A method for pulse width modulation of signals, and a transmitter therefor

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This invention introduces a method and apparatus for pulse width modulation (PWM) that uses a non-linear reference signal (such as a sinusoidal signal) instead of traditional linear reference signals. To overcome the signal distortions caused by this non-linear reference, the invention applies precompensation to the input signal before modulation. This way, efficient PWM suitable for high-frequency, energy-efficient switching amplifiers (like those in communication transmitters) is achieved, while reducing complexity and cost for the reference signal generation and relaxing requirements on the modulator hardware.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Wireless communication transmitters, including base stations and mobile communication devices.
• Switching power amplifiers for radio frequency (RF) and microwave applications.
• Class-D audio amplifiers for high-efficiency audio output.
• Motor speed controllers using PWM for precise electrical control.
• LED dimmers and lighting systems needing efficient, high-frequency modulation.
• Industrial power supplies or inverters requiring efficient signal conversion.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables the use of simpler, easier-to-generate non-linear reference signals for PWM, such as sinusoidal signals.
• Reduces hardware complexity and cost compared to needing precise, high-bandwidth linear reference signals (like triangular or sawtooth waves).
• Precompensation suppresses distortions, leading to higher signal quality and efficiency even when using imperfect reference signals.
• Improved coding and energy efficiency for transmitters, allowing more efficient use of power amplifiers, especially in demanding applications like wireless communications.
• Adaptation to device imperfections and varying operating conditions, ensuring consistent high performance.
• Applicable to both binary and multi-level PWM systems, increasing flexibility of implementation.
• Relaxed requirements for filtering and signal reconstruction, potentially resulting in smaller, cheaper, and more reliable systems.

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Patent Abstract

The invention concerns a method for pulse width modulation, wherein a non-linear reference signal (SR) is used for the pulse width modulation, a signal (SBB) is precompensated before the pulse width modulation for compensation of distortions due to at least the non-linear reference signal (SR) resulting in a precompensated signal (SPC), and the precompensated signal (SPC) is pulse width modulated using said non-linear reference signal (SR) for the pulse width modulation resulting in a pulse width modulated signal (SPWM), and a transmitter therefor.