MUTUAL COUPLING REDUCTION IN PATCH ANTENNA ARRAY USING COMBINATION OF SHORTING PINS AND METALLIC WALLS

A method of loaded patch antennas with shorting pins and erected walls in between patch antenna arrays is introduced to reduce surface wave and free space wave coupling in both E and H-planes. This simple technique works equally well in both orientations by reducing coupling up to -19 dB and -15 dB (measured value) in E-plane and H-plane, respectively, as compared to a conventional patch antenna array. The scattering parameters are studied, and conclusions are made on amounts of mutually coupled power and the bandwidth of the rejection band ([S.sub.12]). A parametric study of the variation in the level of mutual coupling with respect to height of the wall has been carried out in both E and H-planes. The simulation results are well verified through measurements.