Design and Electromagnetic Performance Analysis of a Compact EBG-Loaded 8 × 8 MIMO Antenna for 5G Millimeter-Wave Applications
Abstract
This paper presents the design and electromagnetic performance analysis of an ultra-compact 8 × 8 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna configuration intended for fifth-generation (5G) millimeter-wave communication applications at 27 GHz in the Ka-band. The proposed antenna incorporates a periodically loaded electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) ground structure designed to suppress undesirable surface-wave propagation, mitigate electromagnetic coupling, and improve radiation characteristics. The antenna geometry is modeled and analyzed using Ansys High-Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS), with an overall compact volume of 22 × 22 × 1.5 mm³, making it potentially suitable for space-constrained wireless communication devices. The electromagnetic performance is investigated through full-wave simulations, considering impedance characteristics, resonant behavior, radiation patterns, gain, and directivity. Preliminary simulation results report a peak gain of 5.6 dBi and a directivity of 5.3 dBi near the intended operating frequency of 27 GHz. However, these values require further verification to ensure consistency with fundamental antenna power and radiation relationships. The EBG-based configuration provides a potential approach for controlling surface-wave propagation and improving the electromagnetic behavior of compact millimeter-wave antenna structures. Further validation is required to establish impedance matching, quantify the contribution of the EBG structure, and confirm the proposed MIMO architecture through independently excited ports. Future investigations will include experimental validation and comprehensive MIMO diversity characterization using inter-element isolation, envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), diversity gain (DG), channel capacity loss (CCL), and total active reflection coefficient (TARC). The proposed design provides a preliminary framework for developing compact antenna systems for next-generation 5G Ka-band wireless communications.