A Reconfigurable Modulator for All-Digital Multiphase Transmitters with Minimal Clock Complexity

D. Sun, A. Wentzel

Published in:

Proc. 55th European Microwave Conference (EuMC 2025), Utrecht, Netherlands, Sep. 23-25, ISBN: 978-2-87487-081-1, pp. 338-341 (2025).

Abstract:

This paper introduces a novel digital multiphase modulator architecture that redefines the digital outphasing modulator into a flexible and scalable solution for next-generation wireless communication systems. The proposed design leverages a precomputed wave-table to achieve precise phase modulation while eliminating the need for complex clock generation and alignment, significantly reducing hardware complexity and power consumption. Experimental results using a commercially available RF power amplifier (PA) at carrier frequencies of 0.9, 3.7, and 6 GHz demonstrate promising adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) values of up to -49 dBc and error vector magnitude (EVM) between 2.5% and 4.2%, all achieved without the use of digital pre-distortion (DPD). The streamlined design efficiently handles wideband signals, enhancing stability and simplifying implementation, making the proposed architecture highly suitable for future wireless standards and high-bandwidth RF applications.

Keywords:

digital transmitter, multiphase modulator, reconfigurability, wave-table.

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