Extensible rectifying antenna for large scale integration

A novel freely extensible rectifying antenna (rectenna) is proposed for large scale integration. A large scale rectenna with a simple configuration has been required. In order to realize the large scale rectenna with the simple configuration, optionally extensible rectenna is needed. The proposed rectenna is composed of two subarray antennas. The RF signals from two subarray antennas are arranged 180-degree out of phase to each other, and are connected by a rectifying device in series. Moreover, a ground plane of these antennas is divided by a slit. The capacitor, which stores electric stores, is loaded on the slit just under the rectifying device. Therefore, the rectifying circuit is a very simple configuration. The proposed rectenna has remarkable features, that is, the large scale rectenna can be freely achieved by integrating the rectenna units. Many proposed rectennas can be easily connected in series and/or parallel connection. The higher voltage and more current can be obtained with ease. It is also possible to change number of antenna arrays optionally according to the RF power density. Therefore, it will be practically attractive for wireless power transmission in many applications. In this paper, the design frequency is 5.8 GHz. The basic behavior of the proposed rectenna is successfully confirmed.