Rectenna-Enabled New Paradigm With Hybrid Harmonic Beamforming for Integrated Energy Harvesting, Sensing, and Communications

Abstract

Given the swift advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless power transfer (WPT), there is an increasing need for incorporating new functionalities such as wireless communication, recognition, sensing, and localization into existing systems. In response to these evolving demands, a transformative rectenna-based unified platform has been developed. This groundbreaking platform is engineered to harvest ambient wireless power while smartly managing the generated second-order harmonic signals. Illustrating its design, a multifunctional system has been implemented. This system can convert 52.9% of input radio frequency (RF) power into direct current power and achieve a state-of-the-art SH generation efficiency of 10.2% when the input RF power is set at 0 dBm. Concurrently, the harmonic signals can be re-radiated and automatically directed (steered) from −65° to 66°, facilitated by an $8\times 8$ Butler matrix and an 8-way microwave switch, all controlled by a microcontroller unit (MCU). Notably, our platform extends beyond beamforming to embrace a broader spectrum of applications, including backscattering communication, simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT), integrated sensing and communications (ISACs), and continuous wave detection. This expansion significantly enhances the scope and capability of rectification technology applications.