Mutual coupling in the antennas

Abstract

Mutual coupling refers to the intricate interaction among discrete antenna elements within an array, often causing interference and leading to the deterioration of critical performance parameters. This degradation includes reduced gain, increased side lobe levels, and distorted radiation patterns, significantly impacting the overall system’s capabilities and coverage. With the increasing demand for higher data rates and capacity in next-generation wireless communication systems, such as 5G and the emerging 6G, array antennas are essential for enabling beamforming and spatial multiplexing. However, mutual coupling among antenna elements presents a substantial challenge, affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of these systems. This chapter furnishes a comprehensive exposition on the multifaceted challenges posed by mutual coupling in the domain of array antennas. Furthermore, it undertakes a systematic examination of diverse techniques and strategies meticulously devised to ameliorate the adverse ramifications. In addition, this work undertakes an exhaustive analysis to discern the far-reaching influence of mutual coupling on critical performance metrics, encompassing radiation patterns, efficiency, and channel capacity, all in the context of the dynamic landscape of next-generation wireless communication systems epitomized by 5G and the forthcoming 6G.