Rectenna Controller Fail-Safe Switching for Voltage Surge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rectenna apparatuses face issues with abrupt voltage rises when the rectenna does not generate power, leading to potential faults due to the absence of a rectenna controller state and the deterioration caused by high RF voltages in systems with overvoltage protection circuits like Zener diodes.
Innovation Solution
A rectenna controller with a first switching element in the current path that becomes conductive when the controller is not operating, preventing voltage surges and faults by maintaining a conductive path, even in the absence of controller operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the rectenna controller is in an OFF state when the rectenna does not generate power, then the device complexity is reduced, but the voltage to be applied to the rectenna abruptly rises and exceeds the breakdown voltage, causing the rectenna to become faulty
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element is configured to be in a conducting state by default (before the controller operates), establishing a conductive path in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when the rectenna receives high power before the controller starts, the voltage has a discharge path and does not abruptly rise to exceed breakdown voltage, thus preventing rectenna failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching element acts as an intermediary component between the rectenna and the controller. It mediates the voltage flow by being conducting when the controller is OFF, allowing the voltage to pass through safely to the load or ground, and becomes non-conducting when the controller operates normally, thus protecting the rectenna from voltage spikes.
2Reliability
If an overvoltage protection circuit such as a Zener diode is used to limit the DC voltage, then the DC voltage received and converted by the rectenna is limited, but an RF voltage which abruptly rises and has an amplitude approximately double that of the DC voltage is applied to the rectenna, hastening deterioration and causing faults
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element is placed in a conducting state before the controller operates, creating a low-impedance path for RF voltage in advance. This preliminary action prevents RF voltage from abruptly rising to double the DC voltage level by providing an immediate discharge path, thus protecting the rectenna from high amplitude RF voltage that would cause deterioration.
3Device complexity
If the state between the rectenna and load is open when the rectenna does not generate power, then the rectenna controller can be simplified, but the voltage to be applied to the rectenna abruptly rises, causing the rectenna to become faulty
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element is configured to be conducting by default (in advance of controller operation), establishing a conductive path before the controller starts. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the rectenna receives power during startup, the voltage has a safe path to the load, preventing abrupt voltage rises that would exceed breakdown voltage and cause rectenna failure.
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
This configuration effectively prevents abrupt voltage rises and faults in the rectenna, allowing for the use of lower-cost, lower-breakdown-voltage rectennas and enhancing the reliability and efficiency of power conversion.
Implementation Method 1
the first switching element becomes conducting to render the current path conductive
Data Source
AI summary
A rectenna controller connected to a rectenna that receives radio frequency power and converts the radio frequency power into direct current power, the rectenna controller controlling the direct current power received from the rectenna and supplying the controlled direct current power to a load, the rectenna controller including: an input terminal receiving the direct current power converted by the rectenna; an output terminal supplying the controlled direct current power to the load; a first switching element disposed in a current path connecting the input terminal to the output terminal; and a controller controlling the first switching element, wherein when the controller does not operate, the first switching element becomes conducting to render the current path conductive.