An Optimized Rectenna and Impedance Matching Framework for Enhanced RF-to-DC Power Conversion

Abstract

This paper presents an optimized rectenna and impedance matching framework aimed at maximizing RF-to-DC power conversion efficiency for low-power energy harvesting applications. The proposed approach emphasizes joint optimization of the receiving antenna, nonlinear rectifier, and impedance matching network to ensure efficient power transfer under varying input power and frequency conditions. A high-gain antenna is designed to operate across commonly used RF energy harvesting bands, while low-threshold rectifier topologies and carefully tuned LC matching networks are employed to mitigate rectifier nonlinearity and impedance mismatch. Comprehensive electromagnetic–circuit co-simulations and experimental evaluations are conducted to validate the proposed framework. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in DC output voltage and RF-to-DC conversion efficiency, achieving a maximum efficiency of 66.4% at an input power of −5 dBm with excellent impedance matching characteristics. The findings confirm that integrated rectenna optimization and adaptive impedance matching are critical for efficient RF energy harvesting, making the proposed framework suitable for powering low-power wireless sensors and Internet of Things devices.