volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

This paper presents a compact four-port ultra-wideband (UWB) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna with exceptional isolation characteristics, specifically designed for high-frequency band communications. The antenna features a sunflower-shaped radiating patch and an irregularly stepped rectangular ground structure, which are optimized to achieve broadband impedance matching and low coupling. With dimensions of 1.26λ₀ × 1.26λ₀ × 0.025λ₀, the antenna operates across 5.4-20 GHz, covering C-band (4-8 GHz), X-band (8-12 GHz), and Ku-band (12-18 GHz), while supporting multi-band communication compatibility. Simulation and measurement results show a return loss (|S₁₁|) below -10 dB over the entire frequency range, with a fractional bandwidth of 109.5%. The inter-port isolation (S₁₂) exceeds -20 dB across the band and reaches -30 dB in the high-frequency range (10-20 GHz). The antenna exhibits a radiation efficiency exceeding 80%, a peak gain of 9.3 dBi, an envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) below 0.008, a total active reflection coefficient (TARC) below -30 dB, and a group delay less than 2.3 ns, thereby meeting the stringent requirements for MIMO systems. This design offers a high-performance solution for applications in 5G, satellite, and radar communications, which combines wide bandwidth, high isolation, and low coupling in a compact form factor. The 5.4-20 GHz antenna bandwidth supplements 5G/6G applications which caters to multi-scenarios of Wi-Fi and satellite communications and facilitates signal reception and preprocessing in LEO satellite systems.

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Dr. Qingqing Zhou

Professor Zhonggen Wang

Professor Wenyan Nie

Dr. Chenlu Li

Dr. Yiwei Tao

Dr. Wanying Ren