Abstract
Multiple input multiple output antenna is the key technology which enables the design of 5 G networks. In order to achieve desired beam forming and side lobe reduction capabilities, antennas used in MIMO technology are required to feed with signals having different phase and amplitude. It is possible to achieve variable phase shift and variable attenuation using phase shifter and amplitude limiters. However when these devices are used between source and antenna, they makes the system non planner and non-conformal. This research presents a 16 element, multiple user MIMO Patch antenna with conformal and planner power divider network to achieve electronically steered beam along with desired side lobe level reduction. Wilkinson power divider is used to achieve conformal and planner power divider for MIMO antenna. Desired beam forming capabilities are achieved by controlling the phase of input signal to antennas by controlling the length of microstripline and desired side lobe reduction capabilities are achieved by controlling the amplitude of input signal to antenna by controlling the width of microstrip line used in Wilkinson power divider. This provides an overall planner and conformal structure. In this research same antenna is used is generate two major beams by controlling the phase and amplitude of input signal. The achieved radiation pattern of designed antenna consists of one major beams having gain of 18 dB and located at theta equal to 100 and Phi equal to 1800. When phase of input signal to antennas are changed a major beam having gain of 18 dB and located at theta equal to 100 and Phi equal to 2700 is obtained. The side lobe level less than 13 dB of main beam is achieved using designed antenna. The designed structure is simulated and analyzed using HFSS. Simulated results for the designed MIMO antenna are verified by analyzing the fabricating structure using vector network analyzer and horn antenna.
Electronically Steered MIMO Patch Antenna with Conformal Feeding for 5 G Applications
