A fast
search algorithm for loop alignment of a
feed forward amplifier is disclosed. The
algorithm controls a processor (202) that adjusts, digitally, the
gain and phase of the loop alignment based on power measurements at the input and output of cancellation combiners, to find the optimal setting. A ''non-collinear descent''
algorithm is used to search, iteratively, for the minimum within an
error surface. For loop alignment, the
error surface is defined by the set of measurement points comprising the alignment settings and the associated cancellation residuals. For the case of first loop alignment, the cancellation residual is measured using the ratio of two power detectors (214, 218) located at the input and after the cancellation (error) combiner. For second loop alignment, cancellation is estimated using the residual
pilot power detected at the output of the
amplifier. The preferred alignment method uses three successive measurements to estimate the
gradient direction with respect to
gain and phase shifter settings. The actual
descent direction is selected to be close to the
gradient direction without being collinear with the most recent alignment adjustments. Quantization of the
descent direction simplifies the implementation as well as the
enforcement of the non-collinearity constraint on successive alignment settings. Two different step size selection approaches are disclosed, however, any standard step size selection approach may be employed.