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Radiation Characteristics and Mutual Coupling of a Dual: Band Antenna Array

Structure

Article in Wireless Personal Communications · July 2012

DOI: 10.1007/s11277-011-0261-3

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Radiation characteristics and mutual coupling

of a dual – band antenna array structure
CONSTANTINOS I. VOTISa, VASILIS CHRISTOFILAKISa,c,*,
PANOS KOSTARAKISa, LEONIDAS P. IVRISSIMTZISb
a
Physics Department, University of Ioannina, Panepistimioupolis, Ioannina,
45110, Greece
b
RF Microdevices, Inc
c
Siemens Enterprise Communications, Enterprise Products Development, Athens,
Greece
* Corresponding author. E-mail address: basilios.christofilakis@siemens-enterprise.com,
vchrist@iit.demokritos.gr

Abstract. In this paper, an antenna array structure consisting of a reflector plate and a number of
printed dipole radiation elements is investigated. This antenna array implementation is suitable for
the globally available 2.4GHz and 5GHz ISM frequency band facilitating a variety of wireless
applications. S-parameters and radiation characteristics are simulated and measured in details. The
impact of the plane reflector on radiation patterns and the reflection coefficient are also
investigated. Furthermore, mutual coupling effects between adjacent elements and the
corresponding radiation patterns are studied for different antenna array configurations. Both
simulated and measurement results are useful in antenna array design and antenna applications in
wireless communications.

Keywords: patch antenna; dual-band; antenna array; plane reflector; mutual

coupling.
1. Introduction

Modern communication systems continue to push for wider bandwidth and better
quality of service. Extensive research in communications has yielded a number of
novel techniques to meet these requirements. Among them is the Multiple – Input
Multiple-Output (MIMO) architecture that increases significantly the capacity of a
wireless communication channel using multiple antenna elements at both the
transmitter and receiver [1-3]. The corresponding antenna elements should satisfy
certain technical characteristics for efficient performance, high gain and low
profile as well as additional constraints of low cost, compact and reliability. It is
well known that, printed dipole antenna elements are very attractive due to small
size and volume, ease of implementation and integration with microstrip
technology. The reflection coefficient and radiation patterns of printed dipole
antennas are further investigated; our investigation is based on existing technical
literature [4-8]. Recent research studies propose this antenna design for dual band
applications and on using a number of printed dipoles for antenna array
applications [9]. The geometries proposed and analyzed are combined with
various types of reflectors to enhance directivity. In each case, radiation
characteristics and S – parameters are critical on antenna array design. Mutual
coupling effects, depending primarily on the radiation characteristics of each
antenna element and the relative separation between them and their orientation,
can also have a significant impact on the array performance due to unwanted
interchange of energy between the array elements. Analysis associated with
mutual coupling effects not only complicates antennas’ design but also have an
impact on the wireless system performance [10]. Particularly in MIMO
architecture, mutual coupling increases the multiple channel cross-correlation that
decreases system capacity. In a rich scattering environment, low levels of mutual
coupling results into independent channels within the same bandwidth, which
maximizes capacity of the MIMO channel [1-3]. Furthermore, mutual coupling is
an important factor that affects the antenna array efficiency [16]. In this article, a
dual band antenna array configuration is proposed for transmission and reception
in a MIMO wireless system. The structure consists of a number of printed dipole
antennas with integrated baluns backed by a reflector plate. The S-parameters,

2
radiation patterns and mutual coupling measurements have been carried out to
validate simulations and verify the design performance. The rest of the paper is
structured as follows. In Sect. 2 the details of antenna array design are presented.
The impact of the reflector is discussed in Sect. 3. In Sect. 4, the mutual coupling
between elements of antenna array is measured and the results from different
configurations are discussed. The paper concludes in Sect. 5.

2. Design method and realization

The proposed antenna array consists of a number of identical printed dipoles and a
conducting reflector plate. Top and bottom layer of each dipole along with the
integrated balun, the ground plane and the SMA (SubMiniature version A)
connection to the elements feed are shown in Fig. 1. The microstrip line at the top
layer feeds the dipole arms and the integrated balun cancels the current flowing on
the outside part of the outer conductor of the coaxial line feed [12].
The printed dipole structure is investigated in previous works [4, 6, 8, and 15] and
has been modified to support applications in frequency bands centered at 2.4GHz
and 5GHz with good radiation efficiency, low Voltage Standing Wave Ratio
(VSWR) and omni-directional radiation characteristics.

Fig. 1 Bottom and Top layer of the fabricated antenna structure.

Such identical printed dipole antennas are placed on top of the plane reflector
forming a planar array. The configuration is adaptable and provides a variety of
geometries. Based on image theory, the polarization of the radiating source and its
own position on the reflector plate (its height relative to the reflecting surface) can
be used to control the radiating properties of the dipole [13, 14]. The geometry

3
and the dimensions of the plane reflector are shown in Fig. 2. Each dipole antenna
element could be positioned vertically on the top side of the reflector in any of the
40 holes. The distance between the dipole axis and the reflector plane is
approximately 31 mm. In order to support this configuration, a number of
plexiglas bases, as pictured in Fig. 3, have been designed and fabricated. The
dipole elements are excited by a coaxial feed though the hole of the reflector
plane. Figure 4 depicts a possible geometric arrangement for the proposed antenna
array structure.

Fig. 2 Geometry and dimensions of the plane reflector

Fig. 3 Plexiglas’ base

Fig. 4 Four fabricated antennas on the planar reflector.

4
3. Efficiency

The return loss1, resonance bandwidth and radiation patterns are affected by the
presence of the reflector. Firstly, the reflection coefficient of each printed dipole
with and without the presence of the plane reflector was simulated. A time domain
method (FDTD), based on transient analysis, was used and the corresponding
simulated results are presented in Fig. 5. Simulated results indicate two resonance
points with particular parameters that were also presented by the corresponding
experimental results. Furthermore, experimental measurements on reflection
coefficient of the printed dipole antenna with and without the reflector were also
carried out. Figure 6 shows the measured reflection coefficient of the printed
dipole antenna. The designed antennas are operating at two different frequencies.

Fig. 5 Simulated reflection coefficient of the printed dipole antenna with and
without reflector

1
Return loss is the negative of the reflection coefficient expressed in decibels [18].

5
 Fig. 6 Measured reflection coefficient of the printed dipole antenna with and
without reflector
Simulated and measured results are apposed in Tables 1 and 2 for the two
frequencies that are close to 2.4GHz and 5GHz, respectively.
Table 1. First resonance point parameters
Environment Resonance Resonance
Frequency Bandwidth
(GHz) (GHz)
Simulated Results Without Reflector 2.36 0.56
With Reflector 2.23 0.54
Measured Results Without Reflector 2.48 0.50
With Reflector 2.35 0.54

Table 2. Second resonance point parameters

Environment Resonance Resonance

Frequency Bandwidth
(GHz) (GHz)
Simulated Results Without Reflector 5.78 0.48
With Reflector 5.75 0.57
Measured Results Without Reflector 5.25 0.29
With Reflector 5.22 0.30

6
Both simulated and experimental results signify that the reflector plate affects the
reflection coefficient of the printed dipole antenna. This impact yields to
frequency value shifting at both first and second resonance points. Frequency
values shifting are on the order of 0.13GHz and 0.03GHz, respectively. The
simulated and experimental bandwidths at the lower resonance point are almost
around 0.52GHz. Instead, the simulated results at the upper resonance point out
0.50GHz resonance bandwidth, but the corresponding experimental results
provide a value of 0.30GHz for the same parameter.
Further analysis on the measurements indicates quite small declinations between
the simulated and the experimental results. Simulation procedure calculates
resonance frequency values and bandwidths which are quite different from that
provided by the experimental measurements via a Network Analyzer. In Table 1,
the simulated resonance frequencies are 0.12GHz lower than the corresponding
experimental values. This difference is increased, approximating to 0.53GHz for
the frequency values at Table 2.
In any case, the differences between the measured and simulated results are
mainly due to the joining of the SMA connector (solder roughness), simulation’s
and fabrication’s error and the substrate’s relative permittivity–thickness.
Experimental results are also altered by the indoor environment. In addition, the
coaxial line that was used in the measurement set-up provides declinations on
performance according to the standard specifications due to the angle bends on its
body and the SMA connector interface on both two ends. Small variations on
measured reflection coefficient values of the dipole via the Network Analyzer are
also introduced on the curves at Fig. 6 due to presence of the wooden structure
under the reflector plate.
It should be underlined that there is a disagreement between simulated and
measured results on the 4GHz frequency range. The corresponding resonance
bandwidth is quite neglected in the case of reflector’s absence. On the contrary,
measured bandwidth approximates a value of 0.5GHz, in the case of reflector’s
presence. Balun geometry, substrate dimensions and parasitic effects of the
printed dipole structure are possibly contributing this disagreement.
In order to investigate the radiation characteristics of the printed dipole antenna
with and without the presence of the reflector plane, we also simulated the
corresponding antenna geometry, using the same method. From simulation results,

7
it is realized that the radiation characteristics of the antenna element are affected
by the reflector plate. Simulated E/H-plane polar radiation patterns are illustrated
in Figs. 7 and 8 for 2.4GHz and 5GHz, respectively.

Fig. 7 Simulated radiation patterns of printed dipole antenna with and without reflector
at 2.4GHz

8
 Fig. 8 Simulated radiation patterns of printed dipole antenna with and without reflector
at 5.2GHz
In case of no reflector plate presence and at 2.4GHz, the radiation characteristics
of the printed dipole antenna at the E/H-planes correspond to the theoretical
radiation patterns of a standard half-wavelength dipole. Simulated data present an
omni-directional radiation pattern with 2.2 dBi directivity. At 5GHz, the dipole
9
pattern also exhibits omni-directional characteristics on both the E/H-planes. The
radiation patterns become directive with the presence of the reflector. In
particular, at 2.4GHz, on the E-plane the pattern retains its shape, but the
directivity decreases. On the H-plane, the reflector structure gives rise to a main
lobe with beamwidth close to 120o and directivity of 7.3dBi. At 5GHz, on the E-
plane, the radiation diagram retains an omni-directional shape with lower
directivity. On the H-plane, a main lobe with beamwidth 104o and 8.6dBi
directivity is caused by the presence of the reflector plate. A back lobe –16dBi
below the directive gain at boresight also appears, whilst two smaller side lobes
are present at angles of 315o and 225o.
The proposed antenna array structure introduces noticeable changes on the
radiation patterns of the printed dipole antenna due to the presence of the
reflector, offering high directivity on directions perpendicular to the plane of the
reflector, in agreement with antenna and image theory principles. It provides dual-
band operation for wireless applications with good radiation performance.

4. Mutual coupling effects

In several antenna array configurations mutual coupling effects between the

radiation elements have been studied and investigated, since the interchanges of
energy amongst the elements affect their impedance and performance. In the
proposed antenna structure, a number of identical elements are placed on a co-
planar arrangement above the reflector. The reflection coefficient of each element
is then measured varying the number, the position and the orientation of the
adjacent elements. In particular, two principal array configurations are analyzed:
side-by side and collinear. In each case the adjacent elements are terminated in 50
Ohm (Ω) resistance. A representative experimental block diagram is illustrated in
Fig. 9. Based on this, the return loss of a test element is simulated and measured
for six different topologies (a to f) (Fig. 10). Simulated results of the reflection
coefficient for (a) and (b) arrangements are presented in Fig. 11(a). For
comparison, this figure also includes the reflection coefficient of a dipole with no
adjacent radiation elements. The corresponding experimental measurements are
presented in Fig. 11(b). Figures 12 (a) and (b) show the simulated and
experimental results for a single dipole, (c) and (d) arrangements, respectively.

10
Finally, the two collinear topologies in Figs. 10(e) and 10(f) prove similar
behaviour in terms of the reflection coefficient of the test dipole. The simulated
and experimental results are presented in Figs. 13(a) and 13(b), respectively.

Fig. 9 Experimental block diagram for two dipoles

Fig. 10 Configurations of antenna array

(a) side by side with one adjacent dipole at distance λ0 /4
(b) side by side with two adjacent dipoles at distance λ0 /4
(c) side by side with one adjacent dipole at distance λ0 /2
(d) side by side with two adjacent dipoles at distance λ0 /2
(e) collinear with one adjacent dipole at distance λ0
(f) collinear with two adjacent dipoles at distance λ0

11
(a)

(b)

Fig. 11 (a) Simulated and (b) Measured reflection coefficient for the array configurations
of Figs. 10(a) and (b) and a single reflector backed dipole

12
(a)

(b)

Fig. 12 (a) Simulated and (b) Measured reflection coefficient for the array configurations
of Figs. 10 (c) and (d) and a single reflector backed dipole

13
(a)

(b)

Fig. 13 (a) Simulated and (b) Measured reflection coefficient for the array configurations
of Figs. 10 (e) and (f) and a single reflector backed dipole

14
As shown in the already mentioned Figures the simulated results are in quite good
agreement with the corresponding experimental ones for each of the antenna
topologies. The corresponding small discrepancies between these results were
analyzed and discussed in Section 3. Mutual coupling effects among adjacent and
identical dipole element in each antenna array configuration are analyzed as
follows. In general, the coupling effects for printed dipoles are a complex problem
since the space wave, as well as the surface waves, significantly contributes to
mutual interaction among the antenna elements. Microwave and antenna theory
define that the fields excited by a radiated element can be decomposed into a
space wave (direct), a surface wave, a higher order wave and leaky waves [15].
Each one of these components provides mutual coupling effects, depending on the
particular topology of the antenna elements. Defining as r, the distance from the
center of a dipole element, the surface, higher order, surface and leaky wave
dependence are defined by 1/r, 1/r2, 1/r1/2 and exp(-λ0 r)/r1/2, respectively.
In the case of side by side printed dipoles topologies, the part of the total coupling
due to the surface wave is eliminated because of its nature. Instead, it’s the other
waves (direct, higher order and leaky) which mainly provide the coupling effects.
For constant r parameter, the total coupling is increased as the number of the
adjacent elements is increased.
In the case of collinear element topologies, the printed dipoles launch a surface
wave with maximum efficiency along to its axial direction. In addition, the
radiation characteristics of this element provide nulls along the axial directions,
mainly at the frequency range of 2.4GHz. Based on these arguments, the mutual
coupling effects will mainly occur due to the surface waves that follow the 1/r1/2
mathematical expression. Because of this fact, the coupling effects are limited
since the value of r parameter equals to the wavelength at the frequency range of
2.4GHz. Besides, the impact of extra adjacent dipoles seems to be negligible in
this case, due to quite attenuated coupling.
For further analysis, on the mutual coupling between the printed dipole antennas,
two element antenna arrays of Figs.10 (a), (c) and (e) are selected. In each case,
one dipole is excited, whilst the other is terminated by a 50Ω load. Based on the
“transmit mode” coupling definition and the corresponding simulated and
measured S-parameters, the coupling ratio between the two antennas is calculated
as defined by:

15
 PL
Ctr 
PD
(1)
where PD is the power radiated by the excited antenna element and P L denotes the
power delivered to the load of the passive (terminated) element. Eq. 2 [17] relates
the transmit-mode coupling Ctr to the corresponding S–parameters measurements
at the two antenna excitation ports:
2
S21
Ctr  2
(1  S11 )
(2)
Figures 14(a) and (b) present the coupling ratio Ctr in dB, employing simulated
and measured S–parameters in the calculation.

(a)

(b)
Fig. 14 (a) Simulated and (b) Measured mutual coupling for the antenna array
configurations of Fig. 10 (a), (c) and (e)
16
The results denote that the total coupling is affected by the particular antenna
topology and the elements’ number. Small declinations between the simulated and
measured results were defined in Section 3. In any case, the results also provide
confirmation on the theory assumptions referred previously. At side by side
configurations in Fig. 10(a) and 10(c), as the distance between the printed dipoles
increases, the coupling effects are limited. In collinear orientation in Fig. 10(e),
the quite wide space between the adjacent antenna elements yields to small
calculated coupling values. Furthermore, the coupling ratio at 2.4GHz is much
higher than that at 5GHz. This is due to the fact that the distance between adjacent
printed dipoles corresponds to different ratio of wavelength at the two frequency
ranges of interest (2.4GHz and 5GHz). This difference affects significantly the
leaky wave impact on the total coupling, individually in case of side by side
orientation. At 5GHz, the distances between adjacent dipoles are at least wider
than half of the corresponding wavelength. This yields to lower total coupling
than that at the 2.4GHz band, in each case.
These measurements provide an interesting amount of considerations on return
loss and coupling effects amongst the radiation elements of the proposed antenna
for the geometries depicted in Figure 10. For deeper analysis on the proposed
antenna array performance, the gain of each antenna element on both E and H
planes is measured. In fact, b, d and f configurations are chosen since they are the
ones which provide three element side by side and collinear antenna array
arrangements. Figures 15, 16 and 17 represent the radiation patterns of dipoles on
both E and H planes in (b), (d) and (f) antenna array configurations, respectively.
These radiation patterns correspond to the first resonant frequency value (2.4GHz)
of printed dipole structure. Figures 15, 16 and 17 also include the radiation
patterns of the printed dipole antenna (single dipole) on the reflector plate without
the presence of other adjacent and identical dipole elements.

17
Fig. 15 Radiation patterns for each printed dipole antenna in Single dipole and (b)
configurations at 2.4GHz

18
Fig. 16 Radiation patterns for each printed dipole antenna in Single dipole and (d)
configurations at 2.4GHz

19
Fig. 17 Radiation patterns for each printed dipole antenna in Single dipole and (f)
configurations at 2.4GHz

20
Dipoles’ radiation characteristics at 2.4 GHz are affected by the presence of
adjacent and identical elements in (b) and (d) antenna array configurations of Fig.
10. Oppositely, in (f) configuration the radiation pattern of each printed dipole is
unaffected.
More precisely, dipole 1 in (b) configuration has adjacent and identical dipole
element on both broadside directions. The corresponding distance approximates
the value of one quarter of the wavelength. This geometry affects the radiation
pattern of each antenna element on both E and H planes.
On E-plane, the measured antenna gain of dipole 1 is increased for any value of
the angle, ranging from 0 to 360o. In addition, the radiation pattern of dipole 2 is
extended on the opposite direction than that the two adjacent and identical dipoles
are located (180o). This consideration is also provided by the radiation pattern of
dipole 3 (0o direction).
For (d) configuration, the corresponding antenna array geometry differs from (b)
configuration only to the distance amongst the dipole elements. This distance is
close to half of the wavelength. The radiation pattern of dipole 1 is unaffected by
the presence of adjacent dipole elements. Instead, the radiation pattern of dipole 2
is extended on the opposite direction than that the dipoles 1 and 3 are located.
This feature is also provided by the radiation characteristics of dipole 3, too.
In linear antenna array geometry of (f) configuration, the radiation characteristics
of printed dipole elements are unaffected and also in agreement with the radiation
characteristics of the single dipole geometry.
Considerations which are also provided by the antenna gain values are included in
Table 3.

21
 Table 3. Antenna gain values of printed dipole elements on E-plane

E-Plane Frequency 2.4GHz

0O 180O
Single Dipole
Dipole 1- Gain (dBi) -4,24 -4,27
(b) - Configuration
Dipole 1- Gain (dBi) 0,61 0,56
Dipole 2- Gain (dBi) -3,82 -0,76
Dipole 3- Gain (dBi) -0,74 -3,78
(d) - Configuration
Dipole 1- Gain (dBi) -3,8 -3,78
Dipole 2- Gain (dBi) -1,54 -5,72
Dipole 3- Gain (dBi) -5,95 -1,61
(f) - Configuration
Dipole 1- Gain (dBi) -3,83 -3,89
Dipole 2- Gain (dBi) -3,97 -3,88
Dipole 3- Gain (dBi) -4,09 -4,21

On H-plane, the radiation pattern of single dipole antenna element generates a

main lobe on 90o direction. The main lobe has a start and a stop point at 50 and
130o direction, respectively. On this angle range, the measured antenna gain
approximates to 6.5 dBi.
In (b) configuration of Fig. 10, the antenna gain value of dipole 1 is increased on
both start and stop point of the main lobe. Moreover, the antenna gain value on
90o direction is decreased. For dipole 2, the antenna gain value is increased at stop
point, but decreased at the start point. The corresponding radiation pattern of
dipole 3 provides an increment on antenna gain value at the start point and a
decrement on that value at the stop point. For both dipole 2 and 3 the antenna gain
at 90o direction is quite unaffected by the presence of adjacent dipoles.
The radiation patterns of both dipole antennas 2 and 3 in (d) configuration and on
H–plane are only affected by the presence of adjacent radiation elements. The
main lobe of the dipole 1 has identical form to that provided by the single dipole
antenna geometry. Instead, the form of the dipole 2 main lobe is changed,
providing a decrement at stop point and an increment at start point of the
22
corresponding angle range. The antenna gain value in 90 o direction is also
unaffected. For dipole element 3 the considerations above are reversed.
In (f) configuration, the radiation characteristics of printed dipoles are unaffected
by the presence of adjacent and identical elements. Table 4 includes some of the
antenna gain values for three dipoles in (b), (d) and (f) configurations on H–plane.

Table 4. Antenna gain values of printed dipole elements on H-plane

H-Plane Frequency 2.4GHz

50O 130O
Single Dipole
Dipole 1- Gain (dBi) 6,79 6,84
(b) - Configuration
Dipole 1- Gain (dBi) 8,24 8,3
Dipole 2- Gain (dBi) 4,73 8,29
Dipole 3- Gain (dBi) 8,22 4,81
(d) - Configuration
Dipole 1- Gain (dBi) 6,85 6,92
Dipole 2- Gain (dBi) 7,92 4,69
Dipole 3- Gain (dBi) 4,62 8
(f) - Configuration
Dipole 1- Gain (dBi) 7,34 7,38
Dipole 2- Gain (dBi) 7 7,06
Dipole 3- Gain (dBi) 7,1 7,15

In order to investigate dual band applications of the proposed antenna array

structure, Figs 18, 19 and 20 depict the corresponding radiation pattern of the
printed dipole antenna at 5GHz.

23
Fig. 18 Radiation patterns for each printed dipole antenna in Single dipole and
configuration (b) geometry at 5GHz

24
Fig. 19 Radiation patterns for each printed dipole antenna in Single dipole and
configuration (d) geometry at 5GHz

25
Fig. 20 Radiation patterns for each printed dipole antenna in Single dipole and
configuration (f) geometry at 5GHz

26
First of all, it is clear that the radiation characteristics of the printed dipole
antenna at 5GHz are not affected by the presence of adjacent and identical
elements in (b), (d) and (f) configurations of the proposed antenna array structure
on both E and H planes.
Based on these considerations, it seems that the proposed antenna structure
provides a variety of antenna array geometries, which have defined performance
characteristics. Each of them should provide dual band communication
applications at 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency ranges.
For the (a) and (b) antenna array configurations and at 2.4GHz frequency value of
operation, the return loss of each printed dipole is increased, the mutual coupling
effects become quite evident and the radiation pattern is improved on E-plane and
provides quite small variations on H–plane which do not affect the radiation
efficiency and performance. The corresponding measurements at 5GHz have no
impact on return loss and radiation characteristics and the mutual coupling effects
are also neglected.
In the (c) and (d) antenna array configurations and at 2.4GHz, there are no
variations on return loss of each printed dipole antenna and the mutual coupling
effects are less evident than that in the (a) and (b) configurations. The
corresponding radiation pattern of the printed dipole element on E-plane is shifted
to the direction where there is no adjacent dipole element. Against, quite small
variations are presented in the radiation characteristics of each dipole element on
H–plane. For 5GHz frequency value of operation, the return loss and the radiation
pattern of the printed dipole element are unaffected and the mutual coupling
effects are also negligible.
The linear antenna array on (e) and (f) configurations do not introduce any
declination on each printed dipole antenna performance. There is no impact on
return loss and radiation pattern of each dipole element and the mutual coupling
effects are neglected.
From the mentioned considerations, it is clear that linear antenna array geometry
of either (e) or an (f) configuration provides dual band wireless applications
without affecting the performance efficiency of each of the antenna elements.
These geometries offer constant and desirable dipoles’ return loss, negligible
mutual coupling effects amongst them and do not cause declinations on the
corresponding radiation patterns. Additional, in order to provide wireless

27
applications with a number of dipole elements arranged on defined linear antenna
arrays, the distance of this adjacent group of elements is proposed to be wider
than half of the wavelength corresponding to the smaller frequency value of
performance.

5. Conclusion

An antenna array structure for dual-band wireless applications was presented and
investigated. The implementation comprises of a reflector and a number of
radiation elements. Identical printed dipoles are used as antenna array elements.
Simulated results and experimental measurements on several array topologies
quantify the effects of the reflector plate into the reflection coefficient at each
element excitation port and the radiation pattern at 2.4 and 5.2GHz. Furthermore,
mutual coupling between neighboring antenna elements and the corresponding
radiation patterns have been investigated for parallel and collinear arrangements
of the dipoles. The results demonstrate that mutual coupling and radiation
characteristics of the printed dipoles depend on the number of the radiators close
to the test element, their orientation and spatial proximity. Geometry with a
number of linear antenna arrays in side by side arrangements with sequential
distance wider than half of the corresponding wavelength is proposed for better
performance and efficiency in multiple ports wireless communication
applications.

Acknowledgment

This work is part of a research project (PENED) that is co-financed by E.U.-European Social Fund
(80%) and the Greek Ministry of Development-GSRT (20%).

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author's picture & biography
Click here to download author's picture & biography: Author Biographies - Wire1963R1.doc

Author Biographies
Constantinos Votis was born in Arta, Greece, in 1980. He received the

B.Sc. degree in Physics from University of Ioannina, Greece in 2002 and the

M.Sc. degree in Electronics and Telecommunications from the same

University in 2005. His Master Thesis was entitled “Radiofrequency

Detector Implementation”. He is, currently, a Ph.D. candidate at Electronics, Telecommunications and

Applications Laboratory of Physics Department in University of Ioannina, Greece. He has participated

in several research programmes over the last years. He is also a member of various scientific and

academic societies. His research interests include mainly digital communications, software radios,

smart antennas and MIMO systems.

Vasilis Christofilakis is currently a researcher in Siemens Enterprise

Communications. He received the B.Sc. degree in Physics from the University

of Ioannina, Greece, in 1997 and the M.Sc. degree in Electronics and

Telecommunications from the same University in 2000. He has a PhD degree

in the field of Software Defined Radios and Smart Antennas from the

University of Ioannina. From 2000 to 2004 he was a doctoral scholar at the

Mobile Communications Laboratory of the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications of

N.C.S.R. "Demokritos", Athens, Greece. He has published more than 30 papers in refereed journals

and conferences. He participated in several research programmes funded by the European community.

He is a reviewer of many scientific journals and a member of various academic societies and editorial

boards. His research interests include mainly digital and IP communications, software radios, digital

signal processing techniques, smart antennas and object-oriented approaches to telecommunication

systems.

Panos Kostarakis was born in Athens Greece. He graduated in physics from

the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, he received his M.S. in

Instrumentation from the University Louis Pasteur of Strasbourg, France, and

he got a Doctor degree from the same University. He also received a Master in
 Electronics and automation from the University of Athens. After 10 years of teaching and working

experience, at the University of Athens as associate Prof, as fellow researcher at CERN Geneva in fast

electronics and data acquisition systems and at FERMILAB (ILL) in fast triggering systems, he joined

the National Center of Scientific Research DEMOKRITOS in 1985. From 1988 – 2000 he was

Research Director at the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications of the National Center for

Scientific Research “DEMOKRITOS” and from 1995 –1998 acting director of the Institute of

Informatics and Telecommunications. He has worked in complex and pioneering industrial designs for

commercial and scientific applications and he is founder of Gigatronics computers manufacturing. His

published work appears in more than 110 scientific publications, more than 90 technical reports and is

recognized by more than 1500 citations. He has been project leader in several competitive, R&D,

European Union funded projects in Telecommunications, Electronics and Protocols. Dr Kostarakis is

also actively involved in testing, type approval and EMF aspects; He is ISO 9000 qualified and

member of the Total Quality Forum. Dr Kostarakis is currently Professor of Electronics and

Telecommunications at the Physics Department of the University of Ioannina, and Director of the

Electronics, Telecommunications and Applications Laboratory (postgraduate program).

Leonidas Ivrissimtzis was born in Greece. From 1986 to 1990 he was with

ElectroScience Laboratory of the Ohio State University, where he received

his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering in 1988 and 1990,

respectively. From 1992 to 1994 he was a Research Fellow with the School

of Electronics & Electrical Engineering of the University of Birmingham.

Since 1994, he held positions with CSA Wireless, NEC Technologies,

Lucent Microelectronics and Agere Systems and collaborated on a part-time basis with the University

of Glamorgan as an Honorary Research Fellow. From 2006 to 2008 he was a Lecturer with the

Department of Physics of the University of Ioannina, Greece, and since 2008 he has been employed by

RF Microdevices Inc. as a Senior RF Engineer. He authored several technical publications and patents,

mainly in the areas of antennas, electromagnetic scattering and propagation and RF systems for

wireless communications. His current professional and research interests focus in the area of wireless

communications, including propagation and systems design, simulations and implementation for

broadband fixed and mobile links.

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