Analysis of Adaptive Digital Feedback Linearization Techniques

A new lookup-table linearization technique is developed based on the digital feedback and digital feedback/predistortion (DFBPD) concepts. The linearization characteristics are investigated through system simulation of a real power-amplifier model with 90-W peak envelope power. The DFB suppresses forward-path nonlinear distortion as a gain reduction due to the FB effect, and this technique enhances the system tolerance without any bandwidth limitation. As the PD network is added to the FB loop, the linearization performance and system tolerance are further improved because of more accurate PD signal extraction. In addition, the gain is purely determined by the FB path, so the gain fluctuation in the forward path, including amplifier aging and temperature effects, is suppressed. The analysis and simulation allow experimental evaluation of the linearization mechanism and performance of the DFBPD technique for an 802.16e mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access signal.