A voltage-boosting antenna for RF energy harvesting

Abstract

This paper presents the antenna to enhance DC output of RF energy harvesting system under weak signal reception environment. To select candidate sites and base stations for RF energy harvesting system, we discuss expected reception power level by a simple line-of-sight propagation model and the specification of currently used base stations. Under this site condition, this paper presents a voltage-boosting antenna consisting of a folded dipole antenna with high input impedance and rectifier circuit tuned for it. A theory of voltage-booting and a circuit design procedure are presented for FM radio signals.