Statistics-based LINC amplifier calibration

In this paper, we describe the LINC amplifier concept, and discuss gain and phase mismatch issues that reduce its linearity and degrade its performance. A self-calibration approach for the LINC amplifier is proposed, which is based on minimizing a distortion measure of its output signal in the statistical domain. Computer simulations are carried out to validate the proposed LINC amplifier calibration approach. It is demonstrated that the gain and phase mismatches in the LINC amplifier introduce severe nonlinear distortions to its output signal, which severely degrades the overall system performance, and that the proposed calibration approach accurately determines the gain and phase mismatches, effectively compensates for their effects, and significantly improves the LINC amplifier performance.