EBG Structures for Reduction of Mutual Coupling in Patch Antennas Arrays

An important issue in antenna array design is reduction of mutual coupling. In square microstrip antennas this reduction can be achieved by using electromagnetic band-gap (EBG) structures. They can help in the reduction of mutual coupling by using their capability of suppressing surface waves propagation in a given frequency range. In this paper, we analyze the isolation properties of different EBG structures are compare them in antennas arrays by simulations. A new configuration of a planar compact electromagnetic bandgap structure is investigated. Compared to the conventional EBG (mushroom structure), a size reduction of 67.2% is achieved. Simulation results show that a significant value of mutual coupling reduction, more than 6 dB, can be obtained by using the proposed structure.