Usage of Signals with a High PAPR Level for Efficient Wireless Power Transfer

Abstract

The current research is dedicated to the experimental study of wireless power transfer and RF-to-DC conversion efficiency using waveforms with a high Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR). Three devices: a classical voltage doubler circuits with and without matching network and a commercially available energy harvesting device – Powercast P2110B are selected for the study. The use of a software-defined radio (SDR) for generation of sub-GHz signals allows to achieve high accuracy and customization of waveforms. The analysis of RF-to-DC conversion efficiency is based on the results of measurements of the input average power and DC voltage in laboratory conditions. The impact of the PAPR level and input average power level on the RF-to-DC conversion efficiency is investigated. Moreover, the results of RF-to-DC conversion for high PAPR signals are compared to the case when a low PAPR single-carrier waveform is used.