Vector Signal Alignment Using Transform-Domain Phase Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital predistortion techniques for wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately time-aligning input and feedback signals due to computational intensity and power consumption, which affects the efficacy of nonlinear power amplifier compensation.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transforming feedback vector signals from the time domain to a transform domain, rotating them based on a measured time delay, and then transforming them back to align them with input vector signals, using techniques like Fourier or wavelet transforms, and applying scaling factors to minimize residue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If polynomial interpolation (e.g., Farrow structure) is used for time alignment, then time alignment precision is improved, but computational complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime alignment precisionVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional time-domain polynomial interpolation mechanism with a frequency-domain phase rotation mechanism. By transforming the alignment problem from the time domain to the frequency domain using Fourier transforms, the complex polynomial operations are substituted with simpler complex multiplications (phase rotations), significantly reducing computational complexity while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the domain parameter from time domain to frequency domain, and changes the operation parameter from polynomial coefficients to phase rotation angles. This parameter transformation allows the same time alignment function to be achieved with computationally more efficient operations in the frequency domain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If polynomial interpolation (e.g., Farrow structure) is used for time alignment, then time alignment precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime alignment precisionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the high-power polynomial interpolation operations with lower-power frequency-domain phase rotation operations. The transformation to frequency domain converts computationally intensive time-domain filtering into simpler complex exponential multiplications, directly reducing power consumption while preserving alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If higher degree or more taps are implemented in interpolator, then time alignment precision is improved, but computation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime alignment precisionVSAvoidcomputation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the time-consuming polynomial interpolation computations with efficient frequency-domain phase rotations. By using the properties of Fourier transforms, the alignment operation becomes a simple phase shift in the frequency domain, dramatically reducing computation time while achieving the same precision goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3262752B1Vector signal alignment for digital vector processing using vector transforms
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • EP3262752B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3262752B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3262752B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A processor receives a first vector signal and a second vector signal from a circuit in response to the circuit receiving the first vector signal. The processor transforms the second vector signal from a time domain to a transform domain. The processor rotates the transformed second vector signal by a phase that is proportional to a time delay between the first and second vector signals to time-align the second vector signal to the first vector signal.