1. Setup the Testbench:

First, you need a complete schematic. Connect an RF source (like a port, vpulse, or vsin) at the input of your circuit. Add a load resistor or a real load circuit at the output. Make sure everything is properly grounded. If your circuit needs biasing, add biasing circuits too.

2. Define RF Input Power as a Variable:

In ADE, go to the "Design Variables" section. Create a variable, for example, RF_input_power. Set an initial value, like -20 dBm. This variable will later be swept across a range (like from -20 dBm to 0 dBm) to study the behavior of your circuit.

3. Set Up the RF Source Amplitude:

Your RF input amplitude should depend on RF_input_power. You can calculate the input voltage from the dBm value by using the formula. Set the amplitude of your source according to this relationship, or prepare to do it manually during post-processing if setting up a formula is complicated.

4. Choose the Simulation Type:

Next, select the type of simulation. Go to ADE → "Analyses".

• If you expect non-linear behavior (like a rectifier), choose PSS (Periodic Steady-State) analysis.
• If it’s a simple time-domain behavior you want, you can use Transient (TRAN) analysis.

Normally for RF-to-DC converters, PSS is the better choice.

5. Prepare to Measure DC Output Power:

You need to calculate DC output power. If you have a resistor as the load (value RloadR_{load}Rload​), measure the DC output voltage (Vout).

You can directly set up this formula inside ADE using the "Calculator" tool or "Outputs → Setup".

6. Set Up a Parametric Sweep:

In ADE, set a parametric sweep for RF_input_power. Sweep it from your starting value (e.g., -20 dBm) to your final value (e.g., 0 dBm) in small steps (e.g., 2 dBm or 1 dBm steps). This will simulate your circuit at different RF input power levels automatically.

7. Run Simulation and Plot Results:

After the simulation runs, you can plot the results. Go to "Results → Plot Outputs". Plot both PCE and DC Output Power against RF Input Power. You can plot them together on one graph, or separately for better clarity.

Make sure you save the simulation state so that you don’t lose all your settings. If needed, you can set the Y-axis in logarithmic scale to better visualize very small output powers.