Envelope Modulator Feedback Pulse Width Control for RF Linearity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional envelope modulators in polar transmitters face limitations in flexibility, coding efficiency, and linearity, particularly due to fixed pulse widths and inability to compensate for processing errors and disturbances, which affect signal processing in RF communication systems.

Innovation Solution

An envelope modulator that determines pulse width based on both the amplitude signal and a feedback signal, allowing for varying pulse widths and dynamic error compensation, thereby enhancing linearity and coding efficiency by using a combination of amplitude and feedback signal processing, including an arcsin mapping function and a feedback loop for error correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed pulse width is used in conventional envelope modulators, then device complexity is reduced, but linearity and coding efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidlinearity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic pulse width adjustment by introducing a feedback signal that modifies the pulse width based on the amplitude signal characteristics. The envelope modulator transitions from fixed pulse width to variable pulse width operation, where the pulse width is dynamically adapted to maintain linearity and improve coding efficiency without excessive complexity increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback signal is introduced to the envelope modulator to compensate for processing errors and disturbances. The feedback mechanism enables the system to adjust pulse width dynamically based on actual signal conditions, improving linearity and coding efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity through error correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If fixed pulse width is used in conventional envelope modulators, then ease of operation is improved, but coding efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidcoding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts pulse width based on amplitude signal characteristics and feedback, enabling optimized coding efficiency for different signal conditions. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of operation by automating the optimization process while significantly improving coding efficiency through variable pulse width modulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If processing errors are not compensated, then device complexity is reduced, but linearity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidlinearity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback loop that detects processing errors and disturbances in the signal path. The feedback signal is used to generate corrective adjustments to the pulse width, compensating for non-linearities and processing errors. This feedback mechanism improves linearity while keeping device complexity manageable through efficient error correction algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2733846B1Envelope modulator and method of operating an envelope modulator
Publication Date: 2015.01.07 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • EP2733846B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP2733846B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~3b
  • EP2733846B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4c

AI summary

The present invention relates to an envelope modulator (100, 100a, 100b, 100c), particularly for a polar transmitter (1000), wherein said envelope modulator (100) is configured to receive an amplitude signal (A, u) and a phase-modulated carrier signal (f_c_mod, fcm'), and to output for at least one clock cycle (T_c) of said phase-modulated carrier signal (f_c_mod, fcm') an output pulse (p1, p2, p3), wherein a pulse width of said output pulse (p1, p2, p3) is determined depending on said amplitude signal (A) and on a feedback signal (fb) derived from said amplitude signal (A).