Single-Ended Reconfigurable Wireless Power Harvesting and Harmonic Backscattering

This work proposes and demonstrates a single-ended reconfigurable receiver that can realize wireless power harvesting and harmonic backscattering functions relying on one diode. A normally closed switch ADG842 implements reconfigurable operation between wireless power harvesting and harmonic backscattering modes. This self-adaptative operation starts with the SMS3922 diode converting RF input power into dc, driving and turning off the switch once its logic control voltage threshold is reached. Then, the load of power harvesting is isolated, and the diode starts to generate significantly more second harmonic signals for backscattering communication purposes. Next, the receiver returns to power harvesting operation as the driven voltage drops, preparing for the next-round operation. Both simulation and experiment confirm the reconfigurable operation of this proposed receiver, which can find great potential in simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) applications at extremely low cost.