An Impedance-Matching Voltage Regulator for High-Power Rectifier in Microwave Wireless Power Transmission

In this article, an impedance-matching voltage regulator (IMVR) for high-power rectifier in microwave wireless power transmission (MWPT) is analyzed and fabricated, which is designed based on Zeta converter and linear voltage regulator [low dropout regulator (LDO)]. System-level verification shows that the proposed novel IMVR has the potential application value for a high-power MWPT system. Measurement results show that this design scheme realizes a larger load range of constant voltage output and higher RF-to-dc power conversion efficiency (PCE) while improving the applicability and practicability of microwave rectifier. With an input power of 37 dBm, the maximum conversion efficiency of the rectifier with IMVR can reach up to 57.41%. Besides, with an input power of 38 dBm, the highest output dc power can reach up to 3.4 W, meeting the rated power of most small electronics. Compared with other similar schemes, the proposed rectifier with IMVR presents higher overall efficiency and adjustable regulated output 5/12/24 V. The IMVR can overcome the impedance sensitivity of the rectifier and realize the output of stable dc voltage required by most electronics.