A 2×1 Microstrip Patch Array Rectenna with Harmonic Suppression Capability for Energy Harvesting Application

Abstract

This paper presents a microstrip patch array rectenna for radio frequency (RF) enegry harvesting at 2.45 GHz. The rectenna configuration consists of a 2×1 rectangular patches and seven stages Hillard voltage multiplier circuit, respectively. The antenna is designed to have high gain and able to capture the 2.45 GHz signal while the rectifier circuit is used to convert that RF signal into direct current (DC) power supply. The antenna is designed and simulated using the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio software. The rectifier is designed and simulated using Advanced Design System (ADS) software. The antenna is fabricated and tested with measured gain of 5 dB is obtained. Then, the rectifier circuit propotype is measured and the results indicate that it can convert a signal into 2.5 V DC power supply. Finally, the integration of the array antenna and the rectifier circuit is perfomed which successfully produces 0.3 V power supply. The tested result in anechoic chamber verifies that the rectenna is able to capture and convert the 2.45 GHz signal into a DC power supply.