High efficiency C-band 1000 element rectenna array for microwave powered applications

A highly efficient rectenna array at 5.87 GHz, comprising 1000 dipole elements, has been designed, developed, and demonstrated for microwave powered applications. The rectenna dipole elements exhibit an RF to DC efficiency exceeding 80% with a uniform illuminated aperture. The rectification element consists of a custom packaged silicon Schottky diode quad bridge with a high reverse breakdown voltage. The novel mechanical structure of the low-cost rectenna consists of a dipole array substrate and a busbar substrate suitably assembled to ensure diode cooling through conduction and convection. Power densities of 100 mW/cm/sup 2/ could be handled to produce DC power well in excess of 450 W at a frequency of 5.86 GHz.<>