Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology can ideally enable data rate to scale linearly with the number of antennas used. However, in practice the data rate depends on the antenna design and the propagation environment, particularly for small terminals. Antenna design challenges are related especially to small terminal, in which antennas need to be small, located relatively close to each other and interact with a user. Due to these limitations, terminal antennas are potentially inefficient and do not provide a good MIMO performance. Traditional antenna design and characterization methods are not directly applicable to multiple antennas, and therefore research in these fields is needed.

In the first part of the tutorial, an overview of MIMO antennas in small terminal, and performance metrics suitable for characterizing MIMO antennas with emphasis on the latest developments will be given. Secondly, simulation of MIMO antennas in small terminal using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD)-based simulator, SEMCAD will be demonstrated. This will involve the design and evaluation of the MIMO antennas.