Broadband High-Efficiency Microwave Rectifier with Nonuniform Transmission-Line Input Matching for Harmonic Backscattering Applications

IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium digest, pp. 118–121

Abstract

The second harmonic produced by the nonlinearity of a diode rectifier can be utilised for backscattering communication. A rectifier for this purpose should not suppress the second harmonic, but its emergence should be embraced in the design. With a traditional transmission-line matching network, composed of serial lines and stubs, it becomes difficult to ensure a high power level of the second harmonic. We propose the use of a nonuniform transmission line (NUTL) to resolve this issue. The NUTL allows nearly uncompromised travel of the second harmonic power. Furthermore, it can enhance the bandwidth of a rectifier. A diode rectifier in voltage doubler configuration with a NUTL matching network, enabling the emission of the second harmonic and efficient operation over a broad frequency range is demonstrated. It has a maximum measured power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 76.5 % at 2.5 GHz and 23.9 dBm input power while backscattering 2.8 dBm at the second harmonic and is able to maintain a PCE higher than 60 % from 2 GHz to 2.75 GHz and above 70 % from 2.25 GHz to 2.65 GHz.

Authors 3

1. Lukas Hüssen Aachen Chair of High Frequency Electronics

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University,Chair of High Frequency Electronics,Germany

2. Muh‐Dey Wei Aachen Chair of High Frequency Electronics

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University,Chair of High Frequency Electronics,Germany

3. Renato Negra Aachen Chair of High Frequency Electronics

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University,Chair of High Frequency Electronics,Germany