Compact Patch Rectennas Without Impedance Matching Network for Wireless Power Transmission

In microwave wireless power receivers, impedance matching networks can maximize power transmission from RF to dc. However, they require circuit components and physical space to implement. To circumvent the problem, we present two compact patch rectennas that do not require matching networks. They comprise a patch antenna and rectifying Schottky diodes which are mounted on the ground plane and connected to the patch antenna through metallic vias. The positions of the vias are chosen in such a way that the input impedance of the antenna and that of the rectifying units are conjugately matched. The two rectenna types are all fabricated and tested: one with one rectifying unit and the other with double rectifying units, respectively. Measurements show that the rectenna with the single rectifying unit has the peak RF-dc conversion efficiency of 77% at 2.45 GHz and the dynamic power range (>60%) is 10 dB. The rectenna with the double rectifying units has the peak conversion efficiency of 74.14% at 2.45 GHz and the dynamic power range (>60%) is 10 dB. Both rectennas are good candidates for integrated microwave wireless power receivers due to the removal of the impedance matching networks and the suppression of harmonic components.