RF Near-Field Coupling System Using Reverse PDN and Considering Electromagnetic Effects

One of the more intriguing applications of wireless power transfer is power delivery for low-power Internet of Things (IoT) devices. By utilizing RF near-field coupling (NFC), an improved combination of small receiver coil area and system efficiency can be achieved, as is ideal for wireless charging for low-power IoT platforms. However, utilizing high efficiency RF NFC comes with a cost-various electromagnetic effects can lead to detuning of the resonant frequency if not properly modeled. In addition, integrating power regulation with high frequency ac-dc conversion can create large ripple voltage supply to a power distribution unit (PDU). This paper investigates the system level issues that arise in efficient, regulated RF NFC systems for milliwatt-scale output power. A method for modeling the various electromagnetic, frequency detuning effects is presented, as well as a selection process for the circuit component values in the design. Furthermore, a reverse power distribution network is designed to integrate the rectifier with a PDU, introducing a target impedance and phase considerations for an RF rectifier. The modeling and integration solutions are experimentally verified through two different RF NFC systems. The systems have measured peak efficiency of 68.4% at 3.3 V output and 58.6% for 1 V output with less than 100 mm$^2$ receiver coil area, demonstrating a unique combination of small coil area and high efficiency compared to other NFC systems to better support low-power IoT devices.