RF Amplifier Gain Compensation for Wireless Signal Distortion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Radio frequency systems experience unwanted distortion of wireless signals due to variations in operation parameters such as power amplifier gains, which can lead to loss of information and interference with other radio channels, especially in millimeter-wave communication technologies like 5G.

Innovation Solution

A peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) detection circuit dynamically adjusts the amplification gain of power amplifiers based on distortion information extracted from transmitted signals, comparing reference and output signals to correct for gain compression and expansion, thereby mitigating signal distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If power amplifiers amplify wireless signals to ensure reception, then signal strength is improved, but gain variation causes signal distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidsignal fidelity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system measures the actual gain of power amplifiers and uses this information to adjust operating parameters. The processor monitors signal characteristics and dynamically adjusts power amplifier gain to compensate for variations, thereby maintaining both signal strength and fidelity despite environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operating parameters of power amplifiers based on measured conditions. By adjusting gain parameters in real-time according to environmental factors and system state, the patent maintains optimal signal amplification while preventing distortion caused by parameter drift.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If power amplifier gain is increased to improve signal reception, then signal strength is improved, but gain compression and expansion distort the signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidsignal accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback control where the system continuously monitors output signal characteristics and adjusts power amplifier gain accordingly. This closed-loop approach ensures that signal strength is maintained while preventing gain compression and expansion that would compromise signal accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static power amplifier operation to dynamic operation where gain parameters are continuously adjusted based on real-time measurements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal performance across varying conditions without introducing distortion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the radio frequency system processes signals to correct distortion, then signal fidelity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal fidelityVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service approach where the radio frequency system automatically measures its own gain variations and adjusts its operating parameters without external intervention. This self-calibration mechanism improves signal fidelity while minimizing the need for complex external processing equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system integrates multiple functions into existing components, allowing the same hardware to perform both signal amplification and self-diagnosis. By making existing components multi-functional, the patent achieves distortion correction without proportionally increasing system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10652065B2Systems and methods for compression distortion compensation for wireless signals
Publication Date: 2020.05.12 APPLE INC
  • US10652065B2 patent drawing
  • US10652065B2 patent drawing
  • US10652065B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices are provided for correcting compression distortion of wireless signals due to variations in operation parameters of the radio frequency system. The method may include using circuitry to generate a reference signal that is not pre-distorted by a processing block. The method may involve receiving an envelope signal representative of a signal being transmitted by a transceiver. The method may also involve determining a first peak-to-average ratio of the envelope signal and receiving a second peak-to-average ratio of the reference signal. The method may additionally involve determining a difference between the first peak-to-average ratio and the second peak-to-average ratio. The method may also include adjusting a gain of an amplifier of the transceiver based on the difference.