Power efficiency maximization of an RF energy harvester by fine-tuning an L-matching network and the load

Abstract

L-matching networks have been proposed for boosting the power efficiency of radiofrequency (RF) energy harvesters. This paper shows that power efficiency is maximized by fine-tuning the components of the L-matching network and the load. Simulations at 868 MHz with commercial components and a Rogers substrate resulted in maximum power efficiencies of 10.9 %, 30.7 %, and 55.2 % for input powers of -30 dBm, -20 dBm, and -10 dBm, respectively. Experimental results showed efficiencies of 31.8 % and 52.0 % at -20 dBm and -10 dBm, respectively, close to the simulation results, but at a frequency of 814 MHz.