Design and Analysis of Rectifying Circuits and Antennas for Wireless Power Transmission and Ambient RF Energy Harvesting

Abstract

Rectifying circuits and antennas are analyzed and designed in this thesis for the wireless power transmission (WPT) and ambient RF energy harvesting. Firstly, a novel non-quasi-static table-based diode model for WPT applications is proposed. Secondly, a high-efficiency 2.45-GHz rectenna which can harvest low input RF power effectively is developed. Thirdly, a new rectenna with broad-band 1?4 quasi-Yagi antenna array and a dual-band rectifier is designed to harvest the ambient RF power of GSM-1800 and UMTS-2100 bands. Next, two methods for extending the operating input power range of a traditional rectifier are studied. Lastly, a rectenna operating at 60-GHz band is explored. Two LTCC U-slot patch antenna arrays for future millimeter rectennas using the system in package concept are developed at 60 GHz. With proper wire bonding, the antenna and the rectifier are integrated as a 60-GHz rectenna