Dual-Polarized MIMO Antenna Array Design Using Miniaturized Self-Complementary Structures for 5G Smartphone Applications

In this study, a new eight-port dual-polarized multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) antenna array design for 5G smartphone applications is proposed. The design contains four pairs of compact dual-polarized self-complementary slot-patch antennas fed by a pair of independent coupled feeding structures. The radiation elements are designed to operate at 3.6 GHz and are located on the corners of the mobile-phone PCB with an overall dimension of 75×150 mm2. A Rogers 5880 dielectric with permittivity 2.2 and loss tangent 0.0009 is chosen as the PCB substrate. The antenna element is highly miniaturized and suitable for use in 4G/5G smartphones. The design not only provides the required radiation coverage but also generates dual-polarizations. The antenna offers good isolation, high-gain radiation patterns, and sufficient efficiencies.