Millimeter-wave ink-jet printed RF energy harvester for next generation flexible electronics

In this effort, the authors present the first demonstration of a flexible, inkjet-printed mm-wave rectenna. The design considerations and processes of the individual antenna array and rectifier are described, demonstrating a realized gain of 5 dBi, and a single-lumped-component via-less rectifier with up to a 2.5V dc voltage for an input power of 18 dBm, at the operation frequency of 24 GHz. The printed system is finally demonstrated in a wireless operation test, in a bent condition, thereby setting the foundation for the emergence of mm-wave-powered smart skins and wearables for the Internet of Things (IoT).