Analysis of Variance of the Diode Parameters in Multiband Rectifiers for RF Energy Harvesting

Abstract

The aim of this work was the characterization of the diode parameters from the single diode and voltage doubler rectifiers employed in multiband rectennas. For that, an analysis of variance was made through the 2: factorial design for determining the effects on the RF-DC conversion efficiency, with basis on the diode families that have been used in this type of rectennas. For both types of rectifiers the most influential parameters were the junction capacitance and the saturation current. The results in the trends of the parameter levels showed that the diode must have a high level of saturation current and a low level of junction capacitance, mainly. Additionally, these must have a low level of series resistance and emission coefficient. There were no interactions of the parameters for each evaluated load resistance. Among the diode families employed in literature, there was no particular family that complies with these criteria. Therefore, the selection of the diode family must be made through a trade-off between the parameters, which is accomplished by the family SMS-763x.