volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

This paper introduces a decoupled dual-element array antenna designed to address the challenges of mutual coupling between elements. To tackle this issue, a neutralization line is strategically incorporated to suppress leaky surface currents, while ensuring the antenna's central frequency and radiation pattern remain intact. The dimensions of the neutralization line are carefully optimized using the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) to achieve the best possible performance, focusing on minimizing mutual coupling and enhancing gain. By placing the neutralization line nearby between the two elements, surface currents are efficiently redirected back to the radiating element, preventing leakage to neighboring elements. This approach also results in a more compact structure. The proposed antenna, with overall dimensions of 50 mm x 30 mm x 1.6 mm, is simulated using analytic software. It achieves an impressive 27 dB reduction in mutual coupling and delivers an ultra-wide bandwidth of 1.2 GHz within the ISM band at an operating frequency of 2.4 GHz, with a measured maximum gain of -5 dB. The structure was fabricated, and experimental results closely matched the simulations, confirming the design's effectiveness. By leveraging the WOA optimization method, the geometry of the neutralization line was fine-tuned to maximize performance, significantly improving inter-element decoupling. This design approach is simple yet effective and can be readily extended to other antenna array configurations, demonstrating strong potential for compact and efficient Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) band applications.

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doi:10.2528/PIERC23031202

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Dr. Elham Atashpanjeh

Prof. Pejman Rezaei