High efficiency C-band 1000 element rectenna array for microwave powered applications

A highly efficient rectenna array, at 5.87 GHz, comprising 1000 dipole elements has been designed, developed, and demonstrated for microwave powered applications. The rectenna dipole elements exhibits an RF-to-DC efficiency exceeding 80% with a uniform illuminated aperture. The rectification element consists of a custom-packaged silicon Schottky diode quad bridge with a high reverse breakdown voltage. The novel mechanical structure of the low-cost rectenna consists of a dipole array substrate and a busbar substrate suitably assembled to ensure diode cooling through conduction and convection. >