Mutual Coupling in MIMO Wireless Systems: A Rigorous Network Theory Analysis

TLDR

A new framework for analyzing MIMO wireless systems that accounts for mutual coupling effects in antenna arrays is introduced. The framework models multiport interactions via a scattering‑parameter matrix, imposes a new average‑radiated‑power constraint, defines capacity as the maximum mutual information over transmit signaling and receive loading, and validates the approach with full‑wave electromagnetic antenna simulations coupled to a simple path‑based channel model. Full‑wave electromagnetic antenna simulations combined with a simple path‑based channel model demonstrate the utility of the method.

Abstract

A new framework for the analysis of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems is introduced to account for mutual coupling effects in the antenna arrays. The multiport interactions at transmit and receive are characterized by representing the channel using a scattering parameter matrix. A new power constraint that limits the average radiated power is also introduced. The capacity of the MIMO system with mutual coupling is defined as the maximum mutual information of the transmit and receive vectors over all possible transmit signaling and receive loading. Full-wave electromagnetic antenna simulations combined with a simple path-based channel model are used to demonstrate the utility of the method.