RF-DC converter efficiency optimization using source-pull techniques

In this paper a source-pull approach is followed to optimize RF-DC converter efficiency in Wireless Power Transmission/Wireless harvesters systems. This approach is applied to simple one stage RF/DC rectifier but also to a voltage multiplier in a Dickson charge pump configuration. The optimization process was made in two scenarios, while in the first case it was used to maximize the efficiency of the simple rectifier, in the second case, the circuit was optimized to generate higher values of output voltage. Both circuits were dimensioned to harvest energy from an emitting an Radio Station, and thus optimized for operation at the 100MHz band. The simple experimental rectifier was optimized for efficiency and the Dickson multiplier was optimized for output voltages maximization.