Search Results (51)

Navigation signals are simultaneously affected by nonlinear distortion from the high-power amplifier (HPA) and linear distortion from the filter in the navigation signal transmission channel, which reduce the signal quality and degrade the performance in high-precision positioning services. To address the limitation of traditional compensation methods under nonlinear conditions, this proposes a joint compensation approach. The approach first employs an iterative piecewise optimization method to design a predistortion filter to enhance the compensation ability for linear distortion. Then a QR-decomposition recursive least squares parameter extraction algorithm is used to extract the actual HPA model and construct a lookup table, enabling adaptive compensation of nonlinear distortion. With S-curve bias (SCB) as the performance evaluation index, the results show that this method can significantly reduce the SCB and effectively compensate for the distortion. The findings indicate that the proposed method improves navigation signal quality and provides reliable support for high-precision positioning services. Full article

This paper proposes an optimized digital predistortion (DPD) framework. Firstly, a peak-detection-based loop-delay estimation is developed by leveraging the unique peak distribution of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) signals. It reduces the required number of samples to as small as two without compromising estimation accuracy. Then, a Biased Memory Polynomial (BMP) model is proposed for power amplifier modeling. It addresses low-power inaccuracies caused by circuit imperfections (e.g., DC offsets) by adding a bias term to conventional memory polynomials, improving linearization accuracy in low-power regime. Last, to improve the accuracy of coefficient derivation, Memory-Clustering Biased Memory Polynomial (MBMP) is proposed by grouping signals into clusters based on memory-attenuated input vectors and processing them with dedicated sub-models. It improves linearization accuracy in high-power regime. Experimental results demonstrate that the MBMP model reduces normalized mean square error (NMSE) by 16.12 dB, and reduces adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) by about 12 dBm compared to conventional MP. Full article

In this work, we experimentally demonstrate a scheme for generating a multi-band FMCW signal with a tunable sweep bandwidth and inter-band interval. For such a scheme, an original FMCW signal is first acquired by directly current-modulating a master distributed feedback semiconductor laser (DFB-SCL) using a pre-distorted triangular waveform. Then, the original FMCW signal is injected into a slave DFB-SCL, in which a multi-band FMCW signal is generated via the four-wave mixing (FWM) effect. The experiment results show that, under appropriate injection parameters, a tri-band FMCW signal can be obtained, which is composed of a regenerated original FMCW signal (named as main band) and two newly generated FMCW signals originating from idler waves (named as upper band and lower band, respectively). Under the optical injection with negative frequency detuning, the sweep-frequency bandwidth for upper band is the same as that of the original FMCW signal, and the sweep-frequency bandwidth for lower band is twice that of the original FMCW signal. Meanwhile, the interval between the central frequencies of two adjacent bands depends on the frequency detuning between two DFB-SCLs operating at free-running. By adjusting the sweep-frequency bandwidth of the original FMCW signal and the temperature of the slave DFB-SCL, the sweep-frequency bandwidth of each band and the interval between two adjacent bands of the generated FMCW signal can be tuned. For demonstration of a proof of concept, we inspect the case that the original FMCW signal with a sweep-frequency bandwidth varied within 3 GHz~7 GHz and the frequency detuning varied within 44 GHz~59 GHz. The corresponding results demonstrate that each band with the different sweep-frequency bandwidth possesses high linearity of R² > 0.990 under the frequency detuning fixing at 59 GHz. Such a scheme offers a simplified architecture for generating multi-band FMCW signals with a tunable sweep-frequency bandwidth and inter-band interval. Full article

This paper presents a novel methodology for the design and calibration of ultra-compact digital-to-analog converters (DACs), integrating architectural redundancy and a digital calibration algorithm. The proposed calibration approach generates pre-distortion codes that correct both positive and negative nonlinearity errors, even in designs with severe mismatch or relaxed layout constraints. This enables the use of aggressively scaled devices while maintaining high linearity and spectral fidelity. The algorithm is architecture-agnostic and compatible with resistor-string, current-steering, and hybrid DAC structures. It operates with minimal memory, low latency, and supports both foreground and background calibration modes. The method is validated through simulation and silicon measurement of three 14-bit DAC architectures fabricated in TSMC 180 nm CMOS. Post-calibration results demonstrate linearity within ±0.5–1.2 LSB, ENOB up to 13.8 bits, and significant improvements in SNR, SFDR, and THD. The compact layouts—occupying as little as 0.0169 mm²—highlight the scalability of the proposed method for applications such as analog AI accelerators and high-density mixed-signal SoCs. Full article

The increasing need for high-data-rate wireless applications in 5G and IoT networks requires sophisticated power amplifier (PA) designs in the sub-6 GHz spectrum. This work introduces a high-efficiency Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based power amplifier optimized for the 2.3–2.5 GHz frequency band, using digital pre-distortion (DPD) to improve spectral fidelity and reduce distortion. The design employs load modulation and dynamic biasing to optimize power-added efficiency (PAE) and linearity. Simulation findings indicate a gain of 13 dB, a 3 dB compression point at 29.7 dBm input power, and 40 dBm output power, with a power-added efficiency of 60% and a drain efficiency of 65%. The power amplifier achieves a return loss of more than 15 dB throughout the frequency spectrum, ensuring robust impedance matching and consistent performance. Electromagnetic co-simulations confirm its stability under high-frequency settings, rendering it appropriate for next-generation high-efficiency wireless communication systems. Full article

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors are essential for applications where high-resolution distance and velocity measurements are required. In particular, frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR, compared with other LiDAR implementations, provides superior receiver sensitivity, enhanced range resolution, and the capability to measure velocity. Integrating LiDARs into electronic and photonic semiconductor chips can lower their cost, size, and power consumption, making them affordable for cost-sensitive applications. Additionally, simple designs are required, such as FMCW signal generation by the direct modulation of the current of a semiconductor laser. However, semiconductor lasers are inherently nonlinear, and the driving waveform needs to be optimized to generate linear FMCW signals. In this paper, we employ pre-distortion techniques to compensate for chirp nonlinearity, achieving frequency nonlinearities of 0.0029% for the down-ramp and the up-ramp at 55 kHz. Experimental results demonstrate a highly accurate LiDAR system with a resolution of under 5 cm, operating over a 210-m range through single-mode fiber, which corresponds to approximately 308 m in free space, towards meeting the requirements for long-range autonomous driving. Full article

This paper presents a highly linear two-stage InGaP/GaAs power amplifier integrated circuit (PAIC) using a dynamic predistorter for 5G small-cell applications. The proposed predistorter, based on a diode-connected transistor, utilizes a supply voltage to accurately control the linearization characteristics by adjusting its dc current. It is connected in parallel with an inter-stage of the two-stage PAIC through a series configuration of a resistor and an inductor, and features a shunt capacitor at the base of the transistor. These passive components have been optimized to enhance the linearization performance by managing the RF signal’s coupling to the diode. Using these optimized components, the AM−AM and AM−PM nonlinearities arising from the nonlinear resistance and capacitance in the diode can be effectively used to significantly flatten the AM−AM and AM−PM characteristics of the PAIC. The proposed predistorter was applied to the 2.6 GHz two-stage InGaP/GaAs HBT PAIC. The IC was tested using a 5 × 5 mm² module package based on a four-layer laminate. The load network was implemented off-chip on the laminate. By employing a continuous-wave (CW) signal, the AM−AM and AM−PM characteristics at 2.55–2.65 GHz were improved by approximately 0.05 dB and 3°, respectively. When utilizing the new radio (NR) signal, based on OFDM cyclic prefix (CP) with a signal bandwidth of 100 MHz and a peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of 9.7 dB, the power-added efficiency (PAE) reached at least 11.8%, and the average output power was no less than 24 dBm, achieving an adjacent channel leakage power ratio (ACLR) of −40.0 dBc. Full article

With the continuous expansion of communication bandwidth, accurately modeling the non-linear characteristics of power amplifiers has become increasingly challenging, directly affecting the performance of digital pre-distortion (DPD) technology. The high peak-to-average power ratio and complex modulation schemes of wideband signals further exacerbate the difficulty of DPD implementation, necessitating more efficient algorithms. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a wideband DPD algorithm based on edge signal correction. By acquiring signals near the center frequency and comparing them with equally band-limited feedback signals, the algorithm effectively reduces the required processing bandwidth. The incorporation of cross-terms for model calibration enhances the model fitting accuracy, leading to significant improvement in pre-distortion performance. Simulation results demonstrate that compared with traditional DPD algorithms, the proposed method reduces the error vector magnitude (EVM) from 1.112% to 0.512%. Experimental validation shows an average improvement of 11.75 dBm in adjacent channel power at a 2 MHz frequency offset compared to conventional memory polynomial DPD. These improvements provide a novel solution for power amplifier linearization in wideband communication systems. Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive review of GaAs HBT-based Doherty power amplifiers (DPAs) targeting 5G New Radio (NR) handset applications. Focusing on the critical challenges of linearity enhancement, back-off efficiency improvement, bandwidth extension under low-voltage (3.4 V) operation, and chip thermal management, the authors analyze state-of-the-art DPAs published in recent years. Key innovations including dynamic power division technique, third order intermodulation (IM3) cancellation technology, and compact output combiners are comparatively studied. Using 5G NR signals, the critical performance of the latest reported PA such as maximum linear power, back-off efficiency, bandwidth, and operating voltage are quantitatively investigated. The measurement results demonstrated that the best performance in recent DPAs achieved high linear power of 31 dBm with 34% PAE and 30 dBm with 31% PAE at the N78 and N77 bands, respectively. The corresponding adjacent channel leakage ratios (ACLRs) were lower than −36.5 dBc without digital pre-distortion (DPD). This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the latest advancements and future directions in highly efficient and linear DPA designs for 5G handset front-end modules. Full article

Digital predistortion (DPD) is essential for improving the efficiency and linearity of power amplifiers (PAs), particularly in radio frequency communication systems. We propose a wavelet decomposition prediction (WDP) framework that better adapts to the highly nonlinear characteristics of PAs. In this framework, the input data are first decomposed using wavelet transformation, allowing for a more effective representation of nonlinear features. Next, a nonlinear modeling process is conducted on the PA to capture its distortion characteristics. Once the nonlinear model is trained, it is frozen to preserve its learned features. Based on this frozen nonlinear model, DPD is then applied to the PA to compensate for nonlinear distortions. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method, achieving the best ACPR and EVM performance on the OpenDPD dataset. Full article

Frequency sweeping linearity is essential for Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), as it impacts the ranging resolution and accuracy of the system. Pre-distortion methods can correct for frequency sweeping nonlinearity; however, residual minor nonlinearities can still degrade the system ranging resolution, especially at far distances. Therefore, the precise measurement of minor nonlinearities is particularly essential for long-range FMCW LIDAR. This paper proposes a calibration-free MZI for measuring optical frequency sweeping nonlinearity, which involves alternately inserting two short polarization-maintaining fibers with different delays into one arm of an MZI, and after two rounds of beat collection, the optical frequency sweep curve of the light source is accurately measured for nonlinearity evaluation. Using the proposed method, the nonlinearity of a frequency-swept laser source is measured to be 0.2113%, and the relative nonlinearity is 5.3560 × 10⁻⁵. With the measured frequency sweep curve, we simulate the beat signal and compare it with the collected beat signal in time and frequency domain, to verify the accuracy of the proposed method. A test conducted at 24.1 °C, 30.4 °C, 39.5 °C and 44.0 °C demonstrate the method’s insensitivity to temperature fluctuations. Based on the proposed MZI, a tunable laser is pre-distorted and then used as light source of a FMCW lidar. A wall at 45 m and a building at 1.2 km are ranged by the lidar respectively. Before and after laser pre-distortion, the FWHM of echo beat spectrum are 25.635 kHz and 9.736 kHz for 45 m, 747.880 kHz and 22.012 kHz for 1.2 km. Full article

This paper proposes a Composition Piecewise Memory Polynomial (CPMP) digital predistortion model based on a Vector Switched (VS) behavioral model to address the challenges of severe nonlinearity and strong memory effects in wideband power amplifiers (PAs). To tackle this issue, two thresholds are calculated and used to segment the envelope values of the input signal according to the nonlinear distortion characteristics of the PA. In this approach, a Generalized Memory Polynomial (GMP) model is employed for the lower segment, a Memory Polynomial (MP) model is employed for the middle segment, and a higher-order GMP model is employed for the upper segment. By sharing the fundamental MP among the proposed segmented models and leveraging a design methodology that configures different cross terms, memory depths, and polynomial orders for each segment, this model achieves superior linearization performance while simultaneously reducing the computational complexity associated with model extraction. The experimental results demonstrate that the adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) of the predistorted PA output signal using the proposed model improves from −36 dBc to −54 dBc, matching the performance of the GMP model. Furthermore, this performance is 0.5 dBc better than the Piecewise Dynamic Deviation Reduction (PDDR) and Decomposed Vector Rotation (DVR) models. Notably, the complexity of the proposed parameter extraction process is 28.8% of the DVR model, 21.79% of the GMP model, and 12.83% of the PDDR model. Full article

This paper presents the theory, design, and application of a dual-branch series-diode analog pre-distortion (APD) linearizer to improve the linearity and efficiency of a K-band high-power amplifier (HPA). A first-of-its-kind, frequency-dependent large-signal APD model is presented. This model is used to evaluate different phase relationships between the linear and nonlinear branches, suggesting independent gain and phase expansion characteristics with this topology. This model is used to assess the impact of diode resistance, capacitance, and ideality factors on the APD characteristics. This feature is showcased with two similar GaAs diodes to find the best fit for the considered HPA. The selected diode is characterized and modeled between 1 and 26.5 GHz. A comprehensive APD design and simulation workflow is reported. Before fabrication, the simulated APD is evaluated with the measured HPA to verify linearity improvements. The APD prototype achieves a large-signal bandwidth of 6 GHz with 3 dB gain expansion and 8° phase rotation. This linearizer is demonstrated with a 17–21 GHz GaN HPA with 41 dBm output power and 35% efficiency. Using a wideband 750 MHz signal, this APD improves the noise–power ratio (NPR) by 6.5–8.2 dB over the whole HPA bandwidth. Next, the HPA output power is swept to compare APD vs. power backoff for the same NPR. APD improves the HPA output power by 1–2 W and efficiency by approximately 5–9% at 19 GHz. This efficiency improvement decreases by only 1–2% when including the APD post-amplifier consumption, thus suggesting overall efficiency and output power improvements with APD at K-band frequencies. Full article

This paper proposes the ultra−generalized continuous class F (UCCF) mode, which combines the influences of the drain current conduction angle and overdriven transistor on the drain current waveform to achieve a broader finite third-harmonic load impedance space. The UCCF mode uses $\alpha$ to describe the magnitude of the drain current conduction angle and $pcr$ to describe the drain current peak-clipped ratio. An analysis of the effects of $pcr$ and $\alpha$ on the linearity and efficiency of the UCCF model is presented, establishing a robust theoretical foundation for achieving a balance between these two characteristics. Additionally, an examination of how $pcr$ and $\alpha$ influence the load impedance design space is conducted, demonstrating that the UCCF mode not only offers a broader finite third-harmonic load impedance space but also expands the fundamental and second-harmonic load impedance design space. For practical validation, a PA with frequency of 2.05–2.65 GHz is designed based on CGH40010F. The test results show that $S_{11}$ is less than −15 dB, the drain efficiency is 67.0–73.2%, and the output power is 40.1–41.0 dBm. The linearity is tested using a 5G NR (New Radio) signal with a bandwidth of 100 MHz and a peak-to-average power ratio of 8 dB at 2.35 GHz. The worst adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) is −34.8 dBc without digital predistortion (DPD), and −57.8 dBc with DPD. An average output power ($P_{ave}$) of around 32.4 dBm and an average DE ($D{E}_{ave}$) of 34.39% were obtained. Full article

The feasibility of implementing digital predistortion for next-generation wireless communication is faced with a dilemma due to the ever-increasing demand for faster data rates. This causes the utilized bandwidth to increase significantly, as seen in the 5G NR standard in which bandwidths as high as 400 MHz are utilized. Hence, the development of new predistortion techniques in which the forward and feedback paths operate at lower sampling rates is of utmost importance to realize efficient and practical predistortion solutions. In this work, a novel predistortion technique is presented by which the predistortion is divided between the digital and analog domains. The predistorter is composed of a memoryless AM/AM gain function that is implementable in the analog domain, and a nonlinear model with memory effects in the digital domain to relax the sampling rate requirements on both the forward and feedback paths. Experimental validation was carried out with a 20 MHz and a 40 MHz 5G signal, and the results indicate minimal linearization degradation with a sampling rate reduction of 50% and 30%, respectively. This sampling rate reduction is concurrently applied in the digital-to-analog converter of the forward path and the analog-to-digital converter of the feedback path. Full article