Envelope modulator and method of operating an envelope modulator

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This invention introduces an improved envelope modulator for use in polar transmitters, typically found in communication systems. The modulator processes an incoming amplitude signal and a phase-modulated carrier signal to produce output pulses whose widths are determined based on both the amplitude and a feedback signal. This feedback mechanism allows for real-time compensation of processing errors or disturbances, resulting in more accurate signal modulation with increased coding efficiency and linearity. The system further allows for variable pulse widths, optional pulse skipping for small amplitudes, and efficient operation at high frequencies, such as those used in wireless communications.

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

• Wireless communication transmitters (e.g., cellular base stations, mobile devices) to improve amplification efficiency and signal quality.
• RF power amplifiers utilizing polar modulation, particularly in high-frequency applications like 4G/5G radio transmitters.
• Any communication system where precise, efficient amplitude and phase signal modulation is required, especially for broadcast, satellite, or defense communication hardware.
• Implementations in digital or mixed-signal ASICs or FPGAs for software-defined radios or modular RF front-ends.
• Efficient power amplifiers for battery-powered or energy-sensitive devices, such as IoT sensors, wearable electronics, or remote transmitters.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Higher coding and power efficiency, leading to lower power consumption, especially important in portable and large-scale transmitter systems.
• Enhanced signal quality with improved linearity and reduced distortion, yielding higher transmission fidelity.
• Ability to compensate for hardware imperfections and processing errors via feedback, making the system robust to real-world issues.
• Reduction of required output pulses (due to pulse skipping for small amplitude signals), which minimizes switching losses and increases the operational lifespan of amplifying elements.
• Scalability and flexibility: adaptable to various carrier frequencies, signal bandwidths, and technology platforms (digital/analog, ASIC/FPGA).
• Simpler circuit implementation compared to traditional delta-sigma or conventional PWM modulators, reducing development cost and design complexity.
• Better spectral purity and lower requirement for output filtering, thus simplifying receiver design and further reducing system power requirements.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to an envelope modulator (100, 100a, 100b, 100c), particularly for a polar transmitter (1000), wherein said envelope modulator (100) is configured to receive an amplitude signal (A, u) and a phase-modulated carrier signal (f_c_mod, fcm'), and to output for at least one clock cycle (T_c) of said phase-modulated carrier signal (f_c_mod, fcm') an output pulse (p1, p2, p3), wherein a pulse width of said output pulse (p1, p2, p3) is determined depending on said amplitude signal (A) and on a feedback signal (fb) derived from said amplitude signal (A).