Design of an Ultra-Low-Power Wake-Up Receiver with Enhanced Sensitivity using an Optimized Envelope Detector

Nasiru Dallatu Umar, Kabir Ahmad Abubilal, Musa Mu'azu Jibrin, Agbon E. E.

Abstract


Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) nodes rely on ultra-low-power operation to extend functionality under limited battery resources. While Wake-up Receivers (WuRx) play a critical role in minimizing power consumption, conventional CMOS Dickson rectifiers suffer from switching transients and voltage ripple, compromising stability and efficiency. To overcome these limitations, this study presents a modified CMOS Dickson rectifier-based Envelope Detector (ED) for a 433 MHz WuRx, integrating a medium snubber configuration, feedback control, and Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS). The proposed design achieves a peak efficiency of 90% and reduces ripple voltage by 60% (to 10–15 mV) compared to traditional rectifiers. Additionally, the WuRx demonstrates improved transient response (0.2 ms rise time, 0.5 ms settling time) and a 25% reduction in power consumption—lowering sleep mode power to 1.5 µW (vs. 2.0 µW) and active mode power to 0.9 mW (vs. 1.2 mW). Benchmarking against Jang et al., (2023) confirms superior voltage regulation, transient performance, and energy efficiency, validating the design's suitability for IoT and low-power wireless communication systems.


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References


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