volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

In this study, we describe a compact two-port MIMO dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) system made from biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) using additive manufacturing techniques. Performance goals were achieved through a systematic performance study on the pin height, pin position, cavity width, and cavity length. The simulated results showed a wide range of bandwidth from 5.0 to 7.4 GHz with return loss (|S₁₁|) lower than -10 dB corresponding to a fractional bandwidth of approximately 36.8%. Excellent port isolation is achieved with |S₂₁| < -20 dB consistent across the entire band. The antenna provides more than 10 dBi gain with a high directivity making it useful for high-performance wireless applications. Furthermore, diversity MIMO performance confirms exceptional diversity performance with the Envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) remaining below 0.015 and ideal Diversity Gain (DG) of 10 dB. Another important feature is the electronic beam steering capability of this antenna, enabled by adjusting the phase difference between the two ports. With excitation phase shifts of 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°, the antenna's main beam can be steered between broadside and unidirectional directions, providing flexible spatial coverage through dynamic phase control, rather than switching among fundamentally different radiation patterns. The employment of environmentally friendly PLA materials paired with 3D printing technology fosters sustainable practices for antenna development while simultaneously permitting inexpensive prototype creation and swift adaptability in the design changes. This MIMO DRA system can be extensively employed in C-band applications like the 5G communication systems, satellite downlink services, radar systems, and high-speed wireless data links where it is crucial to have wide bandwidth, high isolation, and compact size.

1. Ahmad, Hamza, Mohd Haizal Jamaluddin, Fauziahanim Che Seman, and Muhibur Rahman, "MIMO dielectric resonator antennas for 5G applications: A review," Electronics, Vol. 12, No. 16, 3469, 2023.
doi:10.3390/electronics12163469

2. Harkare, Ankita H., Ashwin G. Kothari, Ankit A. Bhurane, Mahesh P. Abegaonkar, and Pragati Patel, "A compact dielectric resonator antenna with wideband circular polarization characteristics for C and X‐band applications," Microwave and Optical Technology Letters, Vol. 66, No. 7, e34241, 2024.
doi:10.1002/mop.34241

3. Ahmad, Hamza, Mohd Haizal Jamaluddin, Fauziahanim Che Seman, Muhibur Rahman, Nida Nasir, and Ayesha Ayub, "Compact dual-band enhanced bandwidth 5G mm-wave MIMO dielectric resonator antenna utilizing metallic strips," AEU --- International Journal of Electronics and Communications, Vol. 187, 155510, 2024.
doi:10.1016/j.aeue.2024.155510

4. El Yousfi, Ahmed, Kerlos Atia Abdalmalak, Abdenasser Lamkaddem, Alejandro Murrillo Barrera, Bruno Biscontini, and Daniel Segovia-Vargas, "Miniaturized dual-polarized, high-gain, and wideband dielectric resonator antenna for low band massive MIMO applications," Progress In Electromagnetics Research, Vol. 179, 101-111, 2024.
doi:10.2528/pier24021303

5. Muttair, Karrar Shakir, Oras Ahmed Shareef, and Hazeem Baqir Taher, "Designs, developments, challenges, and fabrication materials for MIMO antennas with various 5G and 6G applications: A review," International Journal of Microwave and Wireless Technologies, Vol. 16, No. 9, 1510-1539, 2024.
doi:10.1017/s1759078724001004

6. Merlos-Garza, Erendira, Zia U. Khan, and Salam K. Khamas, "A compact MIMO rectangular dielectric resonator antenna for millimeter-wave communication," Electronics, Vol. 13, No. 16, 3280, 2024.
doi:10.3390/electronics13163280

7. Dhananjeyan, R., S. Ramesh, D. Rajesh Kumar, and Om Prakash Kumar, "Compact octagonal MIMO antenna system for broadband applications with enhanced isolation and wideband performance," Scientific Reports, Vol. 15, No. 1, 18921, 2025.
doi:10.1038/s41598-025-03494-7

8. Sharma, Preeti, Rakesh N. Tiwari, Prabhakar Singh, Pradeep Kumar, and Binod K. Kanaujia, "MIMO antennas: Design approaches, techniques and applications," Sensors, Vol. 22, No. 20, 7813, 2022.
doi:10.3390/s22207813

9. Votis, Constantinos, George Tatsis, and Panos Kostarakis, "Envelope correlation parameter measurements in a MIMO antenna array configuration," International Journal of Communications, Network and System Sciences, Vol. 3, No. 4, 350-354, 2010.
doi:10.4236/ijcns.2010.34044

10. El Hadri, D., A. Zugari, A. Zakriti, and M. El Ouahabi, "Dual-band MIMO antenna with four CPW elements using polarization diversity for 5G mobile communication networks and satellite," Advanced Electromagnetics, Vol. 12, No. 3, 43-53, 2023.
doi:10.7716/aem.v12i3.2077

11. Yurduseven, Okan, Shengrong Ye, Thomas Fromenteze, Benjamin J. Wiley, and David R. Smith, "3D conductive polymer printed metasurface antenna for Fresnel focusing," Designs, Vol. 3, No. 3, 46, 2019.
doi:10.3390/designs3030046

12. Aydın, Emine Avşar, Mustafa Berkan Biçer, Mehmet Erman Mert, Ceyla Özgür, and Başak Doğru Mert, "3D-printed antenna design using graphene filament and copper tape for high-tech air components," SAE International Journal of Aerospace, Vol. 16, No. 2, 131-140, 2023.
doi:10.4271/01-16-02-0008

13. Stopforth, Riaan, "Conductive polylactic acid filaments for 3D printed sensors: Experimental electrical and thermal characterization," Scientific African, Vol. 14, e01040, 2021.
doi:10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e01040

14. Zhang, Jinhua, Shi Dong, Deema Mohammed Alsekait, Imran Khan, Pi-Chung Wang, and Ibrahim A. Hameed, "Design and performance optimization of a novel lens antenna for emerging beyond 5G wireless applications," Frontiers in Materials, Vol. 11, 1479398, 2024.
doi:10.3389/fmats.2024.1479398

15. Shang, Yuqiu, Qingsheng Zeng, Wanzhao Cui, Xinwei Wang, and Gengqi Zheng, "Design of pattern reconfigurable patch antenna array based on reflective phase-shifter," International Journal of Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 2022, No. 1, 2803285, 2022.
doi:10.1155/2022/2803285

16. Zhou, Zijian, Jingze Ding, and Rui Zhang, "Polarforming design with phase shifter based polarization reconfigurable antennas," ArXiv Preprint ArXiv:2505.21990, 2025.
doi:10.48550/arXiv.2505.21990

Mr. Bingi Naresh Kumar

Dr. Metuku Shyam Sunder

Dr. Dasari Ramakrishna