A global time domain circuit simulation of a microwave rectenna

Abstract

AbstractThe paper presents a global time domain simulation of a microwave rectenna studied for wireless energy transfer. The novelty of the work is to take into account both distributed electromagnetic parts of the antenna and the rectifier circuit including lumped elements. From a 3D finite element time domain electromagnetic modelling of the structure an equivalent circuit of the antenna is deduced: the input impedance is obtained as a function of frequency over a broad band. Then a rational approximation gives a corresponding PSPICE representation. The electromotive force induced between the ports of the antenna during the microwave illumination is directly computed from the 3D transient scattering problem. The resulting equivalent circuit of the antenna is finally incorporated into the electronic simulator PSPICE, together with the lumped components of the rectenna (ideal diodes and load). Thus a global non‐linear time domain analysis of the whole structure becomes available. The results obtained with the methods presented in the paper are compared with those resulting from other techniques. The approach developed in the work could efficiently improve the design stage of rectennas devoted to microwave power transfer. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.