A Wide Dynamic Range Rectifier Array Based on Automatic Input Power Distribution Technique

Abstract

In this letter, a microwave rectifier array using an automatic input power distribution technique (AIPDT) is proposed to achieve high conversion efficiency over a wide dynamic input power range. The rectifier array employs two rectifier cells operating at low- and high-power levels, respectively, and utilizes AIPDT to distribute the RF input power between them according to the input power level. In this way, a high RF-dc power conversion efficiency (PCE) and a low reflection coefficient over a wide input power range are achieved. For validation, the proposed rectifier array at 2.4 GHz was designed, fabricated, and characterized. The experimental results show that the PCE maintains over 50% when the input power ranges from 2.2 to 26.5 dBm, and the input power range for PCE >30% is from −7 to 30 dBm. Besides, the reflection coefficient remains less than −10 dB over a 40-dB dynamic range (−10 to 30 dBm).