Ultra-Low-Power Non-Linear Strategies for Next Generation, Wide Area Coverage IoT

Wireless, batteryless technology holds unmatched potential for improving the efficiency of our societies, from identification and localization to sensing. The communications are typically asymmetric and involving a zero-energy transponder being activated by Wireless Power Transmission. Unfortunately, the communication distance — and thus the ZeroPower potential cellular communication coverage area — is restrained by the minimum activation power (also named Read sensitivity) which is typically dozens of meters. Strategies to increase the communication distance will be discussed in depth, from backscattering non-linear modulation to tunnel diode oscillators.