Minimizing memory effects in OFDM transmitters using adaptive baseband equalization

This paper presents a simple and effective approach for eliminating memory effects in OFDM transmitters. It uses advantages of OFDM systems to provide pre-compensation of the frequency-dependent distortions, which are results of the power amplifiers (PA) memory effects. The process of memory effects quantification is carried out in this paper by obtaining a frequency-dependent PA gain, phase shift and intermodulation products. The memory effects are eliminated at baseband using equalization of the IDFT signal. Implementation of the equalization procedure at baseband makes the process of minimizing memory effects simple and effective, because no additional RF components or feedback loops are used. Memory effects are compensated in DSP part using simple multiplication of the frequency-domain digital signal by coefficients, which are calculated adaptively for each OFDM sub-carrier frequency and input power. The approach is tested with Motorola MOSFET MRF9742 power amplifier model in Advanced Design System (ADS). Simulations show significant improvement in minimizing memory effects. Received constellation of the 16-QAM OFDM signal after implementing baseband pre-compensation technique looks alike ideal one, whereas without pre-compensation it shows high dispersion due to the presence of PA memory.