Amplitude-Modulated Preamble for PA Nonlinearity Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Achieving high power amplifier linearity while maintaining high output power and efficiency in a cost-effective manner is challenging in wireless communication systems, particularly in the 60GHz band, where nonlinear distortions occur when operating at or near saturation.

Innovation Solution

Generating and processing phase-modulated headers with amplitude modulation to estimate non-linearities in transmit power amplifiers, allowing for real-time compensation and optimization of transmission parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high power output is used to extend throughput in the 60GHz band, then transmission distance and power are improved, but power amplifier linearity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoidpower amplifier linearity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-modulating the header with known amplitude patterns before transmission. This allows the receiver to compare expected versus actual amplitude values and estimate non-linearity effects in advance, enabling compensation for high-power amplifier distortions without sacrificing output power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the amplitude-modulated header as a reference signal that provides information about the power amplifier's non-linearity. The receiver uses this feedback information to estimate transfer characteristics and compensate for distortions in subsequent data transmission, allowing high power output while maintaining linearity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If amplitude modulation is applied to the header for non-linearity estimation, then power amplifier linearity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower amplifier linearityVSAvoidframe processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the header from the data portion of the frame. The header is specially modulated with known amplitude patterns for non-linearity estimation, while the data portion can be processed independently. This segmentation allows complex non-linearity compensation to be performed only on the critical header section without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the amplitude-modulated header as an intermediary signal that carries information about the power amplifier's non-linearity. This intermediary allows the system to estimate transfer characteristics without requiring complex real-time measurement systems, simplifying the overall device architecture while improving linearity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Improves signal quality by reducing error vector magnitude and maintaining high output power levels with minimal hardware and power consumption, thus enhancing the efficiency of wireless communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

generate a frame having at least a first header that is phase modulated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

modulate an amplitude of the first header prior to the first header being amplified by a power amplifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmplitude modulation:

Implementation Method 3

amplified by a power amplifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower amplification:

Data Source

PatentEP3372005B1Preamble for non-linearity estimation
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3372005B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3372005B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3372005B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for wireless communication. More particularly, aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to techniques for wireless communications by an apparatus comprising a processing system configured to a processing system configured to generate a frame having at least a first header that is phase modulated and to modulate an amplitude of the first header prior to the first header being amplified by a power amplifier, and a first interface configured to output the frame for transmission.