Systems and methods of protecting wireless power receivers using surge protection provided by a rectifier, a depletion mode switch, and a coupling mechanism having multiple coupling locations

Abstract

An exemplary embodiment of a wireless power receiver comprises a wireless-power-receiving antenna configured to receive radio frequency (RF) signals, and convert energy from the received RF signals into an alternating current. The power receiver also comprises a primary rectifier configured to: (i) receive a first portion of the alternating current, and (ii) rectify the first portion of the alternating current into primary direct current having a first power level, the primary direct current used to provide power or charge to an electronic device; and a secondary rectifier configured to: (i) receive a second portion of the alternating current, and (ii) rectify the second portion of the alternating current into a secondary direct current having a second power level. The second power level of the secondary direct current is less than the first power level of the primary direct current.