A High-Gain Dual-Band Multibeam Antenna System for MIMO Wi-Fi Application

A compact dual-band multibeam antenna system with high gain is presented for multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) application. The antenna system is composed of four rotationally symmetric antenna panels occupying a compact size of 60 x 200 x 7.2 mm(3). Two series-fed microstrip patch antenna (MPA) arrays are proposed to operate at the 5-GHz band. They are fed with +/- 90. phase difference signals for two directional radiation patterns with about 45 degrees horizontal 3-dB beamwidth and distinct radiation directions. Two dual-function metasurface based on periodically loaded parallel lines is designed and compactly placed between the two MPA arrays. The metasurface works as a 2.4-GHz antenna with about 90 degrees 3-dB beamwidth in the azimuth. Besides, the application of metasurface improves the gains at the 5-GHz band. Then, four antenna panels are placed in a rotating arrangement with an electric size of 0.59 lambda(L) x 0.59 lambda(L) x 1.57 lambda(L) (lambda(L) is the free space wavelength at the lowest operating frequency). The antenna system was manufactured and demonstrated the characteristics of 360 degrees pattern coverage in azimuth and high gain. The measured average gains are, respectively, higher than 8 and 12 dB at the 2.4- and 5-GHz bands.

Automated summary

A compact dual-band multibeam antenna system with high gain is proposed for MIMO Wi-Fi application. The system consists of four rotationally symmetric antenna panels and two series-fed microstrip patch antenna arrays operating at the 5GHz band. Two dual-function metasurfaces are placed between the antenna arrays to improve the gain and provide 2.4GHz antenna functionality. The antenna system demonstrates 360 degrees pattern coverage in azimuth and high gain characteristics.