Performance Study of Pattern Reconfigurable Antennas in MIMO Communication Systems

We explore the potential benefits of using pattern reconfigurable antennas in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems. First, theoretical capacity increases are calculated in a typical indoor multipath environment assuming ideal, fully reconfigurable antennas and compared to cases using theoretical isotropic antennas. Next, a real reconfigurable antenna built into a multiple element antenna system for MIMO use is described and analyzed to investigate the possible effects of beam tilts on capacity. Finally, this system is used to quantify the possible capacity improvements due to both antenna diversity and antenna gain that are enabled by antenna pattern reconfigurability in a scientifically reproducible environment that includes antenna coupling.

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