Highly Efficient Transmitter for High Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) Waveforms

This SBIR posits that modern communication systems use complex waveforms that have high peak-to-average power ratios (PAPR). High PAPR imposes an undesirable trade-off between efficiency and linearity on a communications transmitter. Current systems sacrifice efficiency for linear operation and the problem is expected to deepen as crest factor requirements of signals continue to climb. In this proposal, Auriga shows that it is uniquely positioned to provide a new, innovative approach to solve the issue by employing two of its well-developed, state-of-the-art technologies; a cutting-edge broadband, inverse Class F power amplifier design and an envelope tracking drain modulation technique. The Auriga solution will maintain excellent signal fidelity while dramatically improving overall transmitter efficiency for high peak-to-average power waveforms. The proposed 10W, 30 MHz to 6 GHz transmitter will cover the entire baseband burden from digital I and Q to modulated RF signal. The proposal describes the Phase I tasks to prove feasibility of the solution including both simulated and empirical evidence. It goes on to describe the planned approach to turn the proposed solution into a prototype transmitter during Phase II.