A wideband rectifier array on dual‐polarized differential‐feed fractal slotted ground antenna for RF energy harvesting

ABSTRACT This article reports a novel wideband rectenna for RF energy harvesting applications. A wideband fractal slotted ground antenna (SGA) is adopted. The operating frequency bands of the antenna are GSM, UMTS, Wi‐Fi, and LTE2600/4G bands. The antenna is fed by a dual‐polarized and differential‐feed (DP‐DF) microstrip lines disposed with an angle of 90° each relative to the other. The feed lines are etched on the bottom side of the substrate and connected to an array of four wideband RF‐to‐DC rectifiers. A nonuniform transmission lines filter ensures wideband behavior for each rectifier. The rectenna performances are simulated and measured. The experiments show an output DC voltage of 1 V at a power density of 26.6 μW/cm2 over the frequency band of operation with a peak efficiency of 50%. The proposed rectenna is suitable for energy harvesting applications in urban environments.