Volterra-DNN Equalization for Nonlinear 5G Power Amplifiers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern wireless communication systems, particularly 5G systems, face challenges in enhancing power amplifier (PA) efficiency due to high peak to average power ratio (PAPR) signals, which require linear response to reduce distortion but are inefficient in nonlinear saturated response regions.

Innovation Solution

A deep neural network (DNN)-based equalizer is implemented to mitigate PA nonlinear distortions by exploiting Volterra series nonlinearity modeling. This DNN equalizer uses Volterra series components as input features, allowing it to converge rapidly to the desired nonlinear response even with limited training data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If power amplifiers operate in nonlinear saturated response region to achieve optimal power efficiency, then power efficiency is improved, but signal distortion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidsignal distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary nonlinear equalization processing to the input signal before it enters the power amplifier. By pre-compensating for the expected nonlinear distortion using Volterra series-based DNN equalization, the signal is prepared in advance to counteract the distortion that will occur during amplification, allowing the PA to operate efficiently in saturation while maintaining signal integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the output signal from the power amplifier is processed through a DNN equalizer that uses Volterra series modeling. The equalizer analyzes the distorted output and generates correction signals that are fed back to compensate for nonlinearities, creating a closed-loop system that continuously mitigates distortion while maintaining high power efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-generated harmful factors

If digital pre-distorters are used to linearize power amplifiers, then signal distortion is reduced, but device complexity and implementation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal distortionVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional hardware-based linearization circuits with a software-defined DNN equalization approach. By using Volterra series-based neural network algorithms implemented in digital signal processing, the system achieves linearization functionality through computational methods rather than complex analog or digital circuitry, reducing hardware complexity and implementation cost

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms the approach from fixed hardware linearization parameters to adaptive software-based parameters. The DNN equalizer dynamically adjusts equalization parameters based on operating conditions, allowing flexible optimization without requiring complex hardware reconfiguration, thereby simplifying device implementation while maintaining distortion reduction performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional equalization techniques are used for nonlinear power amplifier mitigation, then some distortion compensation is achieved, but performance is insufficient for severe nonlinearity scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenonlinear distortionVSAvoiddistortion compensation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple equalization techniques into a composite DNN-based equalization framework. By integrating Volterra series modeling with deep neural network architecture, the system creates a hybrid approach that leverages the mathematical rigor of Volterra series for nonlinear characterization and the adaptive learning capabilities of DNNs, achieving superior distortion compensation performance for severe nonlinearity scenarios compared to conventional single-technique approaches

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12273221B2Integrating Volterra series model and deep neural networks to equalize nonlinear power amplifiers
Publication Date: 2025.04.08 THE RES FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIV OF NEW YORK
  • US12273221B2 patent drawing
  • US12273221B2 patent drawing
  • US12273221B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The nonlinearity of power amplifiers (PAs) has been a severe constraint in performance of modern wireless transceivers. This problem is even more challenging for the fifth generation (5G) cellular system since 5G signals have extremely high peak to average power ratio. Nonlinear equalizers that exploit both deep neural networks (DNNs) and Volterra series models are provided to mitigate PA nonlinear distortions. The DNN equalizer architecture consists of multiple convolutional layers. The input features are designed according to the Volterra series model of nonlinear PAs. This enables the DNN equalizer to effectively mitigate nonlinear PA distortions while avoiding over-fitting under limited training data. The non-linear equalizers demonstrate superior performance over conventional nonlinear equalization approaches.