electronics

Article
A New CPW-Fed Diversity Antenna for MIMO
5G Smartphones
Naser Ojaroudi Parchin 1, * , Haleh Jahanbakhsh Basherlou 2 , Yasir I. A. Al-Yasir 1 ,
Ahmed M. Abdulkhaleq 1,3 , Mohammad Patwary 4 and Raed A. Abd-Alhameed 1
1 Engineering and Informatics, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK;
Y.I.A.Al-Yasir@bradford.ac.uk (Y.I.A.A.-Y.); A.Abd@sarastech.co.uk (A.M.A.);
R.A.A.Abd@bradford.ac.uk (R.A.A.-A.)
2 Bradford College, Bradford BD7 1AY, UK; Hale.Jahanbakhsh@gmail.com
3 SARAS Technology Limited, Leeds LS12 4NQ, UK
4 School of Computing and Digital Technology, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B5 5JU, UK;
Mohammad.patwary@bcu.ac.uk
* Correspondence: N.OjaroudiParchin@Bradford.ac.uk; Tel.: +447341436156




Received: 31 December 2019; Accepted: 28 January 2020; Published: 4 February 2020


Abstract: In this study, a new coplanar waveguide (CPW)-fed diversity antenna design is introduced
for multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) smartphone applications. The diversity antenna is
composed of a double-fed CPW-fed antenna with a pair of modified T-ring radiators. The antenna is
designed to cover the frequency spectrum of commercial sub-6 GHz 5G communication (3.4–3.8 and
3.8–4.2 GHz). It also provides high isolation, better than −16 dB, without an additional decoupling
structure. It offers good potential to be deployed in future smartphones. Therefore, the characteristics
and performance of an 8-port 5G smartphone antenna were investigated using four pairs of the
proposed diversity antennas. Due to the compact size and also the placement of the elements, the
presented CPW-fed smartphone antenna array design occupies a very small part of the smartphone
board. Its operation band spans from 3.4 to 4.4 GHz. The simulated results agree well with measured
results, and the performance of the smartphone antenna design in the presence of a user is given
in this paper as well. The proposed MIMO design provides not only sufficient radiation coverage
supporting different sides of the mainboard but also polarization diversity.

Keywords: 5G technology; CPW-fed antenna; diversity antenna; future smartphones; MIMO systems

1. Introduction
With the creation of standards for and the development of fifth-generation (5G) mobile
communication, more and more research has been conducted into related technologies with the hope of
achieving a higher transmission rate, lower cost and higher gain [1–3]. Multiple-input–multiple-output
(MIMO) technology is a key to realizing a higher transmission rate [4]. By using MIMO technology,
multiple independent channels can be achieved on the original spectrum by the diversity method, and
multipath fading can be reduced so as to improve the data transmission rate. A MIMO antenna is
a significant facility to improve the channel capacity of a MIMO system [5–8]. MIMO systems of 2
× 2 are successfully employed for 4G mobile networks, and a large number of antenna elements are
expected to be applied for 5G communications [9,10].
Several kinds of 5G MIMO smartphone antennas have been put forward recently [11–25] (see
Table 2 for details). However, these MIMO antenna designs either suffer from a narrow frequency
bandwidth or occupy a huge space on a smartphone mainboard. Furthermore, some of the reported
designs use uniplanar radiators, which are difficult to fabricate and integrate with the 5G smartphone

Electronics 2020, 9, 261; doi:10.3390/electronics9020261 www.mdpi.com/journal/electronics

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Electronics 2020, 9, 261 2 of 22

circuit. In
circuit. In the
the designs
designsof ofmany
manyMIMO MIMOantennas,
antennas, it is
it common
is common to avoid placing
to avoid placing elements
elementsin parallel and
in parallel
and to choose instead to place them vertically, which can avoid strong mutual couplings causedthe
to choose instead to place them vertically, which can avoid strong mutual couplings caused by by
same
the polarization
same polarizationmode.mode. In this paper,
In this however,
paper, however,the antenna elements
the antenna are both
elements perpendicular
are both perpendicularand
parallel
and to each
parallel to other to exhibit
each other the diversity
to exhibit function.
the diversity In addition,
function. the T-shaped
In addition, strip of the
the T-shaped antenna
strip of the
configuration can act as a decoupling structure. Due to compact size and also
antenna configuration can act as a decoupling structure. Due to compact size and also placement of placement of the antenna,
proposedthe
the antenna, MIMO design
proposed occupies
MIMO a very
design small part
occupies a veryof small
the smartphone
part of the printed
smartphone circuit board circuit
printed (PCB).
Therefore, the antenna achieves not only low mutual couplings but also small
board (PCB). Therefore, the antenna achieves not only low mutual couplings but also small clearance. clearance.
The antenna elements of the MIMO design are fed using the coplanar waveguide feeding
mechanism in order to operate at sub-6 GHz 5G communication
mechanism communication (3.4–3.8
(3.4–3.8 andand 3.8–4.2
3.8–4.2 GHz)
GHz) [26].
[26].
Compared with probe-fed and microstrip-fed antennas, coplanar waveguide
with probe-fed and microstrip-fed antennas, coplanar waveguide (CPW)-fed antennas (CPW)-fed antennas can
easily
can achieve
easily the wideband
achieve the wideband impedance matching
impedance [27,28].[27,28].
matching Therefore, CPW-fed
Therefore, antennas
CPW-fed are widely
antennas are
used and becoming increasingly popular in wireless applications owing
widely used and becoming increasingly popular in wireless applications owing to their attractive to their attractive features
such as compact
features such as size,
compact conformal status, their
size, conformal lighttheir
status, weight andweight
light ease ofandfabrication
ease of and integration
fabrication and
with wireless
integration communication
with systems [29,30].
wireless communication The[29,30].
systems paper isTheorganized
paper isasorganized
follows: The design and
as follows: The
characteristics of the diversity antenna element are represented in Section
design and characteristics of the diversity antenna element are represented in Section 2. Section 3 2. Section 3 discusses
the MIMOthe
discusses performance and radiation
MIMO performance and characteristics of the proposed
radiation characteristics 5G smartphone
of the proposed 5Gantenna array.
smartphone
Section 4array.
antenna investigates
Section the4 radiation
investigatesbehavior of the designed
the radiation behavior smartphone antenna
of the designed array in theantenna
smartphone vicinity
of the in
array user.
the Section
vicinity5ofgives the conclusion
the user. of thisthe
Section 5 gives paper.
conclusion of this paper.

2. The
2. The Proposed
Proposed CPW-Fed
CPW-Fed Diversity
Diversity Antenna
Antenna
The characteristics
The characteristics of of the
the single-element
single-element diversity
diversity antenna
antenna are are discussed
discussed in in this
this section. Its
section. Its
structure is shown in Figure 1a. It is shown that the schematic of the diversity antenna
structure is shown in Figure 1a. It is shown that the schematic of the diversity antenna contains a pair contains a pair
of modified
of modified CPW-fed
CPW-fed T-ring
T-ring resonators.
resonators. As As seen,
seen, the proposed antenna
the proposed antenna is is designed
designed on one side
on one side of
of the
the
FR4 dielectric. In addition, as seen, SMA (SubMiniature version A) connectors
FR4 dielectric. In addition, as seen, SMA (SubMiniature version A) connectors are also embedded in are also embedded in
the simulations.
the simulations. Figure
Figure 1b1b depicts
depicts the
the S-parameters
S-parameters of of the
the proposed
proposed CPW-fed
CPW-fed diversity
diversity antenna.
antenna. As As
illustrated, the designed antenna provides a wide operation band of 3.2–4.4
illustrated, the designed antenna provides a wide operation band of 3.2–4.4 GHz, supporting both GHz, supporting both
target bands,
target bands, including
including3.4–3.8
3.4–3.8and
and3.8–4.2
3.8–4.2GHz.
GHz.It should
It should bebe noted
noted thatthat
thethe arrow-shaped
arrow-shaped stripstrip of
of the
the design,
design, placed
placed between
between thethe elements,
elements, cancan
actact
asasa adecoupling
decouplingstructure
structureand andincrease
increase the
the isolation
isolation
between the antenna ports. Therefore, the mutual coupling
between the antenna ports. Therefore, the mutual coupling (S1212/S21 (S /S ) is successfully reduced. As
21) is successfully reduced. As can be
can be
observed, greater than −15 dB (with −20 dB value at the center frequency (4 GHz))
observed, greater than −15 dB (with −20 dB value at the center frequency (4 GHz)) has been achieved has been achieved
for the
for the designed
designed diversity
diversity antenna.
antenna. TheThe characteristics
characteristics of of the
the antenna
antenna areare investigated
investigated using
using computer
computer
simulation technology (CST) software [31]. The detailed dimensions of the
simulation technology (CST) software [31]. The detailed dimensions of the designed CPW-fed designed CPW-fed diversity
antenna are
diversity shownare
antenna in shown
Table 1.in Table 1.

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 1. (a)
1. (a) Geometryofof the
Geometry the coplanar
coplanar waveguide
waveguide(CPW)-fed diversity
(CPW)-fed antenna
diversity and and
antenna (b) its
(b) its
simulated S-parameters. simulated S-parameters.
Electronics 2020,
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2020, 9, 261 33of
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15

Table 1. The dimension of the diversity antenna.

Table 1. The dimension of the diversity antenna.
Value Value Value Value
Parameter
Parameter Value (mm) Parameter
Parameter Value (mm) Parameter
Parameter Value (mm) Parameter
Parameter Value (mm)
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
W
W 1.1
1.1 W1 1
W 0.5
0.5 WW2 2 1919 WWf f 2.42.4
L 7 L 1 L 2 L 0.25
L 7 L1 1 1 L2 2 2 Lg g 0.25

The frequency
The frequencybehavior
behaviorofofthe theproposed
proposeddiversity
diversity antenna
antenna is very
is very flexible.
flexible. Figure
Figure 2 discusses
2 discusses the
the impedance matching and frequency tuning of the antenna. Figure
impedance matching and frequency tuning of the antenna. Figure 2a illustrates the S11 2a illustrates the S 11 and S
and S21
21
characteristics versus
characteristics versusdifferent
differentvalues
valuesofofWW . As
2. 2As seen,
seen, when
when its its value
value increases
increases from from
17 to1721tomm,
21 mm,
the
the lower
lower andand
upperupper operation
operation frequencies
frequencies of theof the antenna
antenna increase
increase from
from 3 to3.4
3 to 3.4and
and4.5
4.5toto4.8
4.8 GHz,
GHz,
respectively. In addition, as can be observed, the S function of the diversity
respectively. In addition, as can be observed, the S2121 function of the diversity antenna tunes by antenna tunes by
changing the
changing the value
value of
of W
W22.. Figure
Figure2b 2binvestigates
investigatesthe theimpedance
impedance matching
matching function
function ofof the
the antenna
antenna for for
various values of L : when its size changes from 2.75 to 1.75 mm, the matching
various values of L22: when its size changes from 2.75 to 1.75 mm, the matching characteristic of the characteristic of the
diversity antenna
diversity antenna varies
varies from
from −14−14 toto less
less than
than −30−30 dB.
dB. However,
However, unlike unlike Figure
Figure 2a,
2a, the
the SS21 is almost
21 is almost
constant with
constant with an
an insignificant
insignificant variation.
variation.

(a)

(b)
Figure2.
Figure 2. SS11 /S21
11/S 21 results
resultsof
ofthe
thediversity
diversity antenna
antenna for
for various
various values
values of
of (a)
(a) W
W22and
and(b)
(b)LL22. .

In order to have a better illumination about the working mechanism of the CPW-Fed, its simulated
current distributions at 3.8 and 4.2 GHz are shown in Figure 3. As shown at 3.8 GHz, the current is
mainly distributed near the arrow strip and outer boundary of the modified T-ring resonator, which
verifies the role of the strip in creating a new resonance at 3.8 GHz. At 4.2 GHz, the currents are
mainly concentrated inside of the modified T-ring slot [31,32]. The radiation patterns of the diversity
antenna for each exciting port at 4 GHz (center frequency of the antenna operation band) are plotted in
Figure 4. It is shown that well-defined polarization and pattern diversity is obtained for the antenna.
The radiation patterns of the antenna are symmetrical, covering the top/bottom sides of the substrate
and providing similar radiation behavior with a gain value of 3.6 dB. The fundamental radiation
characteristics of the diversity
(a) antenna are also given in Figure 5 within
(b) the range of 3.4–4.4 GHz
(with 0.1 GHz/step). As illustrated in Figure 5, the antenna exhibits high efficiencies over its 1 GHz
Figure 3. The current densities of the diversity antenna design from port 1 at (a) 3.8 and (b) 4.2 GHz.
Electronics 2020, 9, 261 4 of 15
Electronics 2020, 9, 261 4 of 22
Electronics 2020, 9, 261 (b) 4 of 22

impedance
In order bandwidth.
Figure
to have Inresults
2. S11/Sa21 addition,
better of thethe antenna
diversity
illumination offers
antenna
about sufficient
for
the gain
various values
working and directivity
of (a)
mechanism W2 and (b)in
of the 2the
. range its
LCPW-Fed, of
In order to have a better illumination about the working mechanism of the CPW-Fed, its
3.4–4.4 GHz.
simulated current distributions at 3.8 and 4.2 GHz are shown in Figure 3. As shown at 3.8 GHz, the
simulated current distributions at 3.8 and 4.2 GHz are shown in Figure 3. As shown at 3.8 GHz, the
current is mainly distributed near the arrow strip and outer boundary of the modified T-ring
current is mainly distributed near the arrow strip and outer boundary of the modified T-ring
resonator,
resonator, which
whichverifies
verifiesthe therole
roleofofthe
the strip
strip in creating aanew
in creating newresonance
resonanceatat3.8 3.8GHz.
GHz. AtAt4.24.2 GHz,
GHz, thethe
currents
currents are mainly
are mainlyconcentrated
concentratedinsideinside of
of the
the modified T-ringslot
modified T-ring slot[31,32].
[31,32].The
Theradiation
radiation patterns
patterns of of
thethe
diversity antenna for each exciting port at 4 GHz (center frequency of the antenna
diversity antenna for each exciting port at 4 GHz (center frequency of the antenna operation band) operation band)
areareplotted
plottedininFigure
Figure4.4.ItItisisshown
shown thatthat well-defined polarizationand
well-defined polarization andpattern
patterndiversity
diversityis is obtained
obtained
forfor
thetheantenna.
antenna. The
Theradiation
radiationpatterns
patternsof of the
the antenna
antenna arearesymmetrical,
symmetrical,covering
coveringthe the top/bottom
top/bottom sides
sides
of ofthethesubstrate
substrateand andproviding
providing similar
similar radiation behavior with
radiation behavior with aa gain
gainvaluevalueofof3.63.6dB.dB.
The The
fundamental
fundamentalradiation
radiationcharacteristics
characteristics of of the
the diversity antennaare
diversity antenna arealso
alsogiven
givenininFigure
Figure 5 within
5 within thethe
range
range ofof3.4–4.4
3.4–4.4GHzGHz(with (with 0.10.1 GHz/step).
GHz/step). As illustrated
illustrated inin Figure
Figure5,5,the theantenna
antennaexhibits
exhibits high
high
efficiencies
efficiencies overitsits1 1GHz
over (a)
GHzimpedance
impedance bandwidth.
bandwidth. In In addition,
addition,the (b) offers
theantenna
antenna offerssufficient
sufficientgain and
gain and
directivity
directivity in
in thethe range of 3.4–4.4 GHz.
The range
Figure 3. The currentof
current
3.4–4.4 GHz.
densities of the diversity antenna design from port 1 at (a) 3.8 and (b) 4.2 GHz.

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure 4. Radiation patterns of the CPW-fed diversity antenna at 4 GHz from (a) ports 1 and (b) 2.
Figure 4. Radiation patterns of the CPW-fed
CPW-fed diversity
diversity antenna
antenna at
at 44 GHz
GHz from
from (a)
(a) ports
ports 11 and
and (b)
(b) 2.
2.

(a) (b)
Figure 5.
Figure 5. Simulated
Simulated(a)
(a)efficiency
(a) efficiencyand
and(b)
(b)gain/directivity
gain/directivitycharacteristics of the
characteristics CPW-fed
of(b)
the antenna.
CPW-fed antenna.

A prototype
Figure of the (a)
5. Simulated design was and
efficiency fabricated and its S parameters
(b) gain/directivity were
characteristics of tested. In order
the CPW-fed to verify the
antenna.
simulated S-parameter results mentioned above, the single-element diversity antenna was fabricated
and measured. A vector network analyzer was used to measure the antenna in our research. The
fabricated dual-port antenna and the measured results of S-parameters are given in Figure 6a,b. As
illustrated in Figure 6b, the measured results of the diversity antenna based on FR-4 are very close to
the simulated results’ values within 2.5–5.5 GHz; it provides quite a good impedance bandwidth (S11 <
−10 dB within 3.2–4.4 GHz), and its mutual coupling (S21 ) is less than −15 dB.
Electronics 2020,
Electronics 9, 261
2020, 9, 261 5 5ofof
1522

(a) (b)
Figure 6. 6.(a)(a)Fabricated
Figure Fabricatedantenna’s
antenna’stop/bottom sides
top/bottom and
sides (b)(b)
and the simulated/measured
the S-parameters.
simulated/measured S-parameters.

The total activeofreflection

A prototype coefficient
the design (TARC),and
was fabricated envelope correlationwere
its S parameters coefficient
tested.(ECC) andtodiversity
In order verify the
gain (DG) characteristics
simulated S-parameter are important
results parameters
mentioned to be
above, the considered indiversity
single-element diversity/MIMO
antennaantennas and
was fabricated
can be calculated using the below formulas [33–35].
and measured. A vector network analyzer was used to measure the antenna in our research. The
fabricated dual-port antenna and the measured
s results of S-parameters are given in Figure 6a,b. As
illustrated in Figure 6b, the measured results )2 + (S21 antenna
(S11 + S12diversity
of the + S22 )2 based on FR-4 are very close to
TARC = −
the simulated results’ values within 2.5–5.5 GHz; it provides quite a good impedance bandwidth(1) (S11
2
< −10 dB within 3.2–4.4 GHz), and its mutual coupling (S21) is less than −15 dB.
 2
∗ S + S∗envelope
The total active reflection coefficientS(TARC), S  correlation coefficient (ECC) and
11 21 12 22
ECC =  are important parameters
diversity gain (DG) characteristics  to be considered
∗ (2)
in diversity/MIMO
1 − |S11 |2 − |S12 |2 1 − |S21 |2 − |S22 |2
antennas and can be calculated using the below formulas [33–35].
q
<!-- MathType@Translator@5@5@MathML2 2
DG = 10 1 − (ECC)(no namespace).tdl@MathML 2.0 (3)
(no namespace)@ -->
Figure 7 represents the calculated TARC, ECC and DG characteristics for the proposed dual-port
diversity antenna. As shown in Figure 7a,b, the TARC <math>and ECC results of this diversity antenna are
very low within the band, which means the antenna is competent for diversity reception/transmission
<semantics>
in the MIMO channels [33]. In addition, as can be observed from Figure 7c, the DG function of the
Electronics 2020, 9, 261 12 of 22
design is greater than 9.97 dB over the entire band. <mrow>

<mi>T</mi><mi>A</mi><mi>R</mi><mi>C</mi><mo>=</mo><mo>&#x2212;</mo>
<msqrt>
<mrow>
<mfrac>
<mrow> (1)

<msup>
(a) (b) (c)
<mrow>
Calculated (a)
Figure 7. Calculated (a) total
total active
active reflection
reflection coefficient
coefficient (TARC),
(TARC), (b)
(b) envelope
envelope correlation
correlation coefficient
coefficient
<mrow><mo>(</mo>
(ECC) and (c) diversity gain (DG) characteristics of the CPW-fed
CPW-fed diversity
diversity antenna.
antenna.
<mrow>
3. Mobile-Phone
3. Mobile-Phone AntennaAntenna Design
Design
<msub>
Four pairs
Four pairs ofof the
the modified
modified CPW-fed
CPW-fed diversity
diversity antenna
antenna mentioned
mentioned above
above were
were placed
placed in
in different
different
<mi>S</mi> × 75
corners of the smartphone board to form an eight-port MIMO antenna with a standard size 150
corners of the smartphone board to form an eight-port MIMO antenna with a standard size of of 150 ×
× 1.6 mm 3 . Its structure is shown in Figure 8. As cancan
be be
observed, duedue
to the compact sizesize
andand
alsoalso
the
75 × 1.6 mm 3. Its structure is shown in Figure 8. As <mrow>
observed, to the compact
placement
the placementof the CPW-fed
of the CPW-fedringring
antenna, the the
antenna, proposed MIMO
proposed MIMOdesign occupies
design occupiesa very small
a very part
small of
part
thethe
board. <mn>11</mn></mrow>
of board.
Figure 9 shows the S-parameters of the CPW-fed MIMO </msub>
smartphone antenna. It can be observed
from Figure 9a that all antenna elements exhibit good return loss results covering 3.4–4.4 GHz. It
should also be noted that due to the effect of the MIMO configuration and also the big ground plane
of the smartphone board, the lower operation frequency shifted from 3.2 to 3.4 GHz. However, it still
covers the target 5G bands including 3.4–3.8 and 3.8–4.2 GHz. The isolations between ports are shown
3. Mobile-Phone Antenna Design
Four pairs of the modified CPW-fed diversity antenna mentioned above were placed in different
corners of the smartphone board to form an eight-port MIMO antenna with a standard size of 150 ×
75 × 1.6 mm
Electronics 2020, .9,Its
3
261structure is shown in Figure 8. As can be observed, due to the compact size and6 of also
15
the placement of the CPW-fed ring antenna, the proposed MIMO design occupies a very small part
of the board.
Figure
Figure 99 shows
shows the the S-parameters
S-parameters of of the
the CPW-fed
CPW-fed MIMO MIMO smartphone
smartphone antenna.antenna. It It can
can be
be observed
observed
from
from Figure 9a that all antenna elements exhibit good return loss results covering 3.4–4.4 GHz.
Figure 9a that all antenna elements exhibit good return loss results covering 3.4–4.4 GHz. It It
should
should alsoalso be
benotednotedthat
thatdue
duetotothe
theeffect
effectofofthe
theMIMO
MIMOconfiguration
configuration and
and also
alsothethe
bigbig
ground
ground plane
planeof
the smartphone
of the smartphone board,
board,thethe
lower
lower operation
operation frequency
frequencyshifted
shiftedfromfrom3.2 3.2toto3.4
3.4GHz.
GHz. However,
However, itit still
still
covers the target 5G bands including 3.4–3.8
covers the target 5G bands including 3.4–3.8 and 3.8–4.2 GHz. and 3.8–4.2 GHz. The isolations between ports are shown
in
in Figure
Figure9b. 9b.TheThemaximum
maximummutual mutualcouplings
couplings ofofthethe
diversity
diversityantenna
antenna arrays
arraysare are
usually between
usually between the
closely spaced diversity elements such as Ant. 1 and Ant. 2. Due,
the closely spaced diversity elements such as Ant. 1 and Ant. 2. Due, however, to similar however, to similar performances
and placementsand
performances of the antenna pairs
placements of theinantenna
the configuration
pairs in theofconfiguration
the proposed smartphone
of the proposed antenna, it is not
smartphone
necessary
antenna, ittoisshow all S-parameters.
not necessary to show As seen from Figure
all S-parameters. As 9b,
seen the isolation
from Figurelevels
9b, theof the antenna
isolation ports
levels of
are less than 16 dB within 3.4–4.4 GHz. This is mainly due to the strong
the antenna ports are less than 16 dB within 3.4–4.4 GHz. This is mainly due to the strong mutual mutual couplings between
the adjacent
couplings ports. Figure
between 10 plots
the adjacent the radiation
ports. Figure 10 patterns
plots theatradiation
the middle frequency
patterns at the(4middle
GHz) of the first
frequency
CPW-fed diversity antenna (with ports 1 and 2) mounted onto the
(4 GHz) of the first CPW-fed diversity antenna (with ports 1 and 2) mounted onto the smartphone smartphone PCB. As seen, the
radiation patterns are symmetrical covering the top/bottom sides of the substrate
PCB. As seen, the radiation patterns are symmetrical covering the top/bottom sides of the substrate and providing similar
radiation
and providing behavior withradiation
similar gain valebehavior
of 4 dBi.with gain vale of 4 dBi.

Electronics 2020, 9, 261 13 of 22

Figure 8. Schematic of the CPW-fed eight-port 5G smartphone
smartphone antenna.
antenna.

(a) (b)
Figure 9. The
Figure simulated
9. The (a) (a)
simulated SnnSand (b)(b)
nn and Smn results.
Smn results.

The 3D patterns of antenna radiations at 4 GHz for each feeding port have been illustrated in
Figure 11. It can be observed that the CPW-fed resonators not only can cover different sides of the
mobile-phone board but also support different polarizations, which is a unique function of the MIMO
design [36,37]. In addition, due to the different placements of antenna elements (Ant. 1 and Ant. 2, for
example), gain values of 4.6/5.15 dB are achieved for the resonators. The efficiencies (radiation and
total) of the CPW-fed ring slot resonators are also given in Figure 12. It is evident that high efficiencies
Electronics 2020, 9, 261 7 of 15

(a) (b)
with slight variations are achieved within
Figure 9. the range(a)ofSnn
The simulated 3.4–4.4 GHz:
and (b) more than 80% radiation and 70%
Smn results.
total efficiencies were observed for the CPW-fed elements of the proposed MIMO design.

Electronics 2020, 9, 261 (a) (b) 14 of 22

ElectronicsFigure
2020, 9,10.
261Radiation patterns of the dual-port diversity resonator from (a) port 1 and (b) port 2.
2. 14 of 22

The 3D patterns of antenna radiations at 4 GHz for each feeding port have been illustrated in
Figure 11. It can be observed that the CPW-fed resonators not only can cover different sides of the
mobile-phone board but also support different polarizations, which is a unique function of the MIMO
design [36,37]. In addition, due to the different placements of antenna elements (Ant. 1 and Ant. 2,
for example), gain values of 4.6/5.15 dB are achieved for the resonators. The efficiencies (radiation
and total) of the CPW-fed ring slot resonators are also given in Figure 12. It is evident that high
efficiencies with slight variations are achieved within the range of 3.4–4.4 GHz: more than 80%
radiation and 70% total efficiencies were observed for the CPW-fed elements of the proposed MIMO
design.

Figure 11. 3D radiation patterns at center frequency (4 GHz).

Figure 11. 3D radiation patterns at center frequency (4 GHz).

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure (a) (a)
12. 12.
Figure Radiation andand
Radiation (b)(b)
total efficiencies
total of the
efficiencies antenna
of the elements
antenna (Ant.
elements 1–Ant.
(Ant. 8). 8).
1–Ant.
Figure 12. (a) Radiation and (b) total efficiencies of the antenna elements (Ant. 1–Ant. 8).
A prototype of the 5G smartphone antenna design was fabricated and fed for measurements, as
A prototype of the 5G
illustrated in Figure 13.smartphone
In order toantenna
verify design was fabricated
the simulated resultsand fed for
of the measurements,
smartphone as
antenna—
illustrated
mentioned in above—the
Figure 13. S-parameter
In order to and
verify the simulated
radiation results
patterns were of the smartphone
measured. Due, however,antenna—
to similar
mentioned
placementsabove—the
and alsoS-parameter and radiation
the performances patterns
of the wereantenna
CPW-fed measured. Due,the
pairs, however, to similar
properties of the
placements
smartphone and also the
antenna performances
design of 2the
for port 1 and CPW-fed
were antenna
measured pairs, the
and compared properties
in the following ofway.
the A
Electronics 2020, 9, 261 8 of 15

A prototype of the 5G smartphone antenna design was fabricated and fed for measurements, as
illustrated in Figure 13. In order to verify the simulated results of the smartphone antenna—mentioned
above—the S-parameter and radiation patterns were measured. Due, however, to similar placements
and also the performances of the CPW-fed antenna pairs, the properties of the smartphone antenna
design for port 1 and 2 were measured and compared in the following way. A vector network analyzer
and antenna chamber room were used in the measurement process in our research. The feeding
mechanism of the design is shown in Figure 14a. During the measurements, in order to avoid unwanted
mutual effects, 50-Ω RF loads are installed for the elements not under test. The measured and simulated
results of the S-parameters are compared in Figure 14b. As seen, the measured results are in good
agreement with the simulated results to cover the required operation band: a quite good impedance
bandwidth 11 <9,−10
(S2020,
Electronics 261 dB within 3.4–4.4 GHz) and mutual coupling (S21 < −15 dB) are obtained 15
forofthe
22
Electronics 2020, 9, 261 15 of 22
smartphone antenna design.

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure 13. (a) Front and (b) back views of the fabricated sample.
Figure13.
Figure 13.(a)
(a)Front
Frontand
and (b)
(b) back views
views of
ofthe
thefabricated
fabricatedsample.
sample.

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 14.Feeding
14. (a) (a) Feeding mechanism
mechanism andand
(b)(b) S-parametersofofadjacent
S-parameters adjacentCPW-fed
CPW-fedelements
elements for
for the 5G
Figure 14. (a) Feeding
smartphone antenna.mechanism and (b) S-parameters of adjacent CPW-fed elements for the 5G
smartphone antenna.
smartphone antenna.
Measured and simulated radiation patterns are shown in Figure 15. When measuring radiation
patterns, we keep one port excited and another one loaded with a 50-Ω load. In the measurement
of radiation patterns, the smartphone MIMO antenna is used as the receiver, and a horn antenna
is used as the transmitter. As can be observed from Figure 15 a,b, the sample smartphone antenna
prototype offers good quasi-omnidirectional radiation patterns with an acceptable agreement between
simulations and measurements [38–40].
Table 2 provides a comparison between the presented smartphone array antenna and another
reported smartphone array [11–25]. As can be observed, compared with the recently proposed 5G
MIMO smartphone antennas with planar and uniplanar structures, our antenna performs better in
terms of impedance match and bandwidth, and its clearance size remains at a satisfactory level, as
shown in Table 2. The proposed design achieves not only approximately 1 GHz impedance bandwidth
(a) (b)
couplings, better than −15 dB. Unlike the (b)
but also sufficient mutual(a) reported 5G antenna design, our
Electronics 2020, 9, 261 9 of 15

antenna is implemented in one-side of the smartphone mainboard using CPW-fed technology, which
makes it easy to fabricate and integrate with the circuit. It is apparent that all the listed antennas
(a)
have double-sides or uniplanar (b)clearance of the proposed
configuration. In addition, due to the small
smartphone
Figureantenna, its fundamental
14. (a) Feeding mechanism radiation properties of
and (b) S-parameters in adjacent
data andCPW-fed
talk modes are not
elements reduced
for the 5G
significantly, as discussed
smartphone antenna. in the following section.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Figure 15. 2D radiation patterns for (a) Ant.1 at 3.6 GHz, (b) Ant.2 at 3.6 GHz, (c) Ant.1 at 4 GHz and
(d) Ant.2 at 4 GHz.

Table 2. Comparison between our design and the referenced 5G smartphone antennas.

Reference Design Type Bandwidth (GHz) Efficiency (%) Size (mm2 ) Isolation (dB) ECC
[11] Gap-Coupled IFA 3.4–3.6 - 150 × 75 15 <0.02
[12] Inverted-F 3.4–3.6 55–60 100×50 10 -
[13] Patch-Slot 3.55–3.65 52–76 150 × 75 11 -
[14] Monopole 3.4–3.6 35–50 150 × 75 11 <0.40
[15] Spatial-Reuse Antenna 3.4–3.6 40–70 150 × 75 12 <0.2
[16] Inverted-L Monopole 3.4–3.6 40–60 136 × 68 14 <0.2
[17] Inverted-F 3.4–3.6 - 120 × 70 20 -
[18] Ring-Slot 3.4–3.8 60–75 150 × 75 15 <0.01
[19] Monopole 4.55–4.75 50–70 136 × 68 10 -
[20] Tightly Arranged Pairs 3.4–3.6 50–70 150× 73 17 <0.07
[21] Wave-Guide 3.4–3.6 50–80 150 × 75 15 <0.2
[22] Monopole 3.4–3.6 60–70 150 × 75 18 <0.015
[23] Diamond-shaped Slot 3.3–3.9 60–80 150 × 75 17 <0.01
[24] open-end slot 3.4–3.6 50–60 136 × 68 11 0.05
[25] loop element 3.3–3.6 40 120 × 70 15 0.02
Proposed CPW-Fed Diversity 3.4–4.4 65–80 150 × 75 16 <0.005
Electronics 2020, 9, 261 10 of 15

4. User Impacts on the Performance of the CPW-fed Smartphone Antenna Array

For smartphone antennas, it is indispensable to investigate the user effect on the radiation
performance of the antenna [41,42]. Different usage postures in data-mode and talk-mode are
considered in this section. Figure 16 represents Snn and efficiency results of the 5G antenna
Electronics 2020, 9, 261
in
17 of 22
data-mode with different placement modes for right/left hands touching the top/bottom sides of the
smartphone.
smartphone. ItIt can can bebe observed
observed thatthat similar
similar characteristics
characteristics are
are achieved
achieved for for different
different data-mode
data-mode
scenarios.
scenarios. This
This is is mainly
mainly due due toto symmetrical
symmetrical configuration
configuration andand similar
similar placements
placements of of the
the CPW-fed
CPW-fed
antenna pairs. In addition, as shown in Figure 16b, the S results of all elements
antenna pairs. In addition, as shown in Figure 16b, the Snn results of all elements are not influenced
nn are not influenced
significantly
significantly and and still
still could
could cover
cover thethe desired
desired operation
operation band.
band. Some
Some variation
variation is is discovered
discovered forfor the
the
elements,
elements,whichwhichare arepartially
partiallycovered
coveredwithwiththethehand-phantom,
hand-phantom, due
duetoto
itsits
absorption.
absorption. Furthermore,
Furthermore, it isit
evident
is evidentfrom Figure
from 16c that
Figure 16c athat
parta of theof
part radiation power power
the radiation of the antenna is absorbed
of the antenna by the medium,
is absorbed by the
which
medium, causes
whichsome reduction
causes in the efficiencies
some reduction of the elements.
in the efficiencies However,However,
of the elements. the elements still provide
the elements still
around 40% and more total efficiencies within the 3.4–4.4 GHz operation
provide around 40% and more total efficiencies within the 3.4–4.4 GHz operation band. band.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 16. (a)
Figure16. (a) Placement,
Placement, (b)
(b) SSnn
nn and (c) total efficiencies for different data-mode
data-mode scenarios.
scenarios.

Apart
Apart from
from the
the data-mode,
data-mode, discussed
discussed above,
above, the
the characteristics
characteristics of
of the
the CPW-fed
CPW-fed resonators
resonators inin
talk-mode
talk-mode are also investigated and represented in Figures 17–19. It is evident from Figure 17
are also investigated and represented in Figures 17–19. It is evident from Figure 17 that
that
the
the antenna
antenna elements
elements work
work sufficiently
sufficiently and
andprovide
providegood
goodSSnn
nn and
and total
total efficiency
efficiency results
results for
for different
different
antenna elements. The radiation pattern results for the MIMO smartphone antenna in talk-mode are
shown in Figure 18. As can obviously be realized from the simulation, the proposed CPW-fed MIMO
antenna offers good radiation patterns in talk-mode. In addition, the gain levels of the CPW-fed
antenna resonators vary from 2 to 5 GHz.
Electronics 2020, 9, 261 11 of 15

antenna elements. The radiation pattern results for the MIMO smartphone antenna in talk-mode
are shown in Figure 18. As can obviously be realized from the simulation, the proposed CPW-fed
MIMO antenna offers good radiation patterns in talk-mode. In addition, the gain levels of the CPW-fed
Electronics 2020, 9, 261 18 of 22
antenna
Electronics resonators
2020, 9, 261 vary from 2 to 5 GHz. 18 of 22

(a) (b) (c)

(a) (b) (c)
Figure 17. (a) Placement, (b) Snn and (c) total efficiencies for talk-mode.
Figure17.
Figure 17. (a)
(a) Placement,
Placement, (b)
(b) SSnn
nn and (c) total efficiencies for talk-mode.

Figure 18. Radiation patterns in Talk-Mode.

Figure 18. Radiation patterns in Talk-Mode.
Compared
Compared withwith Figure
Figure 8,8, the
the maximum
maximum reduction
reduction of of antenna
antenna gaingain is
is observed
observed forfor the
the elements
elements
Compared
closely spaced withthe
with Figure
user’s 8,head
the maximum
and hand. reduction
In general,oftheantenna
closer gain
the is observed
distance for the
between the elements
antenna
closely spaced with the user’s head and hand. In general, the closer the distance between the antenna
closely spaced
element and thewith the user’s
user’s hand/headhead is,
and hand.
the In general,
greater the the closer
reduction on the distance
the gain and between
the the antenna
efficiencies [43].
element and the user’s hand/head is, the greater the reduction on the gain and the efficiencies [43].
element
As and the user’s hand/head is, the greater the reduction on the gain and the efficiencies [43].
As can
can be
be observed,
observed, thethe maximum
maximum reductions
reductions of of the
the gain
gain levels
levels are
are discovered
discovered forfor the
the elements
elements that
that
As can
are be observed, the maximum reductions of the gain levels are discovered forthe
the elementshandthat
are located near to the head phantom (Ant. 3). In addition, due to the presence of the head and
located near to the head phantom (Ant. 3). In addition, due to the presence of head and hand
are located nearradiation
phantoms, to the head phantom (Ant.distorted
3). In addition, due to the presence of the head and hand
phantoms, thethe radiation patterns
patterns are are aa bit
bit distorted and and become
become weaker.
weaker. OneOne can
can see
see that
that antenna
antenna
phantoms,
elements the radiation patterns are a bit distorted and become weaker. One can see that antenna
elements are
are touched
touched byby different
different parts
parts ofof the
the hand
hand and
andhead
headphantoms
phantomsin inthe
thepresented
presentedtalk-mode.
talk-mode.
elements
The are touched by different parts of the hand and head phantoms in thedesign
presentedstudied
talk-mode.
The specific absorption rate (SAR) characteristic of the CPW-fed MIMO design is
specific absorption rate (SAR) characteristic of the CPW-fed MIMO is studied and
and
The specific
represented absorption It rate (SAR) characteristic of thetheCPW-fed MIMO SARdesign
value is(2.1),
studied and
represented in in Figure
Figure 19.
19. It is shown
is shown that that Ant.
Ant. 33 causes
causes maximum
the maximum SAR value (2.1), and
and the
the
represented
minimum SARin Figure
value 19. It
(0.7) is is shown from
observed that Ant.
Ant. 37.causes the maximum
Therefore, it can be SAR valuethat
concluded (2.1),
theand the
closest
minimum SAR value (0.7) is observed from Ant. 7. Therefore, it can be concluded that the closest
minimum SAR value (0.7) is observed from Ant. 7. Therefore, it can be concluded that the closest
distance between antenna elements and the user-head leads to a maximum SAR value, and the
distance between antenna elements and the user-head leads to a maximum SAR value, and the
furthest distance leads to a minimum SAR value [44,45].
furthest distance leads to a minimum SAR value [44,45].
Electronics 2020, 9, 261 12 of 15

distance between antenna elements and the user-head leads to a maximum SAR value, and the furthest
distance 2020,
Electronics leads9, to
261a minimum SAR value [44,45]. 19 of 22

Electronics 2020, 9, 261 19 of 22

(a) (b)
Figure 19. Specific absorption rate (SAR) investigations for (a) Ant. 3 and (b) Ant. 7.

The Snn (S11 ~S88 ) and efficiency characteristics of the CPW-fed MIMO smartphone antenna in the
presence of battery, speaker, camera, USB connector and LCD screen are investigated and illustrated
in Figure 20. It was found that(a) the designed CPW-fed MIMO antenna (b) provides sufficient Snn and
efficiencies supporting a 3.4–4.4 GHz band. In addition, as shown in Figure 20c, the array exhibits high
Figure 19. Specific absorption rate (SAR) investigations for (a) Ant. 3 and (b) Ant. 7.
efficiencies in the presence of smartphone components.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 20. (a) Schematic, (b) Snn and (c) efficiencies of the array in the presence of the smartphone
components.

The Snn (S11~S88) and efficiency characteristics of the CPW-fed MIMO smartphone antenna in the
presence of battery,
(a) speaker, camera, USB connector (b) and LCD screen are investigated (c) and illustrated
in Figure 20. It was found that the designed CPW-fed MIMO antenna provides sufficient Snn and
Figure 20. (a)(a)
Figure Schematic, (b) S(b)
Schematic, nn and
Snn (c)
andefficiencies of the array
(c) efficiencies of thein array
the presence
in the ofpresence
the smartphone
of the
efficiencies supporting a 3.4–4.4 GHz band. In addition, as shown in Figure 20c, the array exhibits
components.components.
smartphone
high efficiencies in the presence of smartphone components.
5. Conclusions
The Snn (S11~S88) and efficiency characteristics of the CPW-fed MIMO smartphone antenna in the
5. Conclusions
presence of battery,array
A smartphone speaker, camera,
antenna USBwith
design connector and LCD screen
new double-fed CPW-fed areresonators
investigated and illustrated
is introduced for
in Figure
A 20. It
smartphone was found
array that
antenna the designed
design with CPW-fed
new MIMO
double-fed antenna
CPW-fed provides
resonators
sub-6 GHz 5G applications. The structure of the CWP-fed element consists of two closely-spaced sufficient
is introducedS nn and
for
efficiencies
sub-6
modifiedGHz supporting
5G
T-ring radiatorsa operating
applications. 3.4–4.4
The GHz withband.
structure ofInthe
addition,
a frequency band as
CWP-fed shown GHz.
of element
3.3–4.4 inconsists
Figure 20c,
Fourof two
pairsthe array exhibits
closely-spaced
of the CPW-fed
high efficiencies
modified
diversity antennas inare
theplaced
T-ring radiators presence
operatingof smartphone
at four corners of thecomponents.
with a frequency band of board
smartphone 3.3–4.4toGHz.
form Four
an 8 ×pairs
8 MIMO of the CPW-
antenna.
fed diversity antennas are placed at four corners of the smartphone board
The fundamental characteristics and MIMO performance of the design were studied and sufficient to form an 8 × 8 MIMO
5. Conclusions
antenna.
results Theachieved.
were fundamental characteristics
Simulated and MIMO
and experimental performance
results of the
are provided to design
validatewere studied and
the usefulness of
sufficient
the designedresults were
smartphone achieved.
antenna Simulated
array for and
5G experimental
mobile results
communications. are provided
A smartphone array antenna design with new double-fed CPW-fed resonators is introduced for to validate the
usefulness
sub-6 GHzof5G theapplications.
designed smartphone antenna
The structure array
of the for 5G mobile
CWP-fed elementcommunications.
consists of two closely-spaced
Author Contributions: Writing—original draft preparation, N.O.P., Y.I.A.A.-Y., A.M.A., M.P. and R.A.A.-A.;
modified
Author T-ringand
radiators
Contributions:
writing—review operating
Writing—original
editing, with
N.O.P., H.J.B.draftapreparation,
and frequency band
N.O.P.,ofY.I.A.A.-Y.,
3.3–4.4
R.A.A.-A.; investigation, GHz.
N.O.P., FourM.P.
A.M.A.,
H.J.B., pairs
M.P. of Y.I.A.A.-Y.;
and
and the CPW-
R.A.A.-A.;
fed diversity
resources,
writing—review antennas
N.O.P.,and andare
M.P.editing, placedH.J.B.
R.A.A.-A.;
N.O.P., at four
for andcorners
other cases, allof
R.A.A.-A.; the smartphone
authors board
have participated.
investigation, N.O.P., to form
All M.P. an
authors
H.J.B., 8 Y.I.A.A.-Y.;
× read
have
and 8 MIMO
and
agreed to
resources, the published version of the
R.A.A.-A.; manuscript.
antenna. The fundamental characteristics and MIMO performance of the design were studied and
N.O.P., M.P. and for other cases, all authors have participated. All authors have read and
agreed to theresults
sufficient published
wereversion of the Simulated
achieved. manuscript.and experimental results are provided to validate the
usefulness
Funding: ofproject
This the designed smartphone
has received antenna
funding from array forUnion’s
the European 5G mobile communications.
Horizon 2020 research and innovation
program under grant agreement H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016 SECRET-722424.
Author Contributions: Writing—original draft preparation, N.O.P., Y.I.A.A.-Y., A.M.A., M.P. and R.A.A.-A.;
writing—review and
Acknowledgments: editing,
The authorsN.O.P.,
wish toH.J.B. andtheir
express R.A.A.-A.; investigation,
thanks to N.O.P., H.J.B.,
the support provided by theM.P. and Y.I.A.A.-Y.;
innovation program
resources,
under grantN.O.P., M.P.H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016
agreement and R.A.A.-A.; for otherSECRET-722424.
cases, all authors have participated. All authors have read and
agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Electronics 2020, 9, 261 13 of 15

Funding: This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation
program under grant agreement H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016 SECRET-722424.
Acknowledgments: The authors wish to express their thanks to the support provided by the innovation program
under grant agreement H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016 SECRET-722424.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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