volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

A miniaturized multi-band MIMO antenna for Sub-6 GHz and 5G mmWave is proposed. The antenna is composed of a C-shaped radiating element and coupled ground branches. Tri-band coverage is achieved (4.37-5.88 GHz, 23.5-32.89 GHz, and 36.8-40.1 GHz) through the optimization of the dimensions of the C-shaped antenna and the incorporation of a cross-shaped structure. The low-frequency band fully covers the n79 (4.4-5 GHz) band, as well as the Wi-Fi 5/6 (5.15-5.85 GHz) and 5 GHz ISM (5.725-5.875 GHz) bands. The mid-frequency band completely covers the 5G mmWave n257 (26.5-29.5 GHz), n258 (24.25-27.5 GHz), and n261 (27.5-28.35 GHz) bands, while the high-frequency band fully covers the n260 (37-40 GHz) band. Measured results show gains of approximately 0.95 dBi, 5.89 dBi, and 8.83 dBi in the low-, mid-, and high-frequency bands, respectively. Inter-element isolation is found to be better than -20 dB, and the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) is < 0.003. The antenna is characterized by a compact size, simple structure, and multi-band coverage, making it suitable for cooperative communication between Sub-6 GHz and 5G mmWave bands.

1. Lin, Xingqin, "An overview of 5G advanced evolution in 3GPP release 18," IEEE Communications Standards Magazine, Vol. 6, No. 3, 77-83, 2022.
doi:10.1109/mcomstd.0001.2200001 Google Scholar

2. Li, Jing, Yong Niu, Hao Wu, Bo Ai, Sheng Chen, Zhiyong Feng, Zhangdui Zhong, and Ning Wang, "Mobility support for millimeter wave communications: Opportunities and challenges," IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, Vol. 24, No. 3, 1816-1842, 2022.
doi:10.1109/comst.2022.3176802 Google Scholar

3. Sethi, Waleed Tariq, Saad Hassan Kiani, Mehre E. Munir, Daniyal Ali Sehrai, Huseyin şerif savci, and Dawar Awan, "Pattern diversity based four-element dual-band MIMO patch antenna for 5G mmWave communication networks," Journal of Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves, Vol. 45, No. 5, 521-537, 2024.
doi:10.1007/s10762-024-00983-0 Google Scholar

4. Awan, Wahaj Abbas, Mohammad Soruri, Mohammad Alibakhshikenari, and Ernesto Limiti, "On-demand frequency switchable antenna array operating at 24.8 and 28GHz for 5G high-gain sensors applications," Progress In Electromagnetics Research M, Vol. 108, 163-173, 2022.
doi:10.2528/pierm21121102 Google Scholar

5. Jung, Jinkyu, Wahaj Abbas Awan, Domin Choi, Jaemin Lee, Niamat Hussain, and Nam Kim, "Design of high-gain and low-mutual-coupling multiple-input--multiple-output antennas based on prs for 28 GHz applications," Electronics, Vol. 12, No. 20, 4286, 2023.
doi:10.3390/electronics12204286 Google Scholar

6. Sharawi, Mohammad S., "Printed multi-band MIMO antenna systems and their performance metrics [wireless corner]," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, Vol. 55, No. 5, 218-232, 2013.
doi:10.1109/map.2013.6735522 Google Scholar

7. Dkiouak, Aziz, Alia Zakriti, Mostafa Hefnawi, Saad Chakkor, and Khalid El Khadiri, "Compact high-isolation four-port MIMO antenna for 5G sub-6 GHz applications," Progress In Electromagnetics Research C, Vol. 160, 1-8, 2025.
doi:10.2528/PIERC25070305 Google Scholar

8. Kothavari, Prabhu Kumar and Venkata Rajasekhar Nuthakki, "A 5G NR n79 band compact MIMO antenna with DGS-based isolation enhancement," Progress In Electromagnetics Research C, Vol. 163, 187-197, 2026.
doi:10.2528/pierc25103001 Google Scholar

9. Wang, Wen, Yongle Wu, Weimin Wang, and Yuhao Yang, "Isolation enhancement in dual-band monopole antenna for 5G applications," IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II: Express Briefs, Vol. 68, No. 6, 1867-1871, 2021.
doi:10.1109/tcsii.2020.3040164 Google Scholar

10. Islam, Tanvir, Esraa Mousa Ali, Wahaj Abbas Awan, Mohammed S. Alzaidi, Thamer A. H. Alghamdi, and Moath Alathbah, "A parasitic patch loaded staircase shaped UWB MIMO antenna having notch band for WBAN applications," Heliyon, Vol. 10, No. 1, e23711, 2024.
doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23711 Google Scholar

11. Saurabh, Arun Kumar and Manoj Kumar Meshram, "Integration of sub-6 GHz and mm-Wave antenna for higher-order 5G-MIMO system," IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II: Express Briefs, Vol. 69, No. 12, 4834-4838, 2022.
doi:10.1109/tcsii.2022.3197598 Google Scholar

12. Phaneendra, Chirukuri Naga and Ketavath Kumar Naik, "Inset-fed octagonal-shaped quad-port MIMO patch antenna for UWB applications," Wireless Personal Communications, Vol. 138, No. 2, 1311-1327, 2024.
doi:10.1007/s11277-024-11561-x Google Scholar

13. Çelik, Kayhan, "A novel band notched circular ring quad port UWB MIMO antenna," Sādhanā, Vol. 50, No. 3, 154, 2025.
doi:10.1007/s12046-025-02764-4 Google Scholar

14. Yao, Shanhua, Xiaorong Qiu, and Tianchu Yang, "A miniaturized UWB MIMO antenna design for 5G multi-band applications," Progress In Electromagnetics Research C, Vol. 153, 1-12, 2025.
doi:10.2528/pierc24123001 Google Scholar

15. Liu, Duixian, Xiaoxiong Gu, Christian W. Baks, and Alberto Valdes-Garcia, "Antenna-in-package design considerations for Ka-band 5G communication applications," IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 65, No. 12, 6372-6379, 2017.
doi:10.1109/tap.2017.2722873 Google Scholar

16. Liu, Ruipeng, Kaixue Ma, Ningning Yan, Yongqiang Wang, and Yi Wu, "An FR4-based miniaturized high-efficiency double-sided SISL longitudinal slot antenna array for 5G millimeter-wave applications," IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 72, No. 7, 6099-6104, 2024.
doi:10.1109/TAP.2024.3400018 Google Scholar

17. Elabd, Rania Hamdy, Rania Eid A. Shehata, Ahmed J. A. Al-Gburi, and Marwa E. Mousa, "Compact and high-performance MIMO antenna with metasurface integration for millimeter-wave and next-generation 6G applications," Journal of Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves, Vol. 46, No. 9, 62, 2025.
doi:10.1007/s10762-025-01079-z Google Scholar

18. Kim, Seongjung and Sangwook Nam, "Wideband and ultrathin 2 × 2 dipole array antenna for 5G mmWave applications," IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, Vol. 21, No. 12, 2517-2521, 2022.
doi:10.1109/lawp.2022.3199695 Google Scholar

19. Jiang, Yunyi, Zhiqi Ke, Kai Lu, and Nan Yang, "A wideband Bowtie antenna fed with CPW for 5G mmWave applications," 2024 15th Global Symposium on Millimeter-Waves & Terahertz (GSMM), 1-3, Hong Kong, 2024.
doi:10.1109/GSMM61775.2024.10553062

20. Sim, Chow-Yen-Desmond, Jeng-Jr Lo, and Zhi Ning Chen, "Design of a broadband millimeter-wave array antenna for 5G applications," IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, Vol. 22, No. 5, 1030-1034, 2023.
doi:10.1109/lawp.2022.3231358 Google Scholar

21. Prasad, Kudumu V., Narala Venkateswari, Miryala Sandhyarani, Padarti V. Kumar, and Kesana M. Lakshmi, "Isolation and bandwidth enhancement of compact wideband MIMO for sub-6 GHz , ku-band and millimeter-wave with UWB applications," Progress In Electromagnetics Research C, Vol. 148, 83-95, 2024.
doi:10.2528/pierc24070401 Google Scholar

22. Harrington, R. and J. Mautz, "Theory of characteristic modes for conducting bodies," IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 19, No. 5, 622-628, 1971.
doi:10.1109/tap.1971.1139999 Google Scholar

23. Vaughan, R. G. and J. B. Andersen, "Antenna diversity in mobile communications," IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, Vol. 36, No. 4, 149-172, 1987.
doi:10.1109/t-vt.1987.24115 Google Scholar

24. Blanch, S., J. Romeu, and I. Corbella, "Exact representation of antenna system diversity performance from input parameter description," Electronics Letters, Vol. 39, No. 9, 705-707, 2003.
doi:10.1049/el:20030495 Google Scholar

25. Cheng, Cheng, Yongtao Jia, and Ying Liu, "Channel-dependent envelope correlation coefficient parameters," 2025 IEEE 8th International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility (ISEMC), 1-3, Hefei, China, 2025.
doi:10.1109/ISEMC68048.2025.11291676

26. Manteghi, M. and Y. Rahmat-Samii, "Multiport characteristics of a wide-band cavity backed annular patch antenna for multipolarization operations," IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 53, No. 1, 466-474, 2005.
doi:10.1109/TAP.2004.838794 Google Scholar

27. Chae, Sung Ho, Se-keun Oh, and Seong-Ook Park, "Analysis of mutual coupling, correlations, and TARC in WiBro MIMO array antenna," IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, Vol. 6, 122-125, 2007.
doi:10.1109/LAWP.2007.893109 Google Scholar

28. Kildal, P.-S. and K. Rosengren, "Correlation and capacity of MIMO systems and mutual coupling, radiation efficiency, and diversity gain of their antennas: Simulations and measurements in a reverberation chamber," IEEE Communications Magazine, Vol. 42, No. 12, 104-112, 2004.
doi:10.1109/MCOM.2004.1367562 Google Scholar

29. Iffat Naqvi, Syeda, Niamat Hussain, Amjad Iqbal, MuhibUr Rahman, Masoud Forsat, Seyed Sajad Mirjavadi, and Yasar Amin, "Integrated LTE and millimeter-wave 5G MIMO antenna system for 4G/5G wireless terminals," Sensors, Vol. 20, No. 14, 3926, 2020.
doi:10.3390/s20143926 Google Scholar

30. Srinubabu, Manumula, Nguyen Xuan Sinh, Tathababu Addepalli, Xaythavy Louangvilay, and Nuthakki Venakata Rajasekhar, "Design of integrated 4 × 4 MIMO antenna for sub 6-GHz and mm-wave operation using T-shaped isolation," Physica Scripta, Vol. 100, No. 5, 055541, 2025.
doi:10.1088/1402-4896/adcbe9 Google Scholar

Dr. Chenglong Xiao

Dr. Ming Yang

Dr. Jinzhi Zhou

Dr. Qing Liu