Integration of omnidirectional wrapped microstrip antennas into laptops

The integration of a novel quasi-omnidirectional low-profile microstrip antenna element into laptop computers is proposed. The antenna structure is obtained by wrapping a patch element around the top edge of the laptop screen. The antenna is fed by a microstrip inverted line, which can be easily integrated inside the plastic display cover. Experimental results show that very good total power radiation pattern omnidirectionality and an adequate coverage of the whole 2.4-GHz ISM band are achieved. An antenna with six elements and low-mutual coupling, aiming at multiple-input¿multiple-output (MIMO) arrangements, has been fabricated and tested. Experimental results confirm the fulfillment of the requirements for MIMO applications in laptops.