Non-linear Diode Rectifier Analysis for Multi-Tone Wireless Power Harvesting

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the non-linear performance of a zero-bias Schottky diode under multi-tone excitation for wireless power harvesting applications. At low incident power levels, it has been shown that multi-tone inputs increase RF-DC conversion efficiency. Here we extend the theoretical analysis to include a more practical diode model which includes series resistance essential for determining efficiency. We show that the more complex theory approximates the real diode IV curve more accurately at low input power levels than previous models which neglect the series resistance. Index Terms—Non-linear model, zero-bias Schottky diode, Taylor expansion, multi-tone signals, energy harvesting.