Hybrid MIMO Patch Antenna Design for Enhanced Performance in 600 MHz–1 GHz Sub-6 GHz 5G Applications

The urgent deployment of fifth-generation (5G) communication networks necessitates wideband operation, high-gain, and stable multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) performance antennas, especially in the sub-6 GHz frequency band. In this paper, a compact hybrid MIMO patch antenna is presented that is optimized for the 600 MHz to 1 GHz frequency band with the goal of breaking through significant drawbacks of conventional antenna designs such as narrow bandwidth, high mutual coupling, and inadequate polarization diversity. The proposed antenna integrates electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures, defected ground planes (DGS), and metamaterial radiators to enhance isolation while maintaining a low-profile configuration. Through comprehensive full-wave simulations and experimental validation, the antenna achieves a bandwidth exceeding 200 MHz, a gain of 12 dB, and total efficiency of 90%, with an envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) below 0.02 and mutual coupling reduced to -22 dB. These results demonstrate significant improvements over conventional designs, which typically offer only 80 MHz bandwidth, 6 dB gain, 70% efficiency, and -10 dB mutual coupling. The experimental measurements align closely with simulation outcomes, confirming the antenna's robustness and practical applicability. Comparative analysis with published data highlights the superior performance of the proposed design in terms of bandwidth, isolation, and polarization diversity, making it a promising solution for next-generation sub-6 GHz 5G networks. This study advances the development of compact, high-efficiency MIMO antennas by effectively mitigating mutual coupling and maximizing spatial diversity, thereby ensuring reliable wireless connectivity in future 5G systems