A compact microstrip slot antenna array for digital beamforming and MIMO applications

摘要

This work presents a compact microstrip slot antenna array for digital beamforming and multi-input multi-output (MIMO) applications. Unlike the conventional arrays, furnished with parallel RF channels, the proposed array consists of four switchable slot radiators in series and operates at 5.5 GHz. This array offers several advantages such as compactness, low cost, and compatibility with MMICs. With the implementation of spatial multiplexing of local elements (SMILE) techniques, the array is able to receive information from multiple spatial channels using a single RF front-end. Design issues and digital beamforming performance of the antenna array are discussed. It is expected this array can be used for high speed mobile communication where MIMO or beamforming applications are needed.