A New Configuration of a Microstrip RF-DC Rectifier for RF Energy Harvesting Applications

This work introduces a rectenna operating in the 2.45 GHz ISM band for RF energy harvesting. By utilizing a differential rectifier structure combined with a microstrip patch antenna, the design removes the need for power splitters and voltage adders, thereby minimizing ohmic losses and signal leakage. Fabricated on an FR-4 substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm, dielectric constant of 4.4, and loss tangent of 0.025, the prototype demonstrates a peak power conversion efficiency of 73.69%.