Compact and Simple High-Efficient Dual-Band RF-DC Rectifier for Wireless Electromagnetic Energy Harvesting

(1) Background: This work presents a high-efficiency, high sensitivity, compact rectifier based on a dual-band impedance matching network that employs a simple and straightforward T-matching circuit, for sub-1 GHz license-free applications. The development of a low-cost RF energy harvester dedicated to the ISM bands is introduced. The proposed rectifier design is optimized to operate at the sub-GHz frequency bands (0.9 to 2.4 GHz), specifically those at the ISM 900 and 2400 MHz. The motivation for this band is due to the low attenuation, well-known fundamental electromagnetic theories and background, and several wireless communications are emitting at those bands, such as RFID (2). Methods: The rectifier design is based on a simple, balanced single-series diode connected with a T-matching circuit. The dual-band performance is achieved by deploying reactive elements in each branch. The full mathematical analysis and simulation results are discussed in the manuscript. (3) Results: The rectifier can achieve a 80 MHz bandwidth around 920 MHz frequency and 200 MHz around the higher band 2.4 GHz. The resultant conversion efficiency level is maintained above 45% at both bands with a peak efficiency reaches up to 70% at the higher band. The optimum terminal load attached to the circuit at which the peak efficiency is achieved, is given as 4.7 k omega. (4) Conclusion: Due to the compactness and small footprint, simple design, and simple integration with microwave circuits, the proposed rectifier architecture might find several potential applications in wireless RF energy harvesting.

Automated summary

This work introduces a high-efficiency, high sensitivity, compact rectifier based on a dual-band impedance matching network for sub-1 GHz license-free applications. The rectifier design optimized for operation at sub-GHz frequency bands (0.9 to 2.4 GHz) achieves a conversion efficiency above 45% with a peak efficiency of 70% at the higher band. Potential applications for wireless RF energy harvesting are highlighted due to the simple design and integration with microwave circuits.