications in referred journals and conferences are well cited. His previous assignments includes, Deputy Director at Air Headquarters and were involved in planning, coordinating and directing maintenance, modification of aircraft and helicopter systems, modifications and induction of advance electronic systems into I.A.F., Commanding Officer of an 8 GHz LOS microwave communication unit, Senior Engineer looking after maintenance of airfield navigation aids, techno-logistic management of ground-based communication equipment as Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch officer of the I.A.F., Chairman Communication Advisory Committee at I.A.T. Pune. He is qualified for first & second line servicing of Mirage-2000 aircraft. Work experience on Mirage Mission Simulator and fly by wire systems of Mirage-2000 aircraft. Led and supervised highly qualified and skilled engineering officers and technicians of I.A.F. in maintenance and operation of missile, radar and communication systems. Experienced in management of resources to achieve time bound targets and objectives viz. successfully implemented contract with international and national agencies for induction of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Portable Laser Designating Systems and up gradation of aircraft simulators for the I.A.F. Prior to joining JUIT Waknaghat as Director and academic head, he was a Professor in the department of ECE at Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida. He also initiated training and placement process for JIIT, Noida. Successfully placed first and second batch students of Jaypee Education System in top-notch national and multinational organizations through campus recruitment. He has been associated at JIIT, Noida in students' welfare and discipline as Associate Dean of Students and Chairman Proctorial Board, respectively.