Nonlinear distortion generation mechanisms in wireless polar transmitters

Abstract

This paper discusses the most important nonlinear distortion generation mechanisms present in modern wireless polar transmitters. It begins by using the spectrum and power efficiency trade-off in wireless communication systems to justify the polar transmitter architecture. Then, it identifies the key fidelity impairments under a traditional two-tone excitation, and uses an analytical formulation of its nonlinearities to illustrate the distortion levels that should be expected from such a system.