A Self-Decoupling Method for MIMO Linear and Planar Dielectric Resonator Antenna Arrays Based on Transmission Characteristics of Feeding Structure

• Published in: IEEE transactions on antennas and propagation Vol. 71; no. 7; pp. 5708 - 5716
• Main Authors: Lai, Qi Xuan, Pan, Yong Mei, Zheng, Shao Yong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) 01.07.2023
• Subjects: Antenna arrays; Arrays; Decoupling method; Dielectrics; Feeding; Linear arrays; Metal strips; Radio antennas; Resonators; Standing waves
• ISSN: 0018-926X; 1558-2221
• DOI: 10.1109/TAP.2023.3274297

In this article, a novel self-decoupling method for the multi-input multi-ouput (MIMO) dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) arrays is investigated. This method is based on the transmission characteristics of the conformal strip that feeds the DRA. It is found that when the strip-fed DRA operates in the higher order mode, e.g., TE113 mode, the [Formula Omitted]-field coupled to the metal strip of the adjacent passive DRA presents a standing-wave distribution. By appropriately adjusting the dimensions of the feeding strip, the [Formula Omitted]-field can form a node with zero amplitude at its bottom where a coaxial probe is connected, preventing the energy from getting into the receiving port and hence achieving a high isolation level without requiring any extra decoupling structure. This self-decoupling method is applicable not only to 1-D H- and E-plane coupled MIMO linear arrays but also to 2-D MIMO planar arrays. To verify its feasibility, a prototype of [Formula Omitted] 2 MIMO planar DRA array is simulated, processed, and tested. The results show that a usable bandwidth ([Formula Omitted] dB and [Formula Omitted] dB) of 10.8% is achieved, and the maximum isolation is over 40 dB within the passband.