Abstract

In this paper, two element multiple input–multiple output (MIMO) meander line antenna systems with improved isolation performance and compact size are proposed and fabricated in WLAN frequency band. To increase isolation among antenna elements, a novel metamaterial spiral S-shaped resonator is embedded between two radiating elements. The proposed resonator has planar configuration and miniaturized size and is capable of blocking electromagnetic propagation between antenna elements by exhibiting negative effective permeability in the desired frequency band. To illustrate and evaluate the design process, two design samples are fabricated and tested in WLAN frequency band and the agreement among measurement and simulation results approves the design method. In the frequency range of 2.38–2.48 GHz, some MIMO communication system requirements like total active reflection coefficient, envelope correlation coefficient and capacity loss are tested on design samples which show satisfactory results, so this method can be employed in designing array antennas for small mobile communication systems. The designed MIMO antenna systems separated by 13.8 mm (less than λ/9), has better than − 40 dB isolation coefficient and near zero correlation coefficient and capacity loss at the operating frequency (2.4 GHz).