A Reconfigurable Circuit Strategy and Its Application in Low-Power Rectifier for Ambient Energy Harvesting

TL;DR

This paper introduces a reconfigurable low-power rectifier circuit that enhances efficiency and protects against reverse breakdown in ambient electromagnetic energy harvesting systems by adaptively changing its structure based on input power levels.

Contribution

It presents a novel reconfigurable circuit design that dynamically adjusts to input power, improving rectification efficiency and diode protection in low-power energy harvesting applications.

Findings

Improved rectification efficiency at low power levels.

Enhanced diode protection against reverse breakdown.

Adaptive circuit structure for varying input power.

Abstract

In ambient electromagnetic energy harvesting systems, the input power to the rectifier is low. To improve rectification efficiency, Schottky diodes, which are sensitive to low power, are commonly selected as rectifying devices to convert microwave power into dc power. However, low-power rectifying diodes typically have low reverse breakdown voltages, making them susceptible to reverse breakdown under high power conditions. This letter proposes a low-power rectifier with reconfigurable function. The rectifying diode is connected in parallel with the p-i-n diode. At low input power, the output dc voltage is low, and the p-i-n diode remains off, having no impact on the rectifier operation. As the input power increases, the p-i-n diode turns on, causing change in circuit structure and impedance mismatch. This leads to increased reflected power, thereby preventing the rectifying diode from receiving excessive power. In addition, the turn-on voltage of the p-i-n diode is lower than the reverse breakdown voltage of the rectifying diode, protecting it from reverse breakdown.