Design Massive MIMO Antenna Array System Using Single/Double Negative (S/DNG) Metamaterial Unit Cells for 5G sub-6 GHz Base Station Applications

Authors

  • Sura Khalil Ibrahim The National University of Malaysia (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)
  • Mandeep Jit Singh The National University of Malaysia (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)
  • Mohammad Tariqul Islam The National University of Malaysia (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)
  • Md Shabiul Islam Multimedia University (MMU)
  • Samir Salem Al-Bawri Hadhramout University, Yemen

Abstract

For 5G applications, the presented paper provides a
unique integrated massive multiple input-multiple output (mMIMO) antenna system improved with the metamaterial (MTM).
The compact complementary circular split-ring resonator (CSRR)
with square ring ground, broad ENG (i.e., epsilon negative
metamaterial) with a bandwidth of 250 MHz, and near-zero
refractive index (NZRI) qualities enable the suggested system to
achieve single and double negative (S/DNG) characteristics.
Operating at 3.5GHz (3.37-3.62 GHz), m-MIMO antenna design
consists of 4 subarrays with three layers that function inside the 5G
frequency range. As opposed to conventional antennas without
MTM, the antenna exhibits high port isolation between adjacent
elements. Every subarray comprises eight patches, with feeding
networking in the middle, partial ground on the top layer, and a
full ground plan on the bottom layers. With 32 elements and a total
319 × 160 × 1.575 mm³ volume, the suggested antenna design is
created and simulated. With a reflection coefficient (S11) greater
than -10 dB, isolation below 39.585 dB, as well as a 10.4 dBi peak
gain for every sub-array, results show that the sub-6 GHz antenna
performs exceptionally well. Achieving an exceptionally low ECC
(i.e., envelope correlation coefficient) of no more than 0.001 and
total efficiencies in the region of >90%, along with band of 250
MHz and a 19dBi overall gain, the antenna loaded with MTM also
exhibits excellent MIMO performance. The potential of the
suggested antenna for cutting-edge 5G applications is highlighted
by such results

Additional Files

Published

2026-07-17

Issue

Section

Antennas, Radars and Radiowave Propagation