volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

In this study, a new multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna array is introduced for fifth-generation (5G) smartphones. Its schematic contains eight planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) elements placed at edges of the mobile-phone mainboard with a 75×150×0.8 mm³ FR-4 substrate. The ground plane and antenna resonators are etched on the back layer of the mainboard. By employing arrow strips between the adjacent elements, the frequency bandwidth and isolation level of the PIFA radiators are improved. The proposed smartphone antenna array is designed to support the spectrum of commercial sub 6 GHz 5G communication and cover the frequency range of 3.25-3.85 GHz with isolation levels better than -15 dB. Due to compact size and corner placements of the PIFAs, the presented MIMO antenna array occupies a small part of the board. In addition, the proposed smartphone antenna array provides not only sufficing radiation coverage supporting different sides of the mainboard but also the polarization diversity. The MIMO performance and characteristics of the proposed smartphone antenna design in the presence of the user phantom are also discussed.

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Dr. Naser Ojaroudi Parchin

Dr. Haleh Jahanbakhsh Basherlou

Dr. Yasir I. A. Al-Yasir

Prof. Raed A. Abd-Alhameed