Towards millimeter-wave high-efficiency rectification for wireless energy harvesting

Abstract

This paper introduces a simple dual diode rectifier circuit in microstrip technology operating at K-band towards millimeter-wave applications. The designed rectifier circuit has a special architecture that enables the separation of the DC component of the rectified wave from the data-related IF channel. Diode characteristics are discussed for efficiency enhancement which is involved in accurate system simulations. Optimization procedure is carried out in order to maximize the RF-to-DC conversion efficiency. A measured efficiency of 40% for 35 mW input power is achieved for the designed circuit, showing an improvement in efficiency in comparison with previous works. The circuit presents potential applications in the design of integrated microwave and millimeter-wave systems for wireless power transmission and energy harvesting.