What are the best practices and tools for testing and measuring RF energy harvesting and transfer circuits?

1 RF energy sources and receivers

The first step in testing and measuring RF energy harvesting and transfer circuits is to identify and characterize the RF energy sources and receivers. RF energy sources can be intentional, such as wireless transmitters or dedicated harvesters, or unintentional, such as TV, radio, or cellular signals. RF receivers are the circuits that capture and convert the RF energy into DC power. You need to measure the frequency, power, and modulation of the RF sources, as well as the impedance, efficiency, and sensitivity of the receivers. You can use tools such as spectrum analyzers, power meters, network analyzers, and impedance analyzers for these measurements.

2 RF energy harvesting and transfer models

The second step in testing and measuring RF energy harvesting and transfer circuits is to develop and validate models that can describe and predict the behavior and performance of these circuits. Models can help you understand the trade-offs, limitations, and optimization of the RF energy harvesting and transfer systems. You can use tools such as simulation software, circuit design software, and mathematical software for these models. You need to verify the models with experimental data and adjust the parameters and assumptions accordingly.

3 RF energy harvesting and transfer testbeds

The third step in testing and measuring RF energy harvesting and transfer circuits is to build and operate testbeds that can emulate and evaluate the real-world scenarios and applications of these circuits. Testbeds can help you test the functionality, reliability, and interoperability of the RF energy harvesting and transfer systems. You can use tools such as signal generators, power amplifiers, antennas, couplers, attenuators, and loads for these testbeds. You need to design the testbeds with realistic parameters and conditions and conduct various tests such as power transfer, data communication, and load variation.

4 RF energy harvesting and transfer metrics

The fourth step in testing and measuring RF energy harvesting and transfer circuits is to define and calculate metrics that can quantify and compare the performance and quality of these circuits. Metrics can help you assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and robustness of the RF energy harvesting and transfer systems. You can use tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, data loggers, and software for these metrics. You need to select the metrics that are relevant and meaningful for your specific goals and applications and report them with accuracy and precision.

5 RF energy harvesting and transfer standards

The fifth step in testing and measuring RF energy harvesting and transfer circuits is to follow and comply with standards that can regulate and guide the development and deployment of these circuits. Standards can help you ensure the safety, compatibility, and interoperability of the RF energy harvesting and transfer systems. You can use tools such as standards documents, certification bodies, and testing labs for these standards. You need to be aware of the existing and emerging standards that are applicable and beneficial for your specific domains and markets and adhere to them accordingly.

6 RF energy harvesting and transfer best practices

The sixth and final step in testing and measuring RF energy harvesting and transfer circuits is to adopt and apply best practices that can improve the quality and reliability of these circuits. Best practices can help you avoid common pitfalls, overcome challenges, and achieve better results in the RF energy harvesting and transfer systems. You can use tools such as literature reviews, case studies, expert opinions, and feedback for these best practices. You need to learn from the experiences and lessons of other researchers, developers, and users of RF energy harvesting and transfer circuits and implement them in your own projects.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?