A Survey on RF Energy Harvesting: Circuits and Protocols

Recent advancement in semiconductor technology and fabrication process enable realization of the concept of Radio Frequency (RF) energy harvesting. RF energy harvesting, a process in which energy contained in electromagnetic waves is converted into useful electrical energy, will help realize perennially operating sensors. With energy replenishment capability and protocol design, RF energy harvesting sensors can attain the desirable characteristics of sensor design, lifetime and network performance. This paper investigates detailed aspects of recent research on RF energy harvesting circuits and protocols. We also discuss the impact of energy replenishment capability and protocol design on RF energy harvesting sensor networks.