Batteryless and Self-Reconfigurable Multimode RF Network using All-Passive Energy Smart-Sensing

Abstract

In recent years, replacing the external control stimuli with internal control using characteristics of radio frequency (RF) signals (such as waveform or power level) has attracted considerable attention to the design of reconfigurable multifunctional RF devices. However, even with the most exciting techniques, the control process always needs a chip-based system to sense the power level or waveform of the incident RF signal, which is realised by additional supporting electronic components of the sensing and microcontroller circuits. Therefore, to achieve a batteryless structure, a majority of conventional works focus on using energy harvesters to convert energy from external environmental sources to DC energy for the electronic circuits. Herein, we propose a novel alternative approach to replace the traditional energy harvesters in batteryless RF devices with all-passive energy smart-sensing circuits. By exploiting the features of a nonlinear semiconductor device under different incident RF power values, the proposed network can passively selfsense the RF power level and dynamically self-control RF signal flow and power ratio. The operation of the proposed network can be considered as purely self-adaptation with control from the RF power level. Moreover, normal RF devices can be transformed to all-passive and batteryless purely self-reconfigurable devices via integration with the proposed structure. As proof of concept, the proposed network is integrated with a two-port antenna to experimentally demonstrate its purely self-reconfigurable polarisation. The proposed strategy is hereby expected to extend the field of batteryless self-reconfigurable multifunctional RF devices and pave promising new paths for the development of future intelligent, smart RF devices.

1-Bit Transmission-Type Digital Programmable Coding Metasurface with Multi-Functional Beam-Shaping Capability for Ka-Band Applications

“…Furthermore, the concept of the DPCM has been extended further to integrate intelligent systems for improving wave manipulation and achieving more innovative applications [ 25 ]. On the other hand, several works have tried to achieve multi-functional controllable metasurfaces (MSs) with all-passive mechanisms [ 26 , 27 , 28 ] or proposed new ideas for all-passive controlling methods [ 29 ]. However, there are limitations to these works, owing to the lack of control freedom, which limits their practical application.…”

Power-modulated reconfigurable nonlinear plasmonic devices without DC power supply and feed circuit

“…References [38][39][40] detail the nonlinear properties of varactor diodes and demonstrate the tuning of dispersion characteristics of SRRs loaded with varactor diodes. Nonlinear PIN or Schottky diodes with only two state, "ON" and "OFF", are commonly used in high-power limiter 41,42 and highintensity radiation field protection metasurfaces [43][44][45][46][47][48][49] to protect electronic equipment from being affected.…”