Dual-Domain Maximum Power Tracking for Multi-Input RF Energy Harvesting with a Reconfigurable Rectifier Array

Abstract

This work proposes a dual-domain maximum power tracking (MPPT) technique for multiple-input RF energy harvesting systems. A differential rectifier array is used to implement 4-channel reconfigurable RF to DC power conversion, and an adjustable 4-bit capacitor array is designed to improve the impedance matching between the antennas and the rectifiers. Using the perturbation and observation (P&O) method, both arrays are adaptively configured in the background with the variations of the input energy and output loading. Experimental results show that the proposed circuit successfully tracks the maximum power points while harvesting RF energy, with the peak conversion efficiency of 49.06% when the input energy is −6 dBm. With the proposed dual-domain MPPT, the high efficiency range of the energy harvesting system is greatly extended to 21 dB (−21–0 dBm).

RF Energy Harvesting

“…It was followed by research on IoT and 5G networks being used as relay nodes for RF energy harvesting [4]. Apart from studies on the concept or antenna design, there were approaches to verify the impact of a reconfigurable rectifier design [5]. Although not all studies are focused on harvesting energy from 5G-transmission-related frequencies, they have in common that the operating bands are higher than the 1 GHz spectrum.…”

Harnessing Energy for Wearables: A Review of Radio Frequency Energy Harvesting Technologies

“…This rectenna demonstrated a PCE of 63.9% and a DC output of 650 mV at a power density of less than 0.8 Wcm 2 . Subsequently, a comprehensive textile rectenna system was presented in [93]. This rectenna utilises RF power harvesting to establish an innovative power management platform.…”

“…Furthermore, a comprehensive rectenna system based on textiles was presented in [93]. This rectenna utilises RF power harvesting to establish an innovative power management platform and is designed to operate with wireless networks that utilise the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2.4 GHz frequency bands.…”

A CMOS Rectifier with a Wide Dynamic Range Using Switchable Self-Bias Polarity for a Radio Frequency Harvester

“…It is important to note that [15] requires extensive and careful optimization due to the use of different devices, which severely limits its practicality against device variation during mass production. However, the rectifier input impedance (Z REC ) also requires meticulous optimization [16] or an adaptive matching network [17,18] to address the change in Z REC based on the configuration. Lastly, self-biasing improves the P IN dynamic range by reducing the reverse conduction loss (P REV ) from the p-MOS by limiting the reverse conduction current (I REV ) and improves the sensitivity by increasing the overdrive on the n-MOS [19,20].…”