Nanoelectronic System Design for RF Energy Harvesting

The chapter begins by outlining the fundamental principles of RF energy harvesting, including the characteristics of ambient RF sources, rectifying antenna (rectenna) design, impedance matching, and power management strategies. It emphasizes the challenges in capturing low-intensity RF signals and the need for highly sensitive, low-threshold circuits capable of operating with minimal input power. Subsequently, the focus shifts to micro- and nanoscale implementation, where advancements in semiconductor fabrication and nanomaterials play a pivotal role. The chapter explores the use of CMOS-compatible technologies, MEMS/NEMS devices, and 2D materials, like graphene and MoS₂, in enhancing the performance of RF energy harvesters. Design methodologies for ultra-low power rectifiers, voltage multipliers, and matching networks are discussed in detail highlighting their impact on overall system efficiency. Additionally, system-level integration is addressed covering hybrid energy harvesting approaches that combine RF with solar, thermal, or vibrational sources to ensure reliability in variable environments. The chapter also delves into energy storage techniques using micro-supercapacitors and thin-film batteries, and their seamless integration with harvesting circuits.