Adaptive RF Rectifier Circuit for Stable Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional IoT devices relying on radio frequency energy harvesting face inefficiencies due to fluctuating direct-current voltages and varying energy reception efficiency based on distance from the radio frequency signal source, limiting their use and requiring frequent battery replacements.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency rectifier circuit with a controller circuit that adjusts the number of power stages and switch circuits based on output voltage levels, allowing automatic configuration switching to optimize energy use and maintain stable output voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If radio frequency energy harvesting is used to power IoT devices, then battery replacement is eliminated, but the output voltage fluctuates greatly with distance from the signal source
Solution Approach 1:
The rectifier circuit dynamically adjusts the number of power stages based on the detected output voltage level. When voltage is high, fewer stages are activated; when voltage is low, more stages are activated. This dynamic reconfiguration stabilizes the output voltage despite fluctuations in radio frequency signal strength due to distance variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the rectifier circuit by varying the number of active power stages according to the output voltage level. This parameter adjustment allows the circuit to adapt to different input voltage conditions and maintain stable output, resolving the reliability issue caused by distance-related voltage fluctuations.
2Reliability
If the number of power stages is increased to handle low voltage, then voltage stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rectifier circuit is divided into multiple independent power stages that can be selectively activated. Each stage is a modular unit that processes the rectified signal. By segmenting the circuit this way, the system can activate only the necessary number of stages based on voltage requirements, avoiding the complexity of always having all stages active while maintaining the capability to handle low voltage conditions when needed.
3Productivity
If switch circuits are used to reconfigure power stages, then energy harvesting efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller circuit continuously monitors the output voltage level and uses this feedback information to determine how many power stages should be active. Based on the voltage level, the controller activates or deactivates specific switch circuits to reconfigure the number of power stages. This feedback mechanism optimizes energy harvesting efficiency by adapting to signal strength variations while keeping the control logic relatively simple and systematic.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The rectifier circuit enhances energy harvesting efficiency by dynamically adjusting power stage configurations, stabilizing output voltage, and optimizing energy use, reducing the need for battery replacements.
Implementation Method 1
The rectifier circuit is used to receive a radio frequency signal and convert the radio frequency signal into a direct-current voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency rectifier circuit including a rectifier circuit and a controller circuit is provided. The rectifier circuit receives a radio frequency signal and converts the radio frequency signal into a direct-current voltage serving as an output voltage. The rectifier circuit includes multiple power stages and multiple switch circuits. Each of the switch circuits is coupled between two of the power stages. The controller circuit is coupled to the rectifier circuit. The controller circuit outputs a control signal to control a conduction number of the switch circuits according to a value of the output voltage.