An S-Band Compact Meander-Line Dual-Polarized Rectenna Array Design and Application Demonstration

Abstract

This paper presents a compact, dual-polarized rectenna array operating at 2.45 GHz and demonstrates its use in a microwave wireless power transmission (MWPT) system. The MWPT system comprises a compact voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), a power amplifier (PA), and the dual-polarized rectenna array. The VCO and PA together form a transmitter that delivers an output power of 1 W at 2.45 GHz. The transmitter’s DC power port features a universal type-C interface, which facilitates its use in daily life. We designed a meander-line dipole rectenna that eliminates the matching network between the antenna and diode. The meander-line structure improves the rectenna’s impedance and reduces its size. The measured maximum efficiency of the rectenna is 62.5% at −2 dBm. DC power combining is applied to the rectenna array to achieve dual polarization and voltage boosting simultaneously. The proposed rectenna array is integrated into a commercial digital thermometer. The digital thermometer was powered by the proposed MWPT system, demonstrating its bright prospects for MWPT applications.