Analysis of the effect of EBG on the mutual coupling for a two-PIFA assembly

Size constraints and mutual coupling on the performance of a two-element PIFA assembly are investigated for a design frequency of 2.4 GHz. A benchmark antenna assembly, employing a normal metallic ground plane is compared with an EBG modified ground plane. The height of the antenna elements over the EBG is optimised, and an isolation factor of 9.12 dB is achieved for a gap of 2.5 mm. Prototype structures have been constructed and measured for both cases.