Modern advancements and the increasing demand for compact technology have spurred innovation in antenna design, particularly as the rollout of 5G wireless systems proliferates. Researchers have introduced a remarkable dual-band planar antenna suited for 5G terminals, which addresses the simultaneous need for miniaturization and multi-band capabilities. This antenna utilizes two half-mode patches arranged back-to-back to achieve remarkable operating efficiency.
Key research focuses on the antenna's performance within the N78 and N79 frequency bands, where it operates at 3.5 GHz and 4.9 GHz respectively. With dimensions of only 0.52 λL × 0.52 λL × 0.029 λL, it integrates well within the confined spaces typical of modern mobile devices, which are filled with various hardware including larger screens and batteries. The design demonstrates bandwidth coverage from 3.36 to 3.70 GHz and 4.79 to 5.01 GHz, reflecting strong capabilities to support the growing communication needs.
Testing revealed reassuring results— the isolation between elements exceeded 15.5 dB, and measured impedance bandwidths were found to be 3.34–3.74 GHz for the lower frequency band, and 4.79–5.01 GHz for the upper band. These measurements confirm the efficacy of the design, indicating its suitability for application within next-generation 5G networks.
The antenna employs two operational modes at 3.5 GHz (TM0.5,0) and 4.9 GHz (TM0.5,2 and strip modes), with seamless transitions between these modes achieved through specific structural designs like etched slots, enhancing performance and efficiency without compromising size. The innovative use of these patches maximizes the operational capacity, making it a potential accessory for future mobile technologies.
According to the authors of the article, the combination of these features creates “an interesting solution for 5G terminals.” The antenna's simplicity, realized with just one substrate layer devoid of air spacing, positions it favorably among complex antenna designs requiring multiple layers, reducing both manufacturing costs and installation complexity.
This study contributes significantly to the existing body of literature on antenna technology, particularly within the rapidly progressing field of mobile communications. It highlights the ever-critical balance between size, performance, and multi-band functionality as they become foundational for future technological implementations.
The proof-of-concept validation is compelling, with numerous performance metrics indicating high operational integrity: measured envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) values were found to be below 0.1, and antenna efficiency ranged between 46% to 60% for lower frequencies, slightly dropping to 40% to 47% for higher frequencies. The measured peak gains were recorded at 3.6 dBi and 2.4 dBi for the lower and upper bands, reflecting strong output performance.
Overall, this newly proposed dual-band antenna indicates promising advancements toward fulfilling 5G's technical requirements. This compact design, optimized for high integration and functionality, may well pave the way for practical applications across various wireless communication technologies. There is no doubt about the significant value this antenna could bring to future mobile devices as the telecommunication industry continues to evolve.