RF powered integrated system for IoT applications

Abstract

This work describes an ultra low power three chip system that harvests RF energy for sensing applications. The input RF power levels are typically lower than -6dBm. Our scheme uses two commercially available chips, a DC-DC boost converter and a low power microcontroller. In this paper we present the design of a third chip that compliments these to form a complete system. This chip includes an RF-DC rectifier, low power analog to digital converter (ADC) and a resistor emulation circuit (REC). While the REC helps in enhancing the efficiency of the boost converter, the ADC replaces the one present in the microcontroller and reduces the operating power requirements. The chip is designed in standard 0.18μm CMOS process technology.