Highly Efficient Dual Diode Rectenna with an Array for RF Energy Harvesting

In the article, a highly efficient dual-diode rectenna with an array is proposed. A rectenna system consists of a rectifier with a single, double, and quad antenna array. In order to increase the output power of the antenna system, antenna arrays are used. RF power grows with the number of elements in an antenna array. The dual diode combination is used to get more conversion efficiency. Impedance matching between the antenna system and the diode is done using a matching circuit to increase conversion efficiency. The output voltage is 2.7 V, and the best conversion efficiency possible without a matching circuit is 40.2%. The rectifier circuit is analysed using various Schottky diodes, and the best results are obtained using the HSMS2860 Schottky diode. The highest conversion efficiency achieved by using an HSMS 2860 Schottky diode after decent impedance matching is 85.7% at 2.45 GHz with an input power level of 16 dBm and load resistance of 1050 & OHM;. The proposed design also achieves good RF-DC conversion efficiency > 50% from - 3 to 19 dBm (wide-dynamic power ranges).