Class-G based envelope tracking system for high-efficiency transmitters in mobile communications

将开发一种用于无线通信基础设施的节能功率放大器(PA)系统，该系统将利用G类电源调制，这是一种具有离散电压电平的包络跟踪模式。该系统具有100W范围内的高输出功率，可满足未来通信中重要的广域网络覆盖。目标是在2.65 GHz的载波频率下实现50%以上的效率和至少60 MHz的带宽，同时满足长期演进(LTE)标准的线性度要求。该项目跨越了系统设计的所有层面，从晶体管和功率放大器设计到调制器拓扑和系统线性化。与现有解决方案相比，预计会有明显的优势，特别是在带宽和线性度方面。GaN晶体管和PA电路都将针对可变电源电压进行优化。G类调制器的功率效率将通过创新的驱动概念来提高。总体设置的线性化技术的工作将确保适合现代移动通信标准。来自INT和FBH的三位提名者的能力构成了这项工作的理想组合。INT将专注于G类调制器，FBH将解决射频功率放大器和晶体管的优化问题。所有提出者将在系统集成和线性化方面密切合作。FBH将使用基于测量设备的方法，而INT将在项目内开发的专用实时硬件中实施他们的解决方案。

An energy-efficient power amplifier (PA) system for the wireless communications infrastructure will be developed that is making use of class-G supply modulation, an envelope-tracking mode with discrete voltage levels. With high output powers in the 100 W range, the system is addressing the important large-area network coverage in future telecommunications. The goal is to achieve more than 50% efficiency and at least 60 MHz bandwidth at a carrier frequency of 2.65 GHz, while meeting the linearity requirements for the long-term evolution (LTE) standard. The project is spanning over all levels in the system design, from transistor and PA design to modulator topology and system linearization. Compared to existing solutions a clear advantage is expected especially with regard to bandwidth and linearity. Both the GaN transistors and the PA circuit will be optimized for variable supply voltage. Power efficiency of the class-G modulator will be improved by innovative driving concepts. Work on the linearization techniques for the overall setup will ensure suitability for modern mobile communication standards.The competences of the three proposers from INT and FBH constitute an ideal combination for this work. INT will be focusing on the class-G modulator and FBH will address the RF power amplifier and transistor optimization. All proposers will closely cooperate on the system integration and linearization. FBH will use an approach based on measurement equipment, while INT will implement their solutions in dedicated real-time hardware that is developed within the project.