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2026-10-08
Compact Four-Element UWB-MIMO Antenna Incorporating a Composite Decoupling Structure
By
Progress In Electromagnetics Research C, Vol. 173, 417-429, 2026
Abstract
To address the problem of increased electromagnetic mutual coupling caused by multi-antenna integration in compact wireless communication terminals, this study presents a compact four-element, high-isolation, ultra-wideband (UWB), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna operating in the 6.5-14 GHz frequency band. The proposed antenna is compact measuring 36 mm×36 mm×1.6 mm. The radiating elements adopt an orthogonally symmetric configuration, with chamfered corners and slot-loading techniques used to enhance impedance matching and broaden impedance bandwidth. To effectively reduce mutual coupling between adjacent elements, a composite decoupling structure is developed, which integrates a non-through isolation slot, embedded metallic patches, and a cross-shaped defected ground structure (cross-DGS). The proposed structure effectively enhances in-band isolation by altering coupling current paths and redistributing surface currents on the ground plane. The results demonstrate that, in the 6.5-14 GHz operating band, the antenna achieves S11 < -10 dB, the adjacent-port isolation (S21) exceeding 20 dB, an envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) below 0.0035, and a diversity gain (DG) close to 10 dB. The proposed antenna combines a compact size, wide operating bandwidth, enhanced isolation, and good diversity performance, providing a potential candidate for compact UWB-MIMO terminals requiring low mutual coupling.
Citation
Qi Li, Tiegang Zhong, and Songqi Li, "Compact Four-Element UWB-MIMO Antenna Incorporating a Composite Decoupling Structure," Progress In Electromagnetics Research C, Vol. 173, 417-429, 2026.
doi:10.2528/PIERC26071903
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