A flexible, self-powered wireless platform enabled by a reconfigurable architecture for backscatter communication and RF-solar energy harvesting

In the realm of wearable electronic systems, the challenge of short battery life stands as one of the main obstacles. Here, we integrate ultra-low-power backscatter communication with hybrid energy harvesting technique within a reconfigurable structure and further develop a flexible and battery-free wireless communication platform. To achieve compact and reliable data/power transmission, we designed a reconfigurable microwave circuit that can be dynamically configured as a backscatter modulator or radio frequency (RF) energy harvester. This reconfigurable microwave circuit provides a high isolation (>27 dB) between the backscatter modulation path and RF rectification path. At the system-level, the wireless system is manufactured by transparent materials to enable full overlap with film solar cells, thereby maximizing the hybrid RF-solar energy harvesting. The maximum RF-to-DC conversion efficiency of the transparent flexible rectifier reaches 55.33%. Leveraging the collaboration between low-power backscatter communication and real-time hybrid energy harvesting, the system demonstrates robust adaptability and stable operation across diverse environments. With the characteristics of compact circuit topology, excellent reliability, and high-efficient energy harvesting capability, the proposed device holds great promise for future wireless battery-free electronic systems and distributed Internet of Things (IoT) systems.