Design of a compact two-port MIMO antenna with an innovative metamaterial-based decoupling structure for 2.8–5.8 GHz 5G communication

Abstract

In 5G applications, multiple-port antennas are essential because they improve data rates and ensure the communication system operates efficiently, improve signal quality, low interference, and ensure regulatory compliance. This research presents a novel metamaterial structure designed with a decoupling structure in the 5G sub-6 GHz balanced bands. The proposed structure is implemented in a MIMO antenna with a compact design featuring dimensions of 60.28 mm × 38.97 mm × 1.6 mm using an FR4 epoxy substrate. The integration of the metamaterial structure improves isolation between antenna elements and also helps to improve system integrity and efficiency. The antenna design is optimized for use in the 5G sub-6 GHz frequency range, offering wideband coverage while minimizing mutual coupling. Simulations and experimental results demonstrate that the newly designed antenna outperforms existing antenna designs for isolation and radiation characteristics analysis. Detailed analysis highlights the efficiency of the proposed metamaterial structure in reducing interference. The novel antenna design’s performance has obtained high gain and reflection coefficient at 13.03 dB and − 24.0202 dB.