A multi layers polymer bendable multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna array on PDMS substrate for 5.8 GHz applications

This paper proposes a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) array antenna operating at 5.8 GHz using multiple layers of bendable Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. It features favorable mechanical properties such as flexibility, softness, water resistance and transparency. Moreover, its dielectric properties can be modified by loading the PDMS substrate with other contents to suit specific RF/microwave applications. The proposed 2 × 4 bendable polymer MIMO array antenna is fed using two 50 Ω coaxial ports. Simulations and measurements have indicated an antenna return loss of less than −10 dB, a correlation coefficient about 0.00016 and a maximum diversity gain of 10 dB at 5.8 GHz.