sensors
Article
Miniaturized Antenna Array-Based Novel Metamaterial
Technology for Reconfigurable MIMO Systems
Humam Hussein 1 , Ferhat Atasoy 1
Citation: Hussein, H.; Atasoy, F.;
Elwi, T.A. Miniaturized Antenna
Array-Based Novel Metamaterial
Technology for Reconfigurable
MIMO Systems. Sensors 2023, 23,
5871. https://doi.org/10.3390/
s23135871
Academic Editors: Zhefei Wang and
Qingsheng Zeng
Received: 15 April 2023
Revised: 8 June 2023
Accepted: 12 June 2023
Published: 25 June 2023
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Sensors 2023, 23, 5871. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23135871
and Taha A. Elwi 2, *
1 Department of Computer Engineering, Karabuk University, Karabuk 78050, Turkey;
eng.humam94@gmail.com (H.H.); ferhat.atasoy@gmail.com (F.A.)
2 International Applied and Theoretical Research Center (IATRC), Baghdad 10001, Iraq
* Correspondence: taelwi82@gmail.com; Tel.: +964-7711082142
Abstract: In this work, a highly miniaturized microstrip antenna array based on two elements is
proposed for multiple inputs multiple outputs (MIMO) application systems at sub-6 GHz frequency
bands. The antenna is structured from a meander line in conjugate with an interdigital capacitor
when excited through the monopole basic antenna. The proposed antenna elements are separated
with a Minkowski factor-shaped metamaterial (MTM) column to achieve a separation distance (D)
of 0.08λ at 3 GHz when printed on an FR-4 substrate. Later on, the antenna performance in terms
of bandwidth and gain is controlled using a photonic process based on optical active switches
based on light-dependent resistances (LDR). Therefore, the reconfiguration complexity with such a
technique can be eliminated significantly without the need for a biasing circuit. The antenna design
was conducted through several parametric studies to arrive at the optimal design that realizes the
frequency bandwidth between 3 and 5.5 GHz with a maximum gain of about 4.5 dBi when all LDR
terminals are off. For a wireless channel performance study-based massive MIMO environment,
the proposed antenna is suitable to be configured in arrays of 64 × 64 elements. From this study, it
was found the maximum bit error rate (BER) does not exceed 0.15 with a channel capacity (CC) of
2 Gbps. For validation, the antenna was fabricated based on two elements and tested experimentally.
Finally, it was revealed that the measured results agree very well with simulations after comparing
the theoretical calculations with the measured data.
Keywords: 5G; MIMO; sub-6; MTM; reconfigurable; BER
1. Introduction
Recently, microstrip antennas were introduced in many wireless communication
networks including 5G systems for their desired properties, including a low profile and
inexpensive fabrication costs [1]. Nevertheless, MTM and specific composite right/left-
handed (CRLH) structures are introduced to the microstrip antenna designs from different
research groups to enhance their limitations including low gain bandwidth products [2].
Therefore, many researchers applied their scientific research and theoretical studies to
develop different microstrip antennas for different applications. One of the most popular
applications of CRLH-based microstrip antennas is the MIMO antenna array [3]. This
technology received high attention due to its unique specifications, among many others, its
high channel capacity with minimum latency [3]. For this, the authors in [4] developed an
array of two printed transparent circuit antennas with low gain and limited bandwidth
for MIMO applications at sub-6 GHz. In [5], a design of four elements was sequentially
fed and mounted on a substrate backed with an electromagnetic bandgap structure of
sub-6 GHz bands. The antenna’s orientation was introduced to avoid a high coupling
effects due to skew waves. However, the proposed MTM was presented to minimize
the surface wave’s effects from the antenna back panel. Other researchers developed, for
example, a low-profile antenna in [2] based on antenna elements of Hilbert-shaped fractal
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors
Sensors 2023, 23, 5871 2 of 21

metamaterials to form a 2D-rectangular array fed with a coplanar waveguide feed line.
Another design was proposed for sub-6 GHz applications based on a wideband elliptically
slotted semi-circular patch element with a defected ground plane structure [4]. In [5], efforts
were applied to design a directive pointer antenna for sub-6 GHz systems including 5G
applications. Another work was published in [6] to realize a design of MIMO antenna
based 2 elements at sub-6GHz frequency bands for portable devices. A dual frequency
band reconfigurable antenna-based portable device was developed for 5G systems in [7]. A
dual band antenna based on compact flexible structure for GSM and Wi-Fi applications [8].
A design of an antenna is bansed MTM structure for reconfigurable systems at sub-6GHz
bands [9]. A MIMO antenna array system was proposed based on a pair of transparent
antenna elements at sub-6 GHz frequency bands [10]. In [11], a metasurface reflector with
a four-port wideband MIMO antenna array systems was developed to support 5G sub-6
GHz applications.
Later, several studies were applied to design an antenna that supports more than
one application; for instance, in [12] an antenna was developed for 5G MIMO systems
and the Internet of Things. In [13], a dual-band antenna based on composite right-and
left-handed transmission lines was developed for MIMO systems at sub-6GHz bands.
Additionally, in [14], a design was introduced for the applications of 5G MIMO antenna
arrays to be applied in smartphones at the frequencies in the ranges of 3.41–3.63 and
4.82–5.23 GHz. In [15], two wideband PIFA elements were offered as a possible solution for
constructing a miniaturized MIMO array to suit 5G mobile handsets [15]. A design of a
compact broadband bandstop filter based on composite right/left handed transmission
line was proposed to reduce the mutual coupling between the antenna elements in MIMO
systems at 3.5GHz bands [16]. In the same manner, a design was suggested in [17] using a
split ring resonators to reduce the mutual coupling between antenna at sub-6 GHz for 5G
MIMO systems. A reconfigurable antenna element was designed to provide a wide and
narrow frequency band for smart MIMO antenna arrays [18]. A design of an MTM-based
ultra-wideband antenna was developed to form a MIMO array [19]. A design of a solar
panel integrated 3D MIMO antenna array for 5G self-powered communication systems was
proposed in [20]. For frequencies between 3.4 and 3.8 GHz, a MIMO antenna array was
developed with a partial ground plane [21]. A wide-band antenna array based on MTM
was invented to cover the frequency band in 5G systems [22]. Another design was proposed
based on flexible transparent wideband antenna elements to form a MIMO antenna array to
operate at sub-6 GHz [23]. An electromagnetic band gap structure was introduced between
antenna elements to diminish the effects of mutual coupling among antennas in a single
array form to suit the applications of 5G systems [24]. A meander line-based antenna
array was developed for MIMO applications by separating the antenna elements using an
electromagnetic band gap structure at sub-6 GHz bands [25].

2. Antenna Array Design Details

This antenna array is designed from two antenna elements printed on the same sub-
strate for MIMO system design. Each antenna element is structured from three main parts:
a printed monopole, an interdigital capacitor array, and a meander line. The proposed
antenna is fed with CPW to eliminate the ground plane on the same patch side as well as
ensure harmonics generation by accumulating the electrical charge on the ground plane [12].
Therefore, the proposed meander line is fetched to the ground plane of the proposed CPW
structure. In such a structure, the effects of field gradients can be enhanced altimetry to real-
ize bandwidth enhancements [3]. For this, the antenna gain bandwidth would be enhanced
to realize the desired frequency resonances with maximum size reduction [5]. Nevertheless,
the proposed antenna performance can be controlled by switching the connections between
the antenna meander line and the ground plane through four LDR resistors. The proposed
antenna array occupies an area of 50 × 30 mm2 when printed on an FR4 substrate of 1 mm
thickness.
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Sensors 2023, 23, 5871 3 of 21

For the MIMO configuration, the authors applied the design of two elements that are
mounted
For theon the
MIMOsame substrate with
configuration, theauthors
the same direction,
applied the as shown
designinofFigure 1. The antenna
two elements that
array is defective with an MTM structure at the center position
are mounted on the same substrate with the same direction, as shown in Figure between the antenna
1. The ele-
ments
antenna to array
ensureissurface
defective wave withsprucing
an MTM at the desired
structure at frequency
the centerbands [6].between
position The proposed
the
MTM
antenna structure
elements isto
constructed
ensure surface using Minkowski
wave sprucingfractal design frequency
at the desired with the third
bandsiteration.
[6]. The In
proposed
such MTM structure
a structure, is constructed
a high capacitive load isusing Minkowski
coupled near thefractal
edges design with the third
of the proposed mono-
iteration. In such a structure, a high capacitive load is coupled near
poles; in it, most fringing effects are initiated [3]. Logically, positioning such an MTM the edges of the at
proposed
the centermonopoles;
of the proposedin it, most
arrayfringing
would effects are initiated
be an excellent [3]. Logically,
option. In anotherpositioning
aspect, thesuch
pro-
an MTM
posed MTMat the
iscenter of theto
structured proposed
providearray would
a single be an excellent
negative option.
performance inIn another
which aspect,
a high cou-
the proposed
pling redaction MTMcanisbe structured
achievedto[7]. provide a single
Therefore, thenegative
surfaceperformance in which
wave mitigation a highthe
between
coupling redaction can be achieved [7]. Therefore, the surface wave
antenna elements would vanish smoothly without significant phase reflections [11]. Sim- mitigation between
the antenna elements
ultaneously, would vanish
a high diversity can besmoothly
achieved without
by directingsignificant phase reflections
most antenna radiation[11].
away
Simultaneously, a high diversity can be achieved by directing most antenna radiation away
from the array center through the inductive imposing effect from the proposed MTM frac-
from the array center through the inductive imposing effect from the proposed MTM fractal
tal structure [14].
structure [14].

Figure
Figure 1. Antenna geometricaldetails
Antenna geometrical detailsininmm
mmscale:
scale:(a)
(a)front
frontview
viewand
and(b)(b) back
back view.
view.

It is
It is important
important to tonote
notethat
thatthe
theintroduction
introductionofofthethemeander
meanderline
line has
has thethe effect
effect of of
pro-
ducing a frequency band that is distinct from the band emitted by the monopole, asas
producing a frequency band that is distinct from the band emitted by the monopole, will
willdemonstrated
be be demonstrated later.later. To regulate
To regulate the mobility
the mobility of the
of the antenna
antenna surface
surface current,
current, an an
LDR
LDR switch
switch is usedis used to link
to link the planned
the planned meander
meander lineline to the
to the antenna
antenna ground
ground plane.
plane. The
The key
key benefit of including the interdigital capacitor in the design is that it may
benefit of including the interdigital capacitor in the design is that it may be used to balance be used to
balance the monopole antenna structure’s induction effect and match the electromagnetic
the monopole antenna structure’s induction effect and match the electromagnetic aperture
aperture coupling to the free space impedance. As will be demonstrated later [8], this
coupling to the free space impedance. As will be demonstrated later [8], this would con-
would considerably increase the antenna radiation efficiency. The suggested antenna is
siderably increase the antenna radiation efficiency. The suggested antenna is then printed
then printed on an RF-4 substrate that is 1 mm thick. Ultimately, an RF-4 substrate with a
on an RF-4 substrate that is 1 mm thick. Ultimately, an RF-4 substrate with a 1 mm thick-
1 mm thickness and 4.4 dielectric constants is used to print the suggested antenna. Table 1
ness andthe
contains 4.4 remaining
dielectric constants
geometrical is information
used to print the suggested
about antenna.
the proposed array. Table 1 contains
the remaining geometrical information about the proposed array.
Sensors 2023, 23, 5871 4 of 21

Table 1. Antenna geometrical details.

Symbol Value Abbreviation

Xg 3 Separation distance
Yg 3 Ground plane length
Xm 4 Monopole width
D 12 Separation distance between antenna elements

3. MTM Analysis and Discussion

As shown in Figure 1, the suggested MTM structure is built from a 1D array with
four unit cells (b). The third iteration of the Minkowski fractal describes the form of each
individual unit cell. A circuit model is developed to describe the performance based on a
transmission line theory to analyze the suggested unit cell features. In essence, a circuit
model with a mix of right- and left-hand branches may be created from such a unit cell, as
illustrated in Figure 2a.
In terms of mathematics, the suggested unit cell was examined from various orien-
tation angles at normal and tangential electric field incidences. Yet, in this inquiry, the
planned unit cell iteration was raised from the first to the fourth with a single step. This
was done to make sure that the performance of the suggested unit cell is improved by the
iteration effects. As a result, the suggested unit cell is situated inside a fictitious waveguide
to track the S-parameter spectra at the targeted frequency range. With the application of
two electrical and two magnetic barriers to the virtual waveguide, the effective medium
theory is invoked in this simulation process. A similar procedure is used to simulate the
creation of transverse electromagnetic modes as a plane wave [10].
Now, after inserting the proposed unit cell with different orientations and different
iterations, the calculated S-parameters, in terms of S12 and S11 spectra, are shown in
Figure 2b. The suggested unit cell was discovered to offer a cut-off frequency for the
frequency bands from 3 up to 5.3 GHz. The proposed unit cell performance in terms of
permittivity and permeability is presented in Figure 2c. It was found that the proposed
unit cell realizes multiple bands with −εr and −µr within the frequency band of interest.
Such an observation realizes that the unit cell is an excellent candidate for mutual coupling
reduction to suite MIMO applications; that is very useful for size reduction [5]. Next, as
a result, the suggested unit cell was nominated as an outstanding option for coupling
reduction in MIMO array systems as a result of this accomplishment. The comparable
circuit model based on the developed RLC network, which is often built as an interdigital
capacitor (IDC) in series connected to a compact series inductor (CSI) and Hilbert fractal,
is used to analytically determine the suggested sensor design based on an equivalent
circuit model. The lumped elements Richard model [10] was used to create the suggested
structure equivalent circuit model. A 50 input impedance RF source is coupled in series
with a R-L-C parallel branch to form the suggested circuit architecture, as seen in Figure 2.
An inductive segment LT and capacitive air gaps Cgap, which were previously shown
in Figure 2, set apart the primary transmission line. The recommended S-parameters for
the circuit model were reviewed and contrasted with those obtained using CST MWS,
considering the lumped components indicated that were simulated in Advanced Devices
Simulator (ADS). Table 2 contains a list of the assessed RLC parts.
Sensors 2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 23
Sensors 2023, 23, 5871 5 of 21

Figure 2. The proposed MTM structure circuit model: (a) equivalent circuit, (b) S-parameters results,
Figure 2. The
and (c) proposed
retrieved MTM structure
electromagnetic circuit
properties model:
in terms of (a) equivalent
εr and µr . circuit, (b) S-parameters results,
and (c) retrieved electromagnetic properties in terms of εr and µr.

Table 2. Equivalent circuit model lumped elements.

Element Value
Resistance of the left hand (RLH) 12.2 Ω
Resistance of the right hand (RRH) 50 Ω
Conductance of the left hand (GLH) 0.11 S
Conductance of the right hand (GRH) 4.55 S
Sensors 2023, 23, 5871 6 of 21

Table 2. Equivalent circuit model lumped elements.

Element Value

Sensors 2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW Resistance of the left hand (RLH) 12.2 Ω 6 of 23
Resistance of the right hand (RRH) 50 Ω
Conductance of the left hand (GLH) 0.11 S
Conductance of the right hand (GRH) 4.55 S
Capacitance
Capacitance ofof
thethe left hand
right hand (CRH)
(CLH) 1.17pFpF
3.11
Capacitance
Inductance ofof the
theleft
right hand
hand (CRH)
(LLH) 3.11
3.24 nH pF
Inductance of the left hand (LLH) 3.24 nH
Inductance of the right hand (LRH) 2.34 nH
Inductance of the right hand (LRH) 2.34 nH

3.1. Design Methodology

3.1. Design Methodology
3.1.1. Monopole Antenna Performance
3.1.1. Monopole Antenna Performance
In this section, the proposed monopole element performance in terms S11 spectra are
In this section, the proposed monopole element performance in terms S11 spectra are
investigated with respect to varying the separation distance between the monopole and
investigated with respect to varying the separation distance between the monopole and the
the ground plane (Xg). Therefore, the considered distance Xg was changed from 1 to 5 mm
ground plane (Xg). Therefore, the considered distance Xg was changed from 1 to 5 mm
with a step of 1 mm with respect to monitoring S11 spectra as shown in Figure 3. It was
with a step of 1 mm with respect to monitoring S11 spectra as shown in Figure 3. It was
observed from the obtained results that the antenna provides two frequency bands around
observed from the obtained results that the antenna provides two frequency bands around
1.9 and 4.5 GHz. Nevertheless, it is seen that the proposed antenna matching impedance
1.9 and 4.5 GHz. Nevertheless, it is seen that the proposed antenna matching impedance is
is insignificantly changed with changing Xg at the first band; however, at the second band,
insignificantly changed with changing Xg at the first band; however, at the second band,
the matching impedance is improved pointedly at Xg = 3 mm; then, it returns back to
the matching impedance is improved pointedly at Xg = 3 mm; then, it returns back to being
being degraded due to increasing the distance. Additionally, it was observed that the fre-
degraded due to increasing the distance. Additionally, it was observed that the frequency
quency resonance location is not changed due to the fact of keeping the monopole length
resonance location is not changed due to the fact of keeping the monopole length fixed to
fixed to a certain length that has no effect on the current motion [12]. Moreover, it was
a certain length that has no effect on the current motion [12]. Moreover, it was observed
observed that the generated frequency resonances are relative to the multiple constants of
that the generated frequency resonances are relative to the multiple constants of the halves
the halves of the wavelengths, which depends on the antenna’s electrical lengths’ harmon-
of the wavelengths, which depends on the antenna’s electrical lengths’ harmonics [13].
ics [13]. Consequently, the length of the proposed monopole was found to be relative to
Consequently, the length of the proposed monopole was found to be relative to the physical
the physical length after the proposed CPW feeding structure. Such an observation reveals
length after the proposed CPW feeding structure. Such an observation reveals that the
that the capacitive
capacitive effects between
effects between the antenna
the antenna groundgroundplane andplane
theand the monopole
monopole structurestructure
could
could accumulate the electrical charges significantly to increase the antenna
accumulate the electrical charges significantly to increase the antenna input impedance input imped-
ancethe
over over the microwave
microwave sourcesource [15].this,
[15]. For For the
this,authors
the authors considered
considered Xg =Xg
2 +=12 mm
+ 1 mm
to betothe
be
the choice
best best choice fornext
for the the design
next design step;is this
step; this is because
because the matching
the matching was to
was found found to be
be around
around −35 dB
−35 dB at 4.35 GHz.at 4.35 GHz.

Figure3.3.The
Figure Theobtained
obtainedSS11 spectra variation
11 spectra variation for
for the
the proposed
proposed antenna
antenna with
with changing
changing Xg.
Xg.

Now, to investigate the effects of increasing the ground plane length on the antenna
frequency resonance, the authors considered Xg = 3 mm, but the ground plane length was
changed from 8 to 5 mm with a step of 1 mm. It was observed that with decreasing the
ground plane length, there was a significant decay in the antenna second mode frequency
resonance. Therefore, it is concluded the ground plane length (Yg) is better to be 5 mm for
our applications. Reducing the length to less than 5 mm is not very desired during the
Sensors 2023, 23, 5871 7 of 21

Now, to investigate the effects of increasing the ground plane length on the antenna
frequency resonance, the authors considered Xg = 3 mm, but the ground plane length was
changed from 8 to 5 mm with a step of 1 mm. It was observed that with decreasing the
Sensors
Sensors2023,
2023,23,
23,xxFOR
FORPEER
PEERREVIEW
ground plane length, there was a significant decay in the antenna second mode 7frequency
REVIEW 7 of
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23
resonance. Therefore, it is concluded the ground plane length (Yg) is better to be 5 mm
for our applications. Reducing the length to less than 5 mm is not very desired during the
fabrication
fabrication process
fabrication process due
process dueto
due tosoldering
to solderinglimitations
soldering limitations
limitations [4]. The
[4].
[4]. The calculated
The results
calculated
calculated are
results
results shown
areare shown
shown in
in in
Figure
Figure 4 in terms
Figure 4 in terms of S
terms of S11
11 spectra with
spectrawith
11spectra respect
withrespectto varying
respecttotovarying
varying the ground
thethe plane
ground
ground length
plane
plane (Yg).
length
length (Yg).
(Yg).

Figure
Figure 4.4.The
Figure4. Theobtained
The obtainedSSS111111spectra
spectravariation
spectravariationfor
variation the
forfor proposed
thethe
proposedantenna
antenna
proposed with
with
antenna changing
changing
with Yg.
Yg. Yg.
changing

For
For further
For further analysis,
further analysis, the
analysis, theauthors
the authorsstudied
authors studied
studied the effects
the
the effects
effects of varying
ofof varying
varying the
thethemonopole
monopole
monopole widthwidth
width
on
on the
onthe antenna
the antenna S
antenna S1111 spectra. Therefore,
spectra.Therefore,
11spectra. Therefore,the monopole
thethe monopole
monopole width (Xm)
width
width (Xm) was
(Xm)
waswaschanged
changedchangedfrom
fromfrom11 to551 to
to
mm.
5mm. It was
mm.ItItwas found
wasfound that
foundthat the
thatthe observable
theobservable
observable variation
variationin the
in in term
thethe of
term S
of of11 spectra is specific to
S11 Sspectra
variation term 11 spectra is specific
is specific to to
bandwidth,
bandwidth,matching,
bandwidth, matching,and
matching, andfrequency
and frequencyresonance,
frequency resonance,
resonance, as depicted
asas
depicted
depicted in
inFigure
Figure
in Figure 5.5.This
This isisattributed
5. This attributed
is attributed
to
to the
thefact
tothe factthat
fact thatcurrent
that currentmotion
motionisisisusually
motion usually
usuallyon
ononthe
the antenna
theantenna
antenna length
length
lengththat
that follows
follows
that followsthe
thedimension
dimension
the dimension
with a larger
withaalarger
with conduction
largerconduction area
conduction area [12].
area [12]. For this, such
[12]. For this, such phenomena
such phenomena
phenomenaare are well
arewell known
wellknownknownfrom from
from differ-
differ-
different
ent previous
ent previous
previous publications
publications
publications that
thatthat discussed
discussed
discussed the
thethe effects
effects
effects of current
of current
of current motion
motion
motion on
onon antennas’ maxi-
antennas’maximum
antennas’ maxi-
mum
mumdimension
dimension [12]. [12].
dimension [12].

Figure 5.5.The
Figure5. Theobtained
obtainedSSS1111spectra
spectravariation
variationfor
forthe
theproposed
proposedantenna
antennawith
withchanging
changingXm.
Xm.
Figure The obtained 11 spectra variation for the proposed antenna with changing Xm.

3.1.2.
3.1.2.Interdigital
InterdigitalCapacitor
CapacitorEffects
Effects
Since
Since the
the introduction
introduction of
of the
the IDC
IDC structure
structure to
to the
the proposed
proposed antenna
antenna could
could cause
cause aa
significant
significant performance
performance change,
change, the
the authors
authors applied
applied aa study
study to
to evaluate
evaluate the
the antenna
antenna SS1111
and
and gain
gain spectra.
spectra. Therefore,
Therefore, the
the proposed
proposed IDCIDC iteration
iteration number
number waswas changed
changed from
from the
the
 Sensors 2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 23

Sensors 2023, 23, 5871 8 of 21

first to the fourth degree. The effects of that on S11 and gain spectra are shown in Figure 6.
We realized that the proposed antenna bandwidth of the second mode at 3.8 GHz is sig-
3.1.2. Interdigital Capacitor Effects
nificantly affected. Another mode was found to be generated at 5.8 GHz due to the pro-
posedSince
IDCthe introduction
introduction of the
as seen IDC structure
in Figure to the proposed
6b. An approximate antenna
expression could
for the cause
interdig-
aital
significant performance
capacitance is given by [1].change, the authors applied a study to evaluate the antenna
S11 and gain spectra. Therefore, the proposed IDC iteration number was changed from
ԑ
the first to the fourth degree. The 𝐶 =effects 𝑙 (𝑁of − 3)𝐴on+S𝐴11 and gain spectra are shown
that (1)
in Figure 6. We realized that the proposed antenna bandwidth of the second mode at
where
3.8 GHzCisissignificantly
the capacitance per unit
affected. length
Another (l) with
mode wasrespect
found to to the finger width
be generated (W),
at 5.8 GHzA1 (the
due
interior) and A 2 (the two exteriors) are the capacitances per unit length of the fingers, and
to the proposed IDC introduction as seen in Figure 6b. An approximate expression for the
N is the number
interdigital of fingers
capacitance and can
is given bybe[1].expressed in microns. For infinite substrate thickness
(or no ground plane), A1 = 4.409 × 10−6 pF/mm and A2 = 9.92 × 10−6 pF/mm.
Now, the antenna gain spectra ε r +over1 the entire frequency band of interest are dis-
C= 0
l [( N − 3) A1 + A2 ] (1)
cussed with respect to the same IDCW iteration variation as shown in Figure 6b. It was found
that the
where proposed
C is antennaper
the capacitance gain is enhanced
unit length (l) significantly
with respect by increasing
to the the proposed
finger width (W), A1 IDC
(the
iteration increase. Such a fact is attributed to the effects of the proposed
interior) and A2 (the two exteriors) are the capacitances per unit length of the fingers, IDC on the inher-
and
Nent inductive
is the number behavior of and
of fingers the proposed monopole
can be expressed [15]. Thus,
in microns. Forthe introduction
infinite substrateofthickness
the pro-
posed
(or IDC minimizes
no ground plane), Athe
1 = stored 10−6 pF/mm
4.409 ×energy by the induction
and A2 =part9.92 in 10−monopole
× the 6 pF/mm. [16].

Figure 6. Obtained antenna performance variation with changing IDC iteration: (a) S11 and (b) gain
Figure 6. Obtained antenna performance variation with changing IDC iteration: (a) S11 and (b) gain
spectra.
spectra.
Sensors 2023, 23, 5871 9 of 21

Now, the antenna gain spectra over the entire frequency band of interest are discussed
with respect to the same IDC iteration variation as shown in Figure 6b. It was found
that the proposed antenna gain is enhanced significantly by increasing the proposed IDC
Sensors 2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 23
iteration increase. Such a fact is attributed to the effects of the proposed IDC on the inherent
inductive behavior of the proposed monopole [15]. Thus, the introduction of the proposed
IDC minimizes the stored energy by the induction part in the monopole [16].
3.1.3. Mender Line Effects
3.1.3. Mender Line Effects
The authors introduced a meander line to examine the effects of coupling between
The authors
the ground plane introduced a meander
and the antenna lineSuch
parts. to examine
couplingthe is
effects
due toof the
coupling
effectsbetween the
of the electrical
ground plane and the antenna parts. Such coupling is due to the effects of the
field fringing from the antenna edges [12]. The effects of such fringing could realize a fur- electrical
field fringing from the antenna edges [12]. The effects of such fringing could realize a
ther loss in the antenna performance, specifically in terms of gain [13]. We decided to ap-
further loss in the antenna performance, specifically in terms of gain [13]. We decided to
ply a parametric study to the proposed meander line by changing the turn number from
apply a parametric study to the proposed meander line by changing the turn number from
one turn to five turns concerning S11 and gain spectra variation. As shown in Figure 7a, it
one turn to five turns concerning S11 and gain spectra variation. As shown in Figure 7a,
itwas
wasfound
found that the proposed
that the proposedantenna
antennaoperates
operates over
over several
several frequency
frequency bandsbands
and and
they they
increased with increasing the turn number. Such an observation is due to
increased with increasing the turn number. Such an observation is due to the fact that the the fact that the
current path can be increased further on a meander line [16]. Therefore, the
current path can be increased further on a meander line [16]. Therefore, the introduction of introduction
of the
the proposed
proposed meander
meander line found
line was was found to be
to be an an excellent
excellent candidatecandidate to arealize
to realize a signifi-
significant
cant enhancement
enhancement to the antenna
to the antenna size reduction.
size reduction.

Figure7.7.The
Figure Theobtained
obtainedS11S11and
and gain
gain spectra
spectra forfor
thethe proposed
proposed antenna
antenna withwith changing
changing IDC iteration:
IDC iteration:
(a) S11 and (b) gain spectra..
(a) S11 and (b) gain spectra..

Now, the antenna gain was found to increase when increasing the turn number, as
seen in Figure 7b. This realizes a significant enhancement due to the reduction in storing
losses. Such a reduction is attributed to the negative effects of the induction part by the
mender line on the capacitive behavior of the ground plane concerning the other antenna
parts. It is good to mention that the authors did not increase the turn number further,
because the effects of increasing the turn number on the antenna performance become
Sensors 2023, 23, 5871 10 of 21

Now, the antenna gain was found to increase when increasing the turn number, as
seen in Figure 7b. This realizes a significant enhancement due to the reduction in storing
losses. Such a reduction is attributed to the negative effects of the induction part by the
mender line on the capacitive behavior of the ground plane concerning the other antenna
parts. It is good to mention that the authors did not increase the turn number further,
because the effects of increasing the turn number on the antenna performance become very
slow after the third turn, and due to antenna size limitations.

3.1.4. MIMO Array Performance

Now, the proposed antenna was designed to be configured as an array with two
elements, as shown in Figure 1. Therefore, to specify the effects of coupling on the proposed
antenna performance, the separation distance (D) between the antenna elements was
changed from 10 to 25 mm. As seen in Figure 8a, the proposed antenna array S11 spectra
are insignificantly affected by increasing D. This is a usual response because the fact of
changing S11 spectra is relative to varying the antenna elements’ dimensions [12]. However,
in the case of S12 spectra, the manner of the antenna mutual coupling variation is different;
it is increased with decreasing the distance between the antenna elements, as shown in
Figure 8b.

Figure 8. The obtained S-parameters spectra for the proposed antenna array with changing D: (a) S11
and (b) S12 spectra.

Our philosophy in this research was to reduce the antenna element size within a minia-
turized array configuration by adding MTM defects. Such an addition can be implemented
to minimize the separation distance ultimately to 6 mm with coupling effects in terms of
S12 below −20 dB, as seen in Figure 9. Such a performance was compared to the antenna
array with and without MTM defects. The fact of reducing the mutual coupling with low
separation distance is that such MTM defects apply a high surface impedance by producing
a negative dielectric constant (−εr ) over the frequency bands of interest. Therefore, the
propagated surface current toward the array center is a decayed mode with a significant
attention factor [17].
Sensors 2023,
Sensors 23,23,
2023, x FOR
5871 PEER REVIEW 11 of 23 21
11 of

Figure
Figure 9. 9.
TheThe obtained
obtained S-parameters
S-parameters spectra
spectra forfor
thethe proposed
proposed antenna
antenna array
array with
with and
and without
without MTM
MTM
defects.
defects.

Now,the
Now, theproposed
proposedantenna
antennaarray
arrayisis introducedtoto
introduced a metamaterial
a metamaterial unit
unit cell
cell column
column inin
the
the back
back panel
panel toto eliminate
eliminate the
the mutual
mutual coupling
coupling between
between thethe antenna
antenna edges.
edges. InIn
ourour design,
design,
we introduced the proposed unit cell parametrically, from one to four with the step ofof
we introduced the proposed unit cell parametrically, from one to four with the step the
the
one-unit cell, to minimize the mutual coupling altimetry. Therefore, it is
one-unit cell, to minimize the mutual coupling altimetry. Therefore, it is observed from observed from the
evaluated S-parameters results, in Figure 10, that a significant enhancement
the evaluated S-parameters results, in Figure 10, that a significant enhancement in the an- in the antenna
bandwidth
tenna is achieved
bandwidth after the
is achieved proposed
after metamaterial
the proposed introduction
metamaterial (see Figure
introduction (see10a) with
Figure
an increasing metamaterial unit cell number. Consequently, the antenna mutual coupling
10a) with an increasing metamaterial unit cell number. Consequently, the antenna mutual
was found to decrease when increasing the unit cell number that maintains the separation
coupling was found to decrease when increasing the unit cell number that maintains the
distance between the antenna elements about 0.1 λ at 3.5 GHz. Therefore, we found from
separation distance between the antenna elements about 0.1 λ at 3.5 GHz. Therefore, we
the proposed parametric study that the minimum S reduction is achieved when four-unit
found from the proposed parametric study that the12minimum S12 reduction is achieved
cells are introduced to the proposed array, as seen in Figure 10b. Such a reduction, it is
when four-unit cells are introduced to the proposed array, as seen in Figure 10b. Such a
good to mention, was found to be overall in the frequency band from 3.5 to 5.5 GHz with
reduction, it is good to mention, was found to be overall in the frequency band from 3.5
S12 below −20 dB and S11 ≤ −10 dB. It is concluded from these results that the proposed
to 5.5 GHz with S12 below −20 dB and S11 ≤ −10 dB. It is concluded from these results that
metamaterial array behaves as a stop-band filter to reject most of the frequencies within the
the proposed metamaterial array behaves as a stop-band filter to reject most of the fre-
frequency band of interest, as discussed later.
quencies within the frequency band of interest, as discussed later.
We next evaluated the antenna TRAC using the effective antenna gain for the optimal
antenna performance with different signal phase excitations at Port 2 of 0◦ , 30◦ , 60◦ , and 90◦ .
The obtained results are depicted in Figure 11a, showing a significant effect of changing the
signal phase difference on the evaluated TRAC in terms of impedance bandwidth. Such an
observation is attributed to sever variation in the phase change due to the effects of mutual
coupling at random phase signals [9].
The antenna radiation efficiency was evaluated for both cases of with and without
MTM introduction. The calculated results are presented in Figure 11b, showing a signifi-
cant enhancement after introducing the proposed MTM structure. This enhancement is
attributed to the fact of reducing the capacitive and inductive losses by the proposed MTM
introduction [7].

3.2. Antenna Reconfiguration Study

The proposed antenna array was designed for reconfigurable MIMO systems based
on sub-6 GHz to suit the applications of 5G networks. Therefore, it is very obvious that
such systems require antenna terminals of configurable performance [19]. In our design,
we introduced four LDR switches to control the antenna performance. The location of
positioning the proposed LDR switches was selected to be between the meander line
structure and the antenna ground plane. Such a location is considered to reflect out of
phase the surface wave, at 90◦ phase difference, and to cancel the capacitive part inductively;
this realizes the frequency shift through imaginary part consolation [20].
Sensors
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Figure 10.
Figure Theobtained
10. The obtainedS-parameters
S-parametersspectra
spectrafor
forthe
theproposed
proposed antenna
antennaarray
array with
with changing
changing MTM
MTM
defects
defectsnumber: (a)SS1111and
number: (a) and(b)
(b)S12
S12spectra.
spectra.

Ournext
We target was to the
evaluated control the surface
antenna current
TRAC using theon the antenna
effective antennaelement bythe
gain for controlling
optimal
antenna performance with different signal phase excitations at Port 2 of 0°, 30°, 60°,could
the real impedance at a certain point, in which most of the charge accumulation and
accrue
90°. The[20]. It is results
obtained well known from the
are depicted literature
in Figure 11a,that such aan
showing accumulation
significant effect of electric
of chang-
chargers
ing happens
the signal phaseatdifference
the meander lines
on the corners TRAC
evaluated [21]. Therefore, it impedance
in terms of is very wisebandwidth.
to consider
these locations for introducing the LDR switches. Nevertheless, the
Such an observation is attributed to sever variation in the phase change due to theground plane is a
effects
very saturated conductive surface that realizes
of mutual coupling at random phase signals [9]. an excellent phase reflection to obtain the
imaginary part consolation for frequency reconfiguration [22]. In such a manner, each
The antenna radiation efficiency was evaluated for both cases of with and without
antenna element is introduced to four LDR switches to control the antenna performance
MTM introduction. The calculated results are presented in Figure 11b, showing a signifi-
in terms of frequency bandwidth and gain, as listed in the antenna truth Table 3. It was
cant enhancement after introducing the proposed MTM structure. This enhancement is
found from the study that a significant change could accrue when switching scenarios of
attributed to the fact of reducing the capacitive and inductive losses by the proposed MTM
the proposed LDR terminals change. Such a variation in the antenna response is attributed
introduction [7].
to the fact of varying the surface current on the antenna path and the inductive/capacitive
behaviors to realize a significant bandwidth variation. It is good to mention that the
proposed work was conducted only for these cases due to space limitations. For more
details, the authors present the variation in the obtained S11 and S12 spectra in Figure 12,
which shows non-remarkable variation in the antenna mutual coupling. This is because
S12 spectra are usually a measure of coupling between the adjacent antennas that has no
response to LDR-switching scenarios. This observation was discussed earlier in [22].
Sensors 2023, 23, 5871 13 of 21
Sensors 2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 23

Sensors 2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 23

Figure 11.
Figure 11.Array
Arrayperformance
usually
performancein terms
a measure of of (a) the
incoupling
terms obtained
ofbetween TRAC
(a) the the spectra
adjacent
obtained at different
antennas
TRAC thatsignal
spectra phase
hasdifferent
at no response to LDR-
signal phase
excitations andswitching
(b) radiation efficiencyThis
scenarios. spectra.
observation was discussed earlier in [22].
excitations and (b) radiation efficiency spectra.
3.2. Antenna Reconfiguration Study
The proposed antenna array was designed for reconfigurable MIMO systems based
on sub-6 GHz to suit the applications of 5G networks. Therefore, it is very obvious that
such systems require antenna terminals of configurable performance [19]. In our design,
we introduced four LDR switches to control the antenna performance. The location of po-
sitioning the proposed LDR switches was selected to be between the meander line struc-
ture and the antenna ground plane. Such a location is considered to reflect out of phase
the surface wave, at 90° phase difference, and to cancel the capacitive part inductively;
this realizes the frequency shift through imaginary part consolation [20].
Our target was to control the surface current on the antenna element by controlling
the real impedance at a certain point, in which most of the charge accumulation could
accrue [20]. It is well known from the literature that such an accumulation of electric
chargers happens at the meander lines corners [21]. Therefore, it is very wise to consider
these locations for introducing the LDR switches. Nevertheless, the ground plane is a very
saturated conductive surface that realizes an excellent phase reflection to obtain the imag-
inary part consolation for frequency reconfiguration [22]. In such a manner, each antenna
element is introduced to four LDR switches to control the antenna performance in terms
of frequency bandwidth and gain, as listed in the antenna truth Table 3. It was found from
the study that a significant change could accrue when switching scenarios of the proposed
LDR terminals change. Such a variation in the antenna response is attributed to the fact of
varying the surface current on the antenna path and the inductive/capacitive behaviors to
realize a significant bandwidth variation. It is good to mention that the proposed work
was conducted only for these cases due to space limitations. For more details, the authors
present the variation in the obtained S11 and S12 spectra in Figure 12, which shows non-
remarkable variation in the antenna mutual coupling. This is because S12 spectra are

Figure 12. The obtained

Figure S-parameters
12. The spectra for
obtained S-parameters the proposed
spectra antenna
for the proposed arrayarray
antenna withwith
changing switching
changing switch-
scenarios: (a)ing
S11scenarios:
and (b) S (a) Sspectra.
12
11 and (b) S12 spectra.

Table 3. Antenna performance with different switching scenarios.

Switching Scenario Frequency/GHz Gain/dBi

0000 3–5.5 4.5
0011 3.5–4.7 5.1
1100 3.4–4.1 6.2
1111 3.1–4.6 8.1
 Sensors 2023, 23, 5871 14 of 21

Table 3. Antenna performance with different switching scenarios.

Switching Scenario Frequency/GHz Gain/dBi

0000 3–5.5 4.5
0011 3.5–4.7 5.1
1100 3.4–4.1 6.2
1111 3.1–4.6 8.1

4. Results, Discussion, and Validation

Now, to validate the proposed antenna array performance experimentally, the pro-
posed array was fabricated using a chemical wet etching process. As seen in Figure 13, 15 of 2
Sensors 2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW
the fabricated prototype was presented with maximum dimensions of 50 × 30 mm2 . The
proposed antenna S-parameters were measured using an HP vector network analyzer.

Figure13.13.The
Figure The proposed
proposed prototype:
prototype: (a) front
(a) front view view and
and (b) (b)view.
back back view.

The
Themeasured
measured antenna
antenna radiation patterns
radiation werewere
patterns considered at 3.5,at 4,3.5,
considered 4.5,4, 5,4.5,
and5, and 5.
5.5 GHz inside an RF chamber. This process was invocated after calibrating all processes
GHz inside an RF chamber. This process was invocated after calibrating all processes i
in the channel using the through calibration technique, and open, short, and 50 Ω load.
the obtained
The channel using the through
result from calibration
the experimental technique, and
measurements wasopen, short,forand
evaluated only50twoΩ load. Th
obtainedscenarios;
switching result from theall
when experimental
LDR terminals measurements was evaluated
are on and off only. The obtained forresults
only twoare switch
ing scenarios; when all LDR terminals are on and off only. The obtained results
shown in Figure 14 for the two considered scenarios in terms of S-parameters. An excellent are show
in Figure between
agreement 14 for the two considered
measured scenarios
and simulated in was
results terms of S-parameters. An excellent agree
found.
ment between measured and simulated results was found.
Sensors 2023, 23, 5871Sensors 2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 1615
ofof
2321

Figure 14. The measured

Figure S-parameters
14. The measured spectraspectra
S-parameters for the
forproposed antenna
the proposed antennaarray
array with changing
with changing
switching scenarios: (a) S 11 and (b) S12 spectra.
switching scenarios: (a) S11 and (b) S12 spectra.
Below, the
Below, the antenna antenna measurements
radiation radiation measurements are presented
are presented in Figure
in Figure 15 at
15 at the the fre-
frequency
quency band of interest. The measurement reveals good agreement between the simulated
band of interest. The measurement reveals good agreement between the simulated and
and measured results. It is good to mention that the presented results of the radiation
measured results. It is good to mention that the presented results of the radiation patterns
patterns are for the cases of all LDR switched on and off only. From the obtained results
are for the cases of
we found allthat
LDR switched
a variation on and
accrues off only.
in the antennaFrom the obtained
directivity results
due to the wecurrent
surface found
that a variation
change as discussed later. It is good to mention that the antenna measurements were ob-as
accrues in the antenna directivity due to the surface current change
discussed later.
tainedItatistheta
good= 0°toand
mention that
90° planes, at the
whichantenna
the gain measurements were obtained
is maximum. Additionally, the max-at
◦ imum ◦ E-field can be achieved at theta = 90° and the maximum H-field
theta = 0 and 90 planes, at which the gain is maximum. Additionally, the maximum E-field can be achieved at
theta = 0°. ◦
can be achieved at theta = 90 and the maximum H-field can be achieved at theta = 0 . ◦

The antenna performance in terms of correlation and diversity envelopes was evalu-
ated experimentally to be compared with the simulated results in Figure 15. The achieved
results show insignificant mutual coupling between the antenna elements to realize a maxi-
mum correlation factor below 1% with a high diversity of about 99% within the frequency
band of interest. This is attributed to the effect of the proposed MTM array reducing the
mutual coupling significantly without an effective separation distance. For further analysis,
the authors applied a study to realize the MIMO antenna performance in terms of the
envelop correlation coefficient (ECC), diversity gain (DG), channel capacity loss (CCL),
and total active reflection coefficient (TARC) according to the process that was explained
in [23]. As seen in Figure 16, the proposed antenna system realizes a low value of ECC of
about 1% with a high diversity of 10 dB over the entire frequency band of interest. This is
due to the introduction of the proposed filter design to achieve a maximum mean effective
gain (MEG) of about −5 dBi, while the maximum CCL value is about 0.06 bps/Hz for the
entire bandwidth. The measured TRAC (at a signal phase difference of 90◦ only) was found
to be −15 dB, which shows the capability of the proposed MTM inclusions to reduce the
correlation factor between the antenna elements. It is good to mention that the evaluated
ECC spectrum was obtained from the S-parameters.
Sensors
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Figure 15. Measured antenna radiation patterns at different frequency bands: (a) 3.5 GHz, (b) 4 GHz,
Figure 15. Measured antenna radiation patterns at different frequency bands: (a) 3.5 GHz, (b) 4 GHz,
(c) 4.5 GHz,
(c) 4.5 GHz, (d)
(d) 55 GHz,
GHz, and
and (e)
(e) 5.5
5.5 GHz.
GHz.
Sensors
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Figure16.
Figure Antennaarray
16.Antenna arrayperformance
performanceininterms
termsofofECC,
ECC,DG,
DG,MEG,
MEG,CCL,
CCL,and
andTRAC.
TRAC.
Sensors 2023, 23, 5871 18 of 21

To realize the effects of using the proposed MTM on the proposed antenna perfor-
mance, a comparison study is summarized at the end of the discussions to focus on the
role of the proposed MTM unit cell. In Table 4, the summary is listed to show the complete
picture of such a discussion in terms of frequency bandwidth, gain, and coupling. The
antenna array performance with and without the proposed MTM is included in Table 4 at
fixed separation distances for both considered cases.

Table 4. The proposed antenna performance with and without MTM introduction at fixed antenna
sizes and separation distances for both cases.

Case BW/GHz Gain/dBi Efficiency DG ECC Coupling/dB

Without MTM 3.2–4.65 1.1 20% 5.3 0.24 −3
With MTM 3–5.5 4.5 83% 10 0.01 −20

Now, to present a complete picture of the proposed antenna array performance,

the authors evaluated the channel capacity (CC) and the bit error rate (BER) under the
assumption of constructing an antenna array of 64 × 64 elements, theoretically only; for
such an assumption, we tried to perform an analytical validation of such antenna feasibility
for massive MIMO systems. The calculated CC and BER are based on measured results
from the antenna elements in terms of gain, bandwidth, and mutual coupling. The channel
is affected by white Gaussian noise and the transmitted power was changed from −20 to
20 dBm. In such circumstances, the maximum bit error rate was found to be about 0.15,
and the channel capacity was found to reach 2 Gbps. The obtained results are presented in
Figure 17.
The evaluated BER and CC were calculated using the following mathematical expres-
sions [26]: p 
BER = er f c 2Eb /No CC = BW × ( MN ) log2 (1 + SNR)

where erfc is the complementary error function, Eb is the bit energy, No is noise power, and
BW is the available bandwidth.
In those calculations, a digital modulation schema based on quadrature-amplitude
modulation (QAM) with an effective coverage was applied to indicate the effects of that on
BER. The considered BER in this case is defined as the number of acceptable errors at the
prepared tolerates. In such a case, typically, it is a number between 0.1 and 0.000001. This
ratio is very much affected by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which is measured in dB. It
was found from the results in Figure 17a that a high SNR provides low BER, while a low
SNR would increase BER. It is obvious that frequency bands with higher gain are better
than those with a low gain to provide a lower chance of errors due to the noise effects.
Later, the proposed antenna array CC spectra were evaluated and shown in Figure 17b. It
was found that the proposed antenna array CC capacity increases from 1.5 to 4.5 Gbps with
a frequency increase.
Finally, the proposed antenna array performance was compared with the published
results in the literature in terms of antenna bandwidth, gain, size, reconfigurability, and
substrate type. It was observed that the proposed antenna array shows a maximum-size
reduction with excellent configuration technique and performance in comparison with the
previous one listed in Table 5. Such a reconfiguration technique requires no biasing circuit
or wiring system, while most of the old traditional techniques came up with high biasing
complexity and wiring systems.
23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 20 of 23
Sensors 2023, 23, 5871 19 of 21

Figure
Figure 17. Channel 17. Channel
performance performance
calculations atcalculations at differentbands:
different frequency frequency bands:
(a) BER and(a)(b)
BER and (b) CC.
CC.
Table 5. The proposed antenna performance in comparison to published results.
The evaluated BER and CC were calculated using the following mathematical expres-
Ref. sions [26]: Ports
Size BW/GHz Gain/dBi Coup/dB DG ECC D Rec.
[18] 130 × 100 8 5.1–5.9𝐵𝐸𝑅 = 𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑐 2.1 2𝐸 ⁄𝑁 −15 --- 0.05 λ/1.9 Not
[19] 150 × 75 4 2.45,5.8 𝐶𝐶 = 𝐵𝑊 × (𝑀𝑁) 𝑙𝑜𝑔 (1 + 𝑆𝑁𝑅)
2.5 − 14 9.8 0.06 λ/2 Not
[20] 136 × 60 8 5.1–5.9 1.9 −10 9.3 0.09 λ/2 Diode
[21]
where
150 × 75
erfc is the
12
complementary error function, E
4.8–5.1
b is the bit energy, No is noise power, and
2.6 −12 9.7 --- λ/2.1 Not
[22] BW150 is
× the
80 available8 bandwidth. 5.1–5.9 2.2 −10 9.2 0.11 λ/2.3 Not
[23] 133 ×In those calculations,
133 4 a digital
2.25 modulation2.5 schema based−15 on quadrature-amplitude
9.3 0.10 λ/2.1 Diode
[24] 160 × 70 2 4.42 5.2 − 30
modulation (QAM) with an effective coverage was applied to indicate the effects λ/1.410 0.06 of that Not
[25] 30 × 40 4 2–3, 3.4–3.9, 4.4–5.2 6.3 −20 10 0.01 λ/15 Not
This work on BER.
30 × 50 The considered
2 BER in this
3–5.5 case is defined
4.5 as the number
−20 of
10acceptable
0.01 errors
0.08λ at LDR
the prepared tolerates. In such a case, typically, it is a number between 0.1 and 0.000001.
This ratio is very much affected by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which is measured in
dB. It was found from the results in Figure 17a that a high SNR provides low BER, while
a low SNR would increase BER. It is obvious that frequency bands with higher gain are
better than those with a low gain to provide a lower chance of errors due to the noise
effects. Later, the proposed antenna array CC spectra were evaluated and shown in Figure
17b. It was found that the proposed antenna array CC capacity increases from 1.5 to 4.5
Gbps with a frequency increase.
Sensors 2023, 23, 5871 20 of 21

5. Conclusions
In this paper, the authors designed a miniaturized antenna array for MIMO applica-
tions. The proposed antenna parameters were optimized to fit the applications of sub-6
5G networks in terms of mutual coupling reduction, bandwidth enhancements, and gain
increase. Therefore, the authors applied in the proposed design several techniques to realize
a highly miniaturized antenna array with excellent reconfiguration mechanisms. For this, a
monopole fundamental antenna element is conjugated with a meander line and interdigital
capacitor to increase the antenna radiation efficiency with low surface wave retardation. In
such a manner, fitting the proposed antenna element in a single array could be an excellent
addition to MIMO systems by minimizing the separation distance between them using
a metamaterial structure. The proposed metamaterial was found to realize a significant
mutual reduction of almost −20 dB over the frequency band from 3 up to 5.5 GHz with a
separation distance of 0.08 λ. This antenna array was tested with different configuration
scenarios by adding four LDR switches to each antenna element through the meander line
and the ground plane. We realized that such a reconfiguration process takes advantage
of low complexity without including wiring or biasing systems. It was found that when
exposed to a massive MIMO environment in the proposed antenna array, acceptable BER
and CC can be achieved after making the antenna size theoretically 64×64 elements. It is
concluded from this study that the proposed antenna array is a very suitable candidate for
5G massive MIMO systems at the sub-6 GHz frequency band. Finally, for validation, an
experimental study was applied to the proposed array to test the antenna performance in
terms of S-parameters and radiation patterns.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, H.H.; methodology, F.A.; software, T.A.E.; validation. All
authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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