Dynamic Digital Predistortion for GaN TDD Power Amplifiers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital predistortion systems face challenges in accurately compensating for the dynamic characteristics of Gallium Nitride (GaN) power amplifiers used in transceivers, particularly under Time Division Duplexing (TDD) operations, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity due to hardware and software scalability issues.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic digital predistortion system utilizing a primary model combined with one or more auxiliary models, adjusted by a weighting function to capture transitions in power amplifier states, reducing complexity while enhancing accuracy and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single static predistortion model is used, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot accurately compensate for dynamic characteristics of GaN power amplifiers under TDD operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredistortion accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic predistortion by transitioning from a static model to a time-varying model that adapts to changing power amplifier states. The system uses time-dependent weighting functions to dynamically adjust the contribution of different predistortion models based on the current operational phase, enabling accurate compensation for dynamic characteristics while maintaining manageable complexity through structured model combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the predistortion compensation into multiple components: a first predistortion model for baseline compensation and a second predistortion model for dynamic state compensation. By dividing the compensation task into separate models that are selectively combined using weighting functions, the system achieves high accuracy without requiring a single overly complex model, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple predistortion models are combined to capture dynamic states, then predistortion accuracy improves, but hardware and software scalability becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredistortion accuracyVSAvoidhardware and software scalability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal predistortion framework where the same architectural structure (multiple models with time-dependent weighting) can handle various operational scenarios including different TDD configurations, frequency bands, and power amplifier states. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain high accuracy across diverse conditions while preserving scalability, as the framework itself rather than specific model implementations determines the solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves adaptability through parameter changes in the weighting functions that control model combination. By adjusting the time-dependent weighting parameters based on operational phase and other conditions, the system can accurately compensate for different dynamic states without requiring separate hardware or software configurations for each scenario, thus maintaining scalability while improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If dynamic adjustment to power amplifier states is implemented, then predistortion efficiency improves, but circuit area and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredistortion efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment through time-dependent weighting functions that automatically adapt the predistortion model combination based on the current power amplifier state and operational phase. This dynamic approach improves predistortion efficiency by ensuring the most appropriate model is active at each moment, while the mathematical nature of the weighting functions allows implementation in efficient digital signal processing hardware with minimal additional power consumption compared to static systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4687287A1Digital predistortion system enhancement under dynamic operation
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 ANALOG DEVICES INT UNLTD CO
  • EP4687287A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4687287A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4687287A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A device may include a first model implemented using a first processing circuit configured to implement a transformation function to generate an initial predistortion signal based on an input signal corresponding to an output of a power amplifier. The device may include a second model implemented using a second processing circuit configured to implement a modification function to modify the initial predistortion signal. A device may include a configurable multiplier configured to weight an output of the second model based at least in part on a weighting value to obtain a weighted output. A device may include a combiner configured to combine the initial predistortion signal that is output by the first model with the weighted output to generate a digital predistortion signal for the power amplifier in communication with the digital predistortion system.