Computational Investigation and Design of Planar EBG Structures for Coupling Reduction in Antenna Applications

The uniplanar cross-like compact EBG structure is thoroughly assessed by means of a computational FEM-based eigenvalue analysis. A careful inspection of the dispersion diagram reveals the existence of a nearly-TEM mode that compromises the bandgap behavior, a fact that is also confirmed in coupling performance investigations. The structure is then modified and optimized to maximize the resulting bandgap zone, for mutual coupling reduction in WiMAX MIMO arrays.