Title:  Efficient RF Near Field Coupling Scheme on Integrated Boards for Emerging Technologies

Committee:

Dr. Madhavan Swaminathan, ECE, Chair , Advisor

Dr. Hua Wang, ECE

Dr. Saibal Mukhopadhyay, ECE

Dr. Arijit Raychowdhury, ECE

Dr. Paul Kohl, ChBE

Abstract:

To support the next generation of compact low power devices, a wireless power transfer solution needs to have an improved combination of receiver coil area and efficiency. This dissertation examines RF near field coupling as a means to minimize coil area while maximizing efficiency in integrated, regulated systems. Presented contributions include the efficiency analysis, design procedure, and integration challenges for high efficiency RF near field coupling systems. Along the way, the use of a reverse power distribution network and integrated inductors are explored. A few designs are fabricated and measured, showing a superior combination of receiver coil area and efficiency for low power applications. While RF near field coupling is only a viable solution for select applications, this dissertation serves as a handbook for understanding the various challenges and considerations for designing regulated, RF near field coupling systems.