Multi-scale, multi-layer diode grid array rectenna
First Claim
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1. An apparatus comprising:
- an energy convertor for receiving electromagnetic energy and converting the electromagnetic energy into electrical current, said energy converter including;
an antenna including a first grid array including a first grid pattern of diodes located substantially along a first surface, with the first grid array acting as a half-wave rectifying element when illuminated by the electromagnetic energy, and a second grid array including a second grid pattern of diodes located substantially along a second surface, with the second grid array acting as a half-wave rectifying element when illuminated by the electromagnetic energy, wherein the first surface is spaced from the second surface; and
an electrical circuit connecting the first and second arrays to an electrical output whereby the electromagnetic energy impinging on the first and second grid arrays is converted into electrical current at an output, wherein the energy converter is configured such that at least one of;
the first grid array is offset from the second grid array; and
the first grid pattern of diodes has a different diode density from the second grid pattern of diodes.
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Abstract
An antenna for receiving electromagnetic energy with multiple grid arrays includes first and second grid patterns of diodes each acting as a half-wave rectifying element when illuminated by the electromagnetic energy whereby the electromagnetic energy is efficiently converted into electrical current at an output even when the electromagnetic energy is randomly polarized. The multiple grid arrays are spaced from one another and can also be offset from one another. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the first and second grid patterns of diodes have varying diode densities.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
an energy convertor for receiving electromagnetic energy and converting the electromagnetic energy into electrical current, said energy converter including; an antenna including a first grid array including a first grid pattern of diodes located substantially along a first surface, with the first grid array acting as a half-wave rectifying element when illuminated by the electromagnetic energy, and a second grid array including a second grid pattern of diodes located substantially along a second surface, with the second grid array acting as a half-wave rectifying element when illuminated by the electromagnetic energy, wherein the first surface is spaced from the second surface; and an electrical circuit connecting the first and second arrays to an electrical output whereby the electromagnetic energy impinging on the first and second grid arrays is converted into electrical current at an output, wherein the energy converter is configured such that at least one of;
the first grid array is offset from the second grid array; and
the first grid pattern of diodes has a different diode density from the second grid pattern of diodes.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method comprising:
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receiving electromagnetic energy with an antenna; rectifying the electromagnetic energy with a first grid array including a first grid pattern of diodes located substantially along a first surface, with the first grid array acting as a half-wave rectifying element when illuminated by the electromagnetic energy, and a second grid array being offset from said first grid array, including a second grid pattern of diodes having a different grid density from the first grid pattern of diodes and being located substantially along a second surface, with the second grid array acting as a half-wave rectifying element when illuminated by the electromagnetic energy, wherein the first surface is spaced from the second surface thereby converting the electromagnetic energy into an electrical current; and sending the electric current to an output through an electrical circuit connected to the first and second arrays. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification